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§ Venture Capital · Tampa, FL, USA
Venture capital and private equity firm providing expansion capital for growing private companies in the Southeast & Texas.
Ballast Point Ventures is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Tampa, Florida, that provides late-stage venture and early growth equity investments to private companies across the Southeast United States and Texas. The firm focuses on minority stake investments ranging from $3 million to $12 million in established businesses operating within the healthcare, software, technology-enabled services, communications, and consumer retail sectors. Across its four distinct investment vehicles, the organization manages approximately $550 million in total assets under management, which includes its $190 million fourth fund that officially closed in 2021. Its active and historical portfolio features capital deployments into rapidly scaling regional companies such as The Zebra, Symphonic Distribution, SkuVault, Advanced Recovery Systems, and YPrime. Ballast Point Ventures was originally founded in 2001 by Paul Jones and David Jones with initial backing from Raymond James Financial.
Key people at Ballast Point Ventures.
Ballast Point Ventures was founded in 2001 by Dick Brandewie (Co-Founder).
Key people at Ballast Point Ventures.
Ballast Point Ventures was founded in 2001 by Dick Brandewie (Co-Founder).
Ballast Point Ventures is a Tampa, Florida-based venture capital firm founded in 2002 that invests primarily in early-stage and growth-stage companies across diverse sectors such as technology, healthcare, consumer products, and business services. The firm’s mission centers on partnering with talented entrepreneurs to accelerate growth and maximize potential by providing financial resources, strategic guidance, and operational support. Ballast Point typically invests between $1 million and $12 million per company, focusing on businesses with the potential to become market leaders. Its impact on the startup ecosystem is significant in the Southeast U.S., leveraging a strong regional network and deep industry expertise to help portfolio companies scale and succeed[1][2][4].
The firm was established by partners with over 20 years of combined experience in building and investing in high-growth companies. Key partners include Drew Graham (Managing Partner), Jerett Smith (Vice President), Laura Stein (Vice President), and Matt Rice (Partner). Over time, Ballast Point Ventures has evolved to emphasize a long-term investment philosophy, supporting companies through various growth stages with capital and strategic counsel. Its portfolio includes companies like healthcare technology firm Greenway Health, software company Jagged Peak, and incident management platform Work Shield, reflecting a broad but focused investment approach[1][4][5].
Ballast Point Ventures rides the trend of regional venture capital growth, particularly in the Southeast U.S., where emerging tech hubs and healthcare innovation are gaining momentum. The timing aligns with increasing demand for capital and expertise in these markets, as well as a broader shift toward technology-enabled business services and healthcare solutions. By focusing on companies with scalable business models and market leadership potential, Ballast Point influences the ecosystem by fostering innovation, job creation, and economic development in its target regions[1][2][4].
Looking ahead, Ballast Point Ventures is likely to continue expanding its fund sizes and portfolio diversity while deepening its operational support capabilities. Trends such as digital health, SaaS, and incident management technology will shape its investment focus, reflecting broader market demands. The firm’s influence is expected to grow as it leverages its network and expertise to help portfolio companies navigate scaling challenges and market shifts, reinforcing its role as a key venture capital player in the Southeast and beyond[1][2][4].
Ballast Point Ventures has more than 26 tracked investments across 22 companies. The latest tracked deal is $5.0M Series A in Medsender in January 2025.