This program brings $1M in funding to companies reinventing after Hurricane Helene
ASHEVILLE, N.C., March 11, 2025 -- Optimist Ventures, Western North Carolina's premier accelerator and investment fund, is officially open for applications, offering an unparalleled opportunity for early-stage, tech-enabled startups to secure funding and mentorship. The deadline to apply is March 23, 2025.
A new model of venture philanthropy in response to Hurricane Helene.
This program brings $1M in funding, with each selected startup receiving $50,000 — half as a non-dilutive grant and half as a Shared Profit Agreement (SPA) note, meaning founders retain full ownership while investors see long-term returns. This hybrid model is founder-friendly, investor-aligned, and designed for sustainable success.
Unique to this model is the SPA Note vehicle "The Shared Profit Agreement (SPA) was born out of a desire to create a founder-friendly, regionally aligned funding model. Unlike traditional equity investment, where founders dilute their ownership and often feel pressure to exit on an investor's timeline, the SPA allows startups to retain full control. Instead of giving up a percentage of the company, founders commit to sharing a percentage of revenue or profit, based on a fixed sliding scale.
This structure works particularly well in a region like Western North Carolina, where many businesses are capital-efficient, bootstrapped, and value independence. Founders appreciate that the SPA allows them to focus on profitability and long-term impact, rather than short-term valuations. So far, feedback has been overwhelmingly positive—entrepreneurs love the flexibility, and investors appreciate that it aligns incentives around building sustainable businesses rather than chasing the next funding round," said Jeffrey Kaplan, CEO of Optimist Ventures.
Who Should Apply?
Optimist Ventures is seeking ambitious, tech-enabled companies across Western North Carolina. But what does "tech-enabled" really mean? If your startup leverages technology to scale, optimize, or enhance business operations— you're tech-enabled.
- A CPG startup using AI to manage supply chain logistics? That's tech-enabled.
- A restaurant-tech platform optimizing food waste with predictive analytics? Tech-enabled.
- A manufacturing company integrating IoT sensors to improve efficiency? You guessed it—tech-enabled.
- A health & wellness brand deploying a mobile app for personalized user experiences? Absolutely tech-enabled.
If your business uses software, data, automation, or digital tools to accelerate growth, Optimist Ventures is built for you.
Why This Model is a Game-Changer
Traditional venture capital models often force founders into all-or-nothing trajectories—chasing unicorn status at all costs or losing control of their business. Optimist Ventures does things differently.
- Half Grant, Half SPA Note: Founders only pay back a portion of the investment, reducing financial risk.
- No Equity Surrendered: Keep full ownership while accessing crucial capital.
- Investor Returns Without Founder Burnout: The SPA model ensures investors see returns without forcing aggressive, unsustainable growth.
- Support Beyond the Check: Mentorship, connections, and a network that genuinely invests in your success.
Backed by Philanthropy & Innovation
Optimist Ventures is powered by a coalition of visionary partners, including Venture Asheville, the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville Buncombe County, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, Dogwood Health Trust, Truist Bank, Poppy Popcorn, individual philanthropists, and the Bank of America Foundation, ensuring that startups receive not just capital, but a community of champions behind them.
Apply Now
If you're a Western North Carolina-based founder with a high-growth, tech-enabled venture, the time to apply is now. Applications are open through March 23, 2025, with selections announced in early April.
- **Apply today at **OptimistVentues.co and join the next wave of innovation in WNC!
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