About

Seed Hatchery is a mentorship-driven seed stage investment program. We support emerging technology entrepreneurs with $15,000 in capital and strategic mentors to sharpen ideas into strong startups.  In return for this investment, Seed Hatchery and our mentors collectively receive a 10% ownership stake in the Common Stock of the company.

Utilizing a cohort system, Seed Hatchery will invest in a group of approximately 3-6 startups and drive them with a 90 day program of business advice and technical assistance to refine the  product or service, strengthen the business model, form the operations, begin marketing efforts and determine market viability of the business.

Our mentors are entrepreneurs and business leaders who have successfully launched or built a vast array of businesses, products, and services.  The mentors collaborate with the startups to develop strategies, plans and launch activities. The goal is to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with proven expertise to quickly build traction and move the business toward the next phases of success.

The genesis of Seed Hatchery started with the Solidus Company. This firm based in Nashville, Tennessee has significant experience in seed and early-stage investing. The principals have invested over $112 million in 48 companies over a 24-year period. Solidus, however, saw a gap in early-stage venture funding. Most funds only start around the $1 million level, but many viable ideas only need a small amount of capital to “seed” growth. In December 2010, Vic Gatto of Solidus, Eric Mathews of LaunchMemphis, and Gwin Scott gathered the mentors and established Seed Hatchery operations at the Launchpad in downtown Memphis, Tennessee.

How We Invest

While there is no set criteria for the type of idea we will select, we admit that our level of funding is usually most suitable for technology-based products and services.  We have an open call for applications that will close on set dates.  When the application period is over we select startups for admission to our 90 day cohort program and make investments of capital and mentorship.  If you have the right idea and the passion to see it launch, we invite you to submit your application.

Each selected venture will select a core group of mentors to work closely with you.  For this combination of funding and leadership, Seed Hatchery takes a 10% stake in your company.

On top of the investments of mentorship and capital, Seed Hatchery built partnerships with other supportive organizations to offer important business services. These resources help you stay focused on shaping your company instead of figuring out administrative, legal and financial details.