Greater Nashville Venture Capital Association Announces Three New Board Members
Nashville, TN (August 27, 2024) – The Greater Nashville Venture Capital Association (GNVCA), a new industry association dedicated to foster and grow the region’s venture capital investment ecosystem, is pleased to announce the appointment of three leading venture capitalists to its board of directors.
Joe Maxwell, managing partner at Fintop Capital; Chris Sugden, managing partner at Edison Partners; and Navid Farzad, managing partner at Frist Cressey Ventures have joined the organization’s founding board to steer the organization’s growth.
“These distinguished leaders have a record of success in the venture capital industry and I’m confident their expertise – coupled with that of our other current board members – will add to our momentum as we stand up this important venture capital industry association for the region,” said GNVCA Chair Bruce Evans, president, Evans Capital, and former co-managing partner, Summit Partners.
Joe Maxwell, managing partner at Fintop Capital, brings over three decades of experience in fintech investing and entrepreneurship. Under his leadership, Fintop Capital has become a leading venture capital firm, specializing in SaaS and tech-enabled businesses. Maxwell's extensive industry knowledge of the long-standing investment community and strategic insight will be invaluable as GNVCA continues to promote and help grow Tennessee’s venture ecosystem.
Chris Sugden, managing partner at Edison Partners, has a proven track record of driving growth and innovation across various sectors, including fintech, healthcare and enterprise software. With a deep understanding of scaling businesses and with the experience of having recently relocated Edison’s headquarters from New Jersey to Tennessee, Sugden's expertise will enhance GNVCA's efforts to market our region as a home for entrepreneurs and venture capitalists nationally.
Navid Farzad, managing partner at Frist Cressey Ventures, is a seasoned investor with a focus on healthcare innovation. His experience in scaling healthcare companies aligns perfectly with one of our region’s most important industries. Farzad's leadership will be instrumental in guiding the association's initiatives to support the healthcare services and health tech sectors.
"We are thrilled to welcome Joe, Chris and Navid to our Board of Directors," said Judith Byrd, executive Director of the GNVCA. "Their experience is invaluable as we continue to shape our vision and expand our network and influence. I have no doubt the GNVCA will make a positive impact and help grow the venture capital industry in Nashville and the wider region.”
The Greater Nashville Venture Capital Association is committed to promoting the development and success of the venture capital industry in Nashville and throughout Tennessee. These new board members will join the founding board to help foster our region’s success.
The founding members of the GNVCA board are: Bruce Evans; Anders Hall, vice chancellor for investments and chief investment officer, Vanderbilt University; Hunter Hillenmeyer, investment partner, Company Ventures; Padma Raghavan, vice provost for research and innovation, Vanderbilt University; and, Marcus Whitney, co-founder and partner, Jumpstart Health Investors.
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About the Greater Nashville Venture Capital Association
The Greater Nashville Venture Capital Association (GNVCA) is a leading organization dedicated to advancing the venture capital industry ecosystem in Middle Tennessee. Established with seed funding from Vanderbilt University in 2023, the GNVCA brings together the venture capital community and markets Middle Tennessee’s position as an attractive hub for investment. Through networking events, educational programs and advocacy efforts, the GNVCA is in place to drive economic growth and innovation in Nashville and the wider region.
