5 Top Venture Capital Firms in Arkansas
Last Updated: By TRUiC Team
As the first state to mandate coding in its public education system, Arkansas has a long history of promoting computer science. The state has been a leader in developing computer science standards and curriculum and was one of the first states to offer computer science courses in its high schools. The state is very affordable to live in and a number of VC firms, accelerators, and incubators help startups become successful.
Learn what Arkansas venture capital firms reside in the state and some background on who they are and the companies they support.
We also recommend checking out our full list of the top venture capital firms.
Best Arkansas VC Firms
The companies below are funding some of the most innovative and disruptive startups in Arkansas. They're also the firms that entrepreneurs should keep their eye on if they're looking for investments.
Keep reading to learn what industries they invest in, some of the more notable companies they've funded, and more.
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1. VIC Technology Venture Development
- Location: Fayetteville, AR
- Industries: Technology
- Stage: Early-Stage, Seed
- Investment Range: $50,000 -$800,000
- Notable Portfolio Companies: BiologicsMD, Celia Science, SFC Fluidics
VIC Technology Venture Development focuses on healthcare and technology companies that produce innovative products that can ultimately improve the value of life. The technologies licensed are exclusively from well-respected research institutions which helps manage risk, provide upsides, and lower capital burn.
The company has an ecosystem for IP commercialization including VIC Foundry, VIC Fellows, VIC Investor Network, and the VIC Venture Fund. These organizations provide an opportunity for startup success by introducing product development and business development help.
2. Stephens Group
- Location: Little Rock, AR
- Industries: Software, Food and Consumer, Commercial
- Stage: Early-Stage, Late-Stage
- Investment Range: $20 Million - $320 Million
- Notable Portfolio Companies: TierPoint, GoodLeap, StubHub
Family-owned and operated, The Stephens Group is a private investment firm that directs funds toward private and public companies that have exemplified excellent management. The firm believes in fairness, transparency, and respect as important aspects of a business.
The Stephens Group has been investing into entrepreneurs for nearly 90 years and looks to build long-term and sustainable value. The businesses they are interested in are almost in some phase of transformation.
3. Tyson Ventures
- Location: Springdale, AR
- Industries: Food and Beverage
- Stage: Early-Stage, Seed
- Investment Range: $500,000 - $347 Million
- Notable Portfolio Companies: Myco Technology, Future Meat Technologies
The investment arm of the famous food brand, Tyson, the venture side of the business invests in companies that make an impact on the global food system. The current focus is on alternative proteins, agriculture technology, and food waste.
Tyson Ventures wants to feed the growing population using sustainable and affordable ways. This not only helps the world at large but also promotes the meat and agriculture industry to continue growing.
4. NewRoad Capital Partners
- Location: Rogers, AR
- Industries: Consumer Tech
- Stage: Early-Stage, Late-Stage, Private Equity, Venture
- Investment Range: $10 Million - $130 Million
- Notable Portfolio Companies: Work Step, Emerge, Kevin's Natural Foods
The old adage of demand and supply is taken to heart by equity investment firm NewRoad Capital Partners in Arkansas. The business seeks innovative companies that have a demand-driven business model and grows them through their investment and operational expertise.
NewRoad is interested in companies that have a niche market and require help to get it to the next level. Their hands-on involvement has led to successful exits for many of their portfolio companies.
5. Circumference Group
- Location: Bentonville, AR
- Industries: Technology
- Stage: Early-Stage, Post-IPO, Private Equity, Seed
- Investment Range: $600,000 - $4.5 Million
- Notable Portfolio Companies: The Computer Works, NextPlay Careers
Circumference Group was founded in 2009 by veteran business operators and investors. They invest in public and private markets and utilize the Core Value Assessment when making business investments. The framework is proprietary and evaluates companies' growth and potential for future cash flow.
Using its deep operational experience, the team is able to target the investment's competitiveness and performance and evaluate the potential risks it may encounter.
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