Like many other states, Alabama faced a giant hit during the pandemic. However, with cities like Birmingham listed among the top 10 fastest-growing cities for startups, there is no doubt that Alabama is slowly returning to one of the top states for startups.

Similarly, thanks to the exceptional startup growth, Alabama is also attracting many venture capital firms and individual investors.

Do you also want to secure funds for your startup in Alabama?

Well, let's waste no time and jump onto the list of top 8 angel investors in Alabama.

Top 8 Angel Investors in Alabama

Following is the list of some of Alabama's top individual investors and venture capital firms.

Alabama Launchpad

Website: Alabama Launchpad 

Investor Type: Venture Capital Firm

Investment Interests: Tech, Saas, Automotive and Consumer Products. 

Investment Stage: Early and Seed Stage

Founded in 2006, Alabama Launchpad is Alabama's most active venture capital. With headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama Launchpad has funded 108 startups and continues to expand its portfolio.

As for the screening test criteria, Alabama Launchpad requires applicants to submit a 90-second video explaining their team and startup. If the project looks suitable and matches the requirements, they are filtered out and selected for the pitching competitions.

The investment range of Alabama Launchpad ranges from $50,000 to $100,000, as they mostly fund early-stage startups. Some of their famous investments include:

MechOptix: MechOptix is an auto parts manufacturer. They manufacture and supply automatic brake lights for boats, bicycles, scooters, motorcycles, and heavy trucks. MechOptix secured funding of $50,000 from Alabama Launchpad.

INFLCR: INFLCR is a company that offers a SaaS platform for sports team properties to store, track, and deliver their content across their influencer's network. INFLCR has raised a total of $2.85M over 6 rounds.

Moovmo: Moovmo is a company that has developed a ride-sharing service specifically designed for people requiring wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Moovmo raised $295,000 in pre-seed funding from Alabama Launchpad and 2 other investors.

AIM Group

Website: AIM Group

Investor Type: Venture Capital Firm

Investment Interests: Logistics, Tech and Consumer Products. 

Investment Stage: Late and Seed

As a private equity firm, AIM Group seeks to invest in the southeastern US. They have offices in Nashville, Pensacola, Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, Mobile, Dothan, and Auburn.

When funding startups, AIM Group has funded 39 companies and usually funds startups at the seed/late stage startups. 

The investment range of AIM Group ranges from $1M to $10M, depending on the startup. Some of their portfolio companies include:

VM Logistics: VM Logistics is a logistics service provider with a clear focus on handling and adding value to recyclable goods and raw materials.

Epyc: Epyc provides innovative tailor-made and in-house developed e-learning solutions to the customer.

Brixadvice: Brixadvice is a boutique consulting firm specializing in supply chain and logistics engineering.

Redmont Capital

Website: Redmont Financial Services (redmontcapital.com)

Investor Type: Venture Capital Firm

Investment Interests: Healthcare, Financial Services, Information Technology, Business Services, Distribution, Industrial & Manufacturing

Investment Stage: Series A

Redmont Capital is a venture capital firm that is headquartered in Birmingham. They have funded around 30 startups since inception and continue to arrange more pitching contests.

During the funding stage, Redmont Capital only funds startups through mezzanine funding, senior debt, subordinated debt, and equity investments. The firm prefers to invest in companies operating in the commercial services and industrial sectors in Southwest Texas and the Central Southeast region of the United States.

The investment range of Redmont Capital can extend upto $4M. Some of their recent investments include:

MacroFab: MacroFab is a technology platform. It has raised a total of $102M over 10 rounds from 12 investors4.

Altimmune: Altimmune is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel peptide-based therapeutics.

FireRock: FireRock is a provider of building materials intended to be used for building customized homes.

Harbert Management Capital

Website: Harbert Management Corporation | Investment Management Firm

Investor Type: Venture Capital Firm

Investment Interests: Technology, Software, E-commerce

Investment Stage: Series B

HMC is an investment management firm focusing on alternative assets, with approximately $7.9 billion in Regulatory Assets Under Management. Headquartered in Birmingham, the VC firm has funded 27 companies and focuses on seed-stage startups.

They have a network of investors that fund startups with unique ideas and growth potential. Once a startup has been provided with the investment, the mentors at HBC organize different events to guide them throughout the journey.

The investment range of HBC ranges from $5M to $8M. Notable companies in their portfolio are:

Apkudo: Apkudo is a Baltimore-based startup that provides automated tools for operational planning and analytics for the e-waste industry. Apkudo has raised a total of $75M in funding453.

Clarabridge: Clarabridge is a customer experience management platform that collects and transforms customer feedback into intelligence. Clarabridge has raised a total of $124.9M in funding.

Graylog: Graylog is a company that provides a centralized log management and security information event management (SIEM) solution. Graylog has raised a total of $71.4M in funding.

CJM Ventures

Website: cjmventuresllc.com

Investor Type: Venture Capital Firm

Investment Interests: Tech, Healthcare, Financial Services

Investment Stage: Seed

CJM Ventures is a private equity firm that funds startups in Southern America. The network was founded in 2011 and has funded around 10 companies, focusing on the seed stage startups.

During the screening tests, CJM Ventures focuses on small to middle-market companies, including family-owned businesses, in a variety of sectors, including healthcare and financial services. Once they have funded a startup, they provide it with access to their extensive network of mentors for the best guidance.

The investment range of CJM Ventures ranges from $10M to $50M, depending on the startup's growth. Some of their portfolio companies include:

OPTO International: OPTO International is an Illinois-based manufacturer of retail shelving and display systems.

Cedar Capital: Cedar Capital is a Chicago-based asset management firm.

Ingenica Solutions: Ingenica Solutions is a healthcare information technology company.

Timberline Investments

Website: Timberline Holdings | Birmingham-Based Investment Firm

Investor Type: Venture Capital Firm

Investment Interests: Biotechnology, Medical

Investment Stage: Series A

Timerline Investments is also a prominent venture capital firm that invests in late and seed-staged startups. The network was founded in 2010 by Gregg A. Giboney. It has funded around 10 startups and continues to expand its portfolio.

Similarly, Timberline Investments focus on ideas that can solve real-life problems. The investor panel values unique ideas and only invests in ventures that are profitable.

The investment range of Timberline Investments can range upto $20M. Some of their recent investments include:

Acclinate: Acclinate is a health tech company on a mission to revolutionize clinical trials. Acclinate has raised a total of $6.5M in funding5.

Conserv: Conserv is a software and sensors business that is changing the art conservation market. Conserv has raised a total of $3.15M in funding8.

Tennibot: Tennibot is a robotics startup that builds autonomous robots for sports. Tennibot has raised a total of $270K in funding.

Bill Smith

LinkedIn: Bill Smith - Founder & CEO - Landing | LinkedIn

Investor Type: Individual Investor

Investment Interests: Tech

Investment Stage: Early and Seed

Bill Smith is an individual angel investor who funds startups across the US. He has been funding startups for around 5 years and prefers ventures that can generate 3-4x ROI.

As the former CEO of Shipt, CommerceOne Bank and Landing, Bill Smith has massive experience in entrepreneurship, providing expert guidance to his portfolio companies.

The investment range of Bill Smith can range up to several million dollars. Some of his portfolio companies include:

Linq: Linq is a company that produces different hardware products.

CostCertified: CostCertified is a business/productivity software company. Their latest funding round was a seed round that raised $8.5M.

ESBCO Capital

Website: EBSCO Capital History | EBSCO Capital

Investor Type: Venture Capital Firm

Investment Interests: Healthcare Technology, SaaS, Information Products & Services, Value-add Distribution

Investment Stage: Seed Stage

ESBCO Capital is a VC firm that was established as a part of EBSCO Industries. The network has been operating for more than 50 years and is headquartered in Birmingham.

Being one of the oldest VC firms, ESBCO Capital has funded around 70 companies, most at the seed stage. They prefer to fund startups that have EBITDA values ranging from $5 million to $20 million.

Aside from funding activities, ESBCO Capital also has a dedicated network of mentors that guide startups when things don't go in their favor.

The investment range of ESBCO Capital isn't disclosed as it depends on the startup's sector and growth potential. Recent portfolio companies are:

Pradco Outdoor Brands: Pradco Outdoor Brands is a manufacturer and marketer of consumer products, offering game calls, scents, attractants, game feeders, game cameras, tree stands, and fishing lures.

Cherry Street Energy: Cherry Street Energy is a renewable energy company dedicated to transforming Georgia's energy marketplace.

Wrap Up

Following is the list of some of the top angel investors in Alabama.

Before attending your first-ever angel investor meeting, it is important to understand their investment interests, funding range and portfolio companies. Knowing the past investments of specific investors helps entrepreneurs learn what they want to see in their venture.

Good Luck!

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