#United States #Nashville #Native American #Founder-Friendly #Relevance Ventures

Relevance Ventures: A Trailblazer in Founder-Friendly Investment

Relevance Ventures, acclaimed as the United States' first independently-owned Native American venture capital firm, has once again secured its place among the top investors that prioritize the needs and growth of founders. The firm has been named in Inc. Magazine's prestigious 2025 list of Founder-Friendly Investors for an impressive fourth year in a row. This recognition underscores Relevance's unwavering commitment to nurturing founder-led companies across various health sectors, including personal, community, digital, and financial health.

In today's challenging entrepreneurial landscape, securing funding goes beyond mere financial support. Bonny Ghosh, the editorial director at Inc., highlights the importance of investors who offer mentorship and assistance in navigating growth challenges. According to her, the 2025 Founder-Friendly Investors are distinguished by their collaborative spirit and dedication to helping portfolio companies scale successfully.

Dean Newton, Chairman and General Partner at Relevance Ventures, reflects on the significance of this ongoing recognition. He emphasizes that it validates the firm's mission to support founders grounded in Native values such as stewardship and community-first growth. Newton articulates that Relevance aims to restore balance where existing disparities have deep-rooted implications, using a combination of capital, operational expertise, and committed partnerships.

Relevance Ventures collaborates with a diverse array of portfolio leaders, exploring innovative solutions that promote better health. This includes companies like Talkiatry, which offers insurance-covered mental health care, and PetScreening, focused on making housing more pet-friendly. CivicEye advances public safety initiatives tailored for tribal use, while Vacayou promotes wellness travel. These initiatives showcase Relevance's commitment to driving impactful change through effective partnerships.

Cameron Newton, CFA and Managing/General Partner, further elucidates the firm’s mission—to measure success by its tangible outcomes for communities and individuals, such as improved access to healthcare and enhanced communal health rather than just attention-grabbing headlines. The firm reflects this ethos through its diverse portfolio, including companies innovating in areas like food-as-medicine and digital health interventions that help individuals manage their wellness journey.

At the intersection of health and innovation, Relevance Ventures operates on a foundational thesis that emphasizes four key pillars: Personal Health, Financial Health, Community Health, and Digital Health. As individuals become increasingly engaged in their health management, the firm is proactive in building relationships with founders who strive to deliver solutions that leverage the power of data.

In compiling its list, Inc. directly solicited feedback from entrepreneurs who've interacted with private equity and venture capital firms. This qualitative approach provided insights into how these partnerships have positively influenced business growth.

For further details and to access the complete list of honorees, readers can visit Inc.'s website.

About Inc.

Inc. is recognized as a leader in media and insight for entrepreneurs and business leaders. Their mission is to educate and empower innovators, featuring a monthly reach of over 40 million individuals across various channels, including digital, print, and events. The Inc. 5000 list, produced annually, ranks the fastest-growing privately held businesses, providing invaluable recognition to top entrepreneurs.

About Relevance Ventures

Founded by Cameron and Dean Newton, Relevance Ventures is one of very few Native American-owned venture capital firms operating in the U.S. With over $80 million in assets under management, the firm is dedicated to resolving critical health-related issues through innovative solutions and technologies. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, with a presence in multiple U.S. cities, Relevance Ventures is committed to making a meaningful impact in health sustainability.