Jumpstart Nova is an institutional, strategic healthcare seed fund investing in early-stage companies that lower the cost of care, improve patient outcomes, and accelerate positive change in the healthcare system.
About Jumpstart Nova
Jumpstart Nova is a Nashville-based venture fund founded by Marcus Whitney, recognized as the first venture fund explicitly dedicated to investing in Black-led healthcare and health technology companies, with a thesis built around addressing health disparities through founder-driven solutions. The fund writes initial checks of roughly $250K to $2M at seed and Series A, can lead small rounds, and reserves capital for follow-on. Healthcare exposure is total and spans digital health, behavioral health, women’s health, maternal health, and care delivery models for underserved populations. AI focus is welcome where it advances access or health equity. Founders best suited are Black founders, particularly first-time founders, building healthcare companies at seed and Series A, who want a hands-on partner with deep healthcare and Nashville ecosystem relationships and an explicit commitment to backing underrepresented founders. The fund’s thesis is explicit, and founders outside this lane should not pad target lists with Jumpstart Nova. Founders who do not fit include therapeutics-only biotech requiring large rounds, devices, and growth-stage companies needing $5M-plus checks. Geographic preference is US with a Nashville and Southern bias but no hard constraint. The entry path is warm introduction through a portfolio CEO, a Nashville-area operator, or a co-investor at funds like Define Ventures or Oak HC/FT. LinkedIn outreach to the partners with a focused founder story and traction summary is a reasonable secondary option. Expect a values-aligned diligence process and a partner that values community and long-term commitment.
Founder reviews
Other portfolio companies
Companies in Jumpstart Nova's portfolio not currently in our directory.
Pitch / review this investor
Have you raised from Jumpstart Nova? Founders only — share your honest experience (anonymous OK, moderated before publishing).