Like the founders I back, I just started.

I don't come from a traditional VC background. No finance degree, or fancy pedigree job. Not a former founder, current founder. I became obsessed with startups after working at a now Series B startup in college and just... kept going.

After years of building founder community through events and education. LinkedIn virality. Network cultivation. Venture scouting. Angel investing. I always took the founder path: start with what you know, figure out the rest as you go.

The Lighthouse Origin Story

January 2025, we moved into 6,000 sq. ft. next to Centennial Park with a simple mission: help Nashville startups win.

I wanted to approach building The Lighthouse in an entrepreneurial way, just like my founders. I knew the problem I wanted to solve, but I wasn't sure exactly how I was going to solve it. Month after month: we build, test, try, iterate. Ecosystem building requires being reactive to founder needs, not prescriptive. Markets and needs change constantly in startup-land. Startups move fast. We do too.

My Process

I hilariously don't care about product just the people. I get to know you as a founder first—many come for a home cooked meal at my home. I want to understand who you are, why you're building, and whether you love the process itself. It's almost never about the check. Great founders get money anyway. My check is just a drop in the bucket. The value is everything else.

Why This Works

It's simple: I ask founders what they want and need, then I do that.

Track record speaks for itself: founders I back win. They get term sheets, hire great people, find customers, and build something meaningful. Currently supporting 33 startups, 12 pre-seed investments made, and we're just getting started.

Some of my favorite ways to genuinely help:

1. Connecting you with someone "1 step ahead of you" - The best advice comes from founders who just survived what you're going through.

2. Being an ear to rant to and your biggest cheerleader - Building is lonely. Having someone who genuinely believes in you changes everything.

3. Customer introductions - I am actively and constantly building a network of early adopters who want to help you succeed. Just point me in the direction.

4. Finding your next great team member - The best and cheapest headhunter you're going to find. Need a killer 0 to 1 engineer? A co-founder? I know how to spot startup talent a mile away.

5. Yes, helping raise millions too - Direct access to some of the best venture funds in the country. Better yet, I will handle the back channelling to get you the critical feedback no one ever actually tells you to your face.

My Philosophy

• Truly building something isn't about pedigree or who you know. It's about putting your head down and doing the damn thing.

• Value creation over credentials. Help first, invest later. Quality over quantity.

• I'm your first true believer. Before traction, headlines, or hype, I see you and I'm on your side.

Get To Know Me

I host open in-person office hours every week. I love a compelling cold email. You can apply here, or come to one of our public events.