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This blog is taken from an interview with Isaac Dunn of the Hatch Innovation Hub.
Optimist Ventures Q&A
Hatch: Optimist Ventures seems like a natural evolution of Venture Asheville. Can you share the inspiration behind launching this new initiative, and how it differs from traditional accelerator models?
Jeffrey Kaplan, CEO of Optimist Ventures: Absolutely—Optimist Ventures builds on the momentum of Venture Asheville but takes it to the next level with a dedicated investment vehicle and a program designed for long-term, scalable growth. The inspiration came from a few key realizations:
Venture Asheville had proven the strength of WNC’s startup ecosystem, but many founders still struggled with access to founder-friendly capital that aligned with the unique nature of our region.
Traditional accelerators often push companies into an “all-or-nothing” venture-backed model, which doesn’t always serve capital-efficient or sustainability-focused startups.
The Shared Profit Agreement (SPA) model gave us a way to provide funding that truly works for WNC entrepreneurs—supporting profitability and longevity rather than just chasing exits.
Unlike traditional accelerators that prioritize rapid scaling for acquisition, Optimist Ventures is designed for founders who want to build something meaningful and lasting—businesses that will be around in 10, 20, or even 50 years.
H: What sets Optimist Ventures apart from other programs in the region? Specifically, how do you envision it helping long-term, ambitious companies in Western North Carolina?
JK: Optimist Ventures is built on three key differentiators:
Founder-Friendly Capital – The SPA model provides non-dilutive funding that lets founders maintain ownership while growing their business at a sustainable pace.
Long-Term Support – We aren’t just focused on a 15-week sprint; we are building a permanent, thriving community where founders continue to learn, connect, and grow beyond the program.
Tailored Growth Strategy – Many accelerators focus on preparing startups for their next funding round. We focus on profitability, operational excellence, and strategic scaling—ensuring founders don’t just grow, but grow smart.
For ambitious companies in WNC, this means they get the capital, mentorship, and network to scale on their own terms without the typical pressure to conform to Silicon Valley’s high-burn, high-risk model.
H:The accelerator focuses on “scalable, community-rooted, and sustainable growth.” Can you elaborate on what this looks like in practice for the founders participating in the program? In your mind’s eye, who is the ideal entrepreneur in WNC?
JK: Scalable, community-rooted, and sustainable growth means:
Scalable – The company has the potential to expand beyond WNC but does so in a way that’s strategic, efficient, and not just burning cash to chase growth.
Community-Rooted – The business strengthens local networks, talent, and resources, whether by hiring locally, leveraging regional assets, or building a business that enhances WNC’s economic landscape.
Sustainable Growth – Growth is measured not just by revenue but by long-term profitability and resilience.
The ideal WNC entrepreneur? A founder who is committed to growing a company that lasts. Someone who values profitability, meaningful impact, and sustainable success over hype-driven scaling. Whether they’re building a software company or a consumer brand, they understand that long-term success isn’t just about getting bigger—it’s about getting stronger.
H:Could you break down the selection process for applicants? What key qualities or stages in a startup’s journey are you looking for when choosing participants?
JK: Our selection process is designed to identify high-potential, capital-efficient, and coachable founders. Here’s how it works:
Application Review – We look at the business model, traction, and potential for sustainable growth.
Interviews & Fit Assessment – We talk to the founder(s) to understand their vision, adaptability, and approach to scaling.
Final Selection & Investment Readiness – Companies that align with the SPA model and Optimist’s long-term vision move forward.
Key qualities we look for:
A clear pathway to profitability – We aren’t interested in startups that require endless rounds of funding to survive.
Commitment to execution – Founders who are coachable, adaptable, and ready to put in the work.
Scalability potential – Whether through technology, operational leverage, or brand strength, the company should be positioned for strategic, sustainable growth.
H: What type of companies do you think will thrive most in Optimist Ventures? Are there specific industries, company sizes, or stages of development that the program is best suited for?
JK: Optimist Ventures is best suited for early-stage companies (post-revenue, pre-scaling) that are looking for growth capital and strategic support. The best-fit companies tend to fall into these categories:
Tech & SaaS – Software-driven businesses that can scale profitably.
Consumer Brands & CPG – Particularly those with a sustainability angle or a strong regional presence.
Innovative Service Businesses – Companies leveraging technology or unique operational models to scale beyond WNC.
Manufacturing & Craft Enterprises – Those that can leverage Asheville’s maker culture while scaling nationally.
H: Beyond financial support, what kind of expertise and educational resources does Optimist Ventures provide to its founders throughout the 15-week program?
JK: Our 15-week program is hands-on, practical, and designed for execution. Founders receive:
1:1 mentorship from experienced founders, investors, and industry experts.
Workshops on financial modeling, pricing strategies, and customer acquisition.
Legal and operational guidance to help founders avoid common pitfalls.
Investor readiness coaching for those considering future funding.
Growth playbooks tailored to each company’s unique model.
H: Can you describe some of the workshops or speakers that are part of the accelerator? How do these resources help founders prepare for long-term growth?
JK: Workshops include:
Financial Strategy for Sustainable Growth – Led by seasoned CFOs.
Scaling Operations Without Losing Quality – Taught by founders who’ve successfully scaled.
Sales & Customer Retention Strategies – Focused on increasing LTV and decreasing churn.
Marketing & Brand Positioning – Helping founders carve out a defensible brand identity.
Fundraising Alternatives & Capital Efficiency – So founders can make smart financial decisions.
Speakers include successful entrepreneurs, growth strategists, and investors who provide real-world insights beyond just theory.
H: With $50,000 in support per company—half as a grant and half as an investment—what’s the balance you’re aiming for between immediate financial support and helping companies build sustainable growth?
JK: The balance is intentional:
The $25K grant gives founders immediate runway to execute without pressure.
The $25K SPA investment aligns incentives for long-term profitability.
This ensures startups can cover early expenses, experiment with growth strategies, and reach key milestones without being forced into a high-burn spending model.
H: How do you define success for both Optimist Ventures and its cohort participants? What outcomes are you most excited to see in the future?
JK: Success for Optimist Ventures means:
More profitable, founder-controlled companies in WNC.
A growing ecosystem of capital-efficient, impact-driven startups.
A network of founders who stay in WNC, reinvesting in the region.
For founders, success means:
Achieving profitability and sustainable scaling.
Building businesses that last, not just ones that raise capital.
Creating jobs and contributing to WNC’s economic development.
H: Looking ahead, what’s your long-term vision for Optimist Ventures? How do you see the program evolving in the next 5-10 years, and what impact do you hope it will have on the Asheville/Buncombe County region and beyond?
JK: In 5-10 years, we want Optimist Ventures to be the leading model for sustainable, regionally-driven venture investment. Our impact goals include:
Investing in 50-100 companies through the SPA model.
Building a self-sustaining entrepreneurial ecosystem where successful founders mentor and invest in the next generation.
Expanding the funding model beyond WNC to prove it can work in other underserved regions.
Our vision? An Asheville where world-class startups thrive, founders stay, and businesses grow without sacrificing their values or independence.
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