Vicinity Views

News, education and insights on investing in public offerings through the Vicinity platform and private early-stage offerings with VentureSouth.

Turning Passion into Profit

We’re not saying this blog will cure your post-Olympic blues, but we do have something golden for you. This week we chatted with Alek…
You’re Special… Sort of.

“You’re special, just like everyone else.” Unfortunately, this is as true in business as anywhere. Specialize or die – in a world of investing…
A Twist on Buffett’s Advice

Today we’re taking a new look at one of Warren Buffett’s most quoted lines: “Never invest in a business you cannot understand.” While we…
Is Real Estate Really “Location, Location, Location”?

At the end of 2020 Chapel ran a successful campaign on Vicinity’s portal to fund a multi-tenant facility in the Poe Mill area. For…
What Robinhood got wrong (& right) in their Super Bowl commercial

I was about ready to let the whole Robinhood/Gamestop wildness go… and then I saw the commercial. You’ve probably seen it by now –…
Doubling-down on Democratization

While trust in the gamified giant has become as volatile as a short squeeze on an outdated retail chain, now might be a good…
What’s the difference between microinvesting and crowdfunding?

While crowdfunding serves a purpose, there are some glaring differences between it and investment crowdfunding, also known as microinvesting.
An Alternative to Fighting Manipulation with Manipulation

There’s a good chance you’ll come across a BFF or “soul sister” at some point in life, but you’ll have better luck finding good…
What have you assumed?

Assumptions are all those little (and BIG) things we expect to be true in the future around our business, its market, or the customers…
5 Questions for the Capital Seeker

There comes a point in nearly every business’s life when getting funding is a necessity. At this fateful moment, there may also be a…
4 Investor Insights from 4 Years of Reg CF

Four years old… this is the age you can expect recognition of shapes and colors, and a love for rhyming words. Also for some…
Double Duty Diversified Income

It’s trivia time at Vicinity! Which of the following headlines from the past year are real? Aliens in hiding until mankind is ready, says…

May 2025 monthly recap

May always seems to be a busy month, with schools ending, graduation ceremonies, conferences, and summer planning. Here’s a quick look at the events…
SSBCI: The $10B Opportunity Most Investors and Startups Don’t Know About

There aren’t many $10 billion opportunities hiding in plain sight. But for early-stage investors who are paying attention, the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)…
April 2025 monthly recap

April has been quite a month in the stock market. It’s less easy to see into opaque private markets, but it’s also been quite…
More Than Making Money: How VentureSouth is Impacting the Community for Good

By Aubrey Zoodsma When you hear the term “venture capital” you may think about businesspeople in suits, focused on the bottom line and building…
Meet some more VentureSouth portfolio companies – via their podcast interrogations (part 2)

Following our first post covering VentureSouth portfolio companies you can “meet” via their episodes on the Venture In The South podcast, here is batch…
Exploring Crowdfunding: Opportunities for Investors Through Our Vicinity Ventures Partnership

In recent years, crowdfunding has emerged as a powerful tool for entrepreneurs seeking capital and investors looking for new opportunities. By allowing individuals to…
Why the Southeast is the Hottest Region for Startups in 2025

Whether you know it or not, the Southeast is well on its way to becoming a serious hub for startups and investors. From Richmond…
Investing 101: How to Become an Accredited Investor

Does the term “accredited investor” ring any bells? Maybe you think you know what an accredited investor does, or maybe you’re just fuzzy on…
VentureSouth and Vicinity Capital Join Forces to Transform Local Investing

Introducing Vicinity Ventures: Expanding Local Investment Opportunities Vicinity Capital and VentureSouth have partnered to create Vicinity Ventures, a premier platform for local alternative investments.…
VentureSouth and Vicinity Announce Joint Venture to Create The Premier Platform for Local Alternative Investing

VentureSouth and Vicinity are pleased to announce a powerful new joint venture to create the premier platform for local alternative investing – Vicinity Ventures. Vicinity Ventures combines…
Do Angels Invest in People or Ideas?

So, which is it? Are angels investing in people or ideas? Honestly, it’s a bit of both. However, if you’re in a position to…
Lessons learned angel investing in 2025

Five (different) lessons learned from angel investing in 2024 The start of a new year (and new generation!) is a time for reflection and…