A venture capitalist is a person or firm that provides new businesses with management assistance and investment capital to start the entrepreneurial voyage off right and ensure smooth sailing. As compensation, the individual or company providing the funds gets a stake in the new business and its earnings (the treasure). The size of this equity position is typically determined as being proportional to the amount invested and the risk involved with it.

In simple terms, think “Shark Tank.”

Essentially, venture capitalists use their investment to buy stakes and positions (read: shares) within virgin and near-virgin companies. This means that while the company accepting the investment is not required to repay the investment capital (it’s not a loan), the venture capitalist expects capital gains in return. The new business receives a sizable (but measured) amount of money to grow operations and development, while the VC firm making the investment expects capital gains in return and receives an active advisory and management role to steer the company toward success and away from unseen shallows and rocks that might ground or sink the proverbial ship. The Venture firm essentially reduces risk for the startup (for both founders and the VC firm) through staff, knowledge, systems, support, and vision born of experience. The VC can help pivot the company by seeing opportunities on the horizon that might not have been visible or obvious to inexperienced founders, as well as provide contacts, expertise, and discipline to accelerate the success of the startup business.

From a purely financial standpoint, a Venture Capitalist brings much needed funds into the company without any regular repayment required. The VC should not be considered some kind of lender, as the VC only wins if the startup company succeeds. This means the company gets access to the VC’s financial and business network, experience and developed systems. Additionally, the mere presence of a Venture Capital investment in a company gives it added gravitas in the business world and can make it easier to attract even greater investment, as needs warrant.

We are a firm primarily an early-stage (Seed through Series A) companies. We excel in supporting and accelerating young businesses.

We do have a Private Equity (PE) arm that participates in acquisitions and roll-ups of businesses small and semi-large, but those investments are usually in fairly mature industries in which we can use our support team, knowledge, and innovations to bring about unique competitive advantages.

Our industry purview extends from education technology to business support services to modern eco-living developments. Our creed is to take governed and nervy risks, provide the ultimate in systems and support, in order to profit wildly in ventures that make us smile. If we can get an unmatched return in an area in which we can balance daredevil risks and managed structure with a cheeky angle, we’re in!

You get to be completely immersed and learn more deeply through doing than any job you are likely to find. The leadership is committed to developing talent, because we view human capital as the most valuable kind of capital. You are challenged, but you are treated really well!

Our performers have access to our gaming facilities, hot tub, pool, workout area, and exclusive Business Performance Institute therapies and benefits (ranging from massage to on-site hairdressers and makeup artists to red light therapy beds and float tanks). Additionally, the Swashbuckler team has unique opportunities to be individually coached and counseled, so that each member can become the idealized version of themselves.

We take our work seriously, but we play harder than anyone. Some elements of VC are glamorous (meals, office accoutrements, vehicle privileges, and access to industry movers and shakers), but the real charm and prestige is how you will see yourself as you develop and hit your personal and professional goals while we accomplish ours together.

We don’t accept outside investment.  We are entirely privately and family-funded. You can partner with us on a deal, but we don’t take direct outside investments, as it distorts the relationship between LPs and firms; we only eat what we kill, rather than hedging our bet on an outside investor’s back with some 2 and 10 scheme. That may work for others… we’re just all-in on ourselves and ensuring that every dollar is precious and multiplies for us and the businesses in which we invest.

We take a more enlightened approach to the concept of DEI that ensures we discover and polish diamonds in the rough from all backgrounds and walks of life.

Our diversity of ideas and perspectives brings creative solutions to our partners and investments, while our unity of purpose ensures that we are all moving in the same direction for maximum benefit.

“Equity” is a nebulous term that is too casually thrown around, but we solidify the concept in a way that has more direct benefit for our teammates. At Swashbuckler Capital, we believe that Equity is something more than ill-defined theory, but we deliver actual Equity for team members through the investments and performance of the team. Anyone can talk about Equity, but the real Equity that moves people forward takes the form of financial rewards and skin in the game that elevates lives. 

We Include all of our members in the success of our enterprise and the ventures with stake. Every voice is considered at Swashbuckler (probably more so than any place you’ll ever work) and meritocracy wins. The best ideas can come from anyone, no matter where they sit in the hierarchy.  We think of Inclusion as Investment. Given the opportunity, we want to position you to shine. Impress us!

At Swashbuckler Capital, we take the best notions of a pirate ship and amplify them. We want to utilize the best practices to develop superior performers. Pirates developed some of  the most democratic and inclusive of social structures. They took sailors of different credentials, colors, and creeds and unified them in a singular purpose. They had true equity and shared the treasure, and every voice mattered. Talent and work ethic trumped all, and they became single, well-defined, cohesive units that ruled their domains…and they had fun doing it!

Our nerve center HQ is in Memphis, TN.

Check out our location and info by clicking here.

We want A+ employees.  Be prepared to tell us what makes you a “10.”  10’s come in all shapes, sizes, colors, genders, and backgrounds, but they all have that unique je ne sais quoi. Most of all, they are supremely intelligent and hard-working. One is not a 10 by acing the SAT’s…you become a 10 by solving problems no one else can solve putting forth effort no one can match. And you can only be a 10, if your teammates feel that you elevate them, as well.

To us, it doesn’t matter whether you attended or graduated from an Ivy League school, a Little Ivy, a Public Ivy, or have spent time tending someone else’s ivy. We want teammates with unique capabilities, a willingness to learn, a hunger to succeed, and some business savvy (which can manifest in book-smarts OR street-smarts… or even both). Your specific major or experiences matter less than what you have gleaned from them and how they have made you grow.

Because we have interests in various companies, we are always looking for talent. If you think you have something to contribute, contact us and uniquely make us believe. We hire people ranging from interns and support staff, to builders, artists, marketing specialists, sales slayers, and financial and analytical savants. If you don’t think you are fully-refined in your skills yet, it’s OK; we love to develop talent! Just show us your potential.

We are always on the lookout for superstar talent. Your resume and pedigree matter less than your ability and desire. If you are awesome and for some reason we can’t find the perfect fit that works for you, now, we’ll make sure that we stay in contact and ensure that you are at the top of the list. Because we are constantly expanding our footprint, new opportunities and positions become available frequently. Show us you are irresistible!

Be bold, be humble, and show us what you’ve got!

You can submit a resume and video clip here describing why you would be a valuable asset to our team. Unpolished gems are welcome (and encouraged) to apply, as well as those with track records that back up their words. We’ll review your application and get back to you regarding next steps.

You can be reserved, or you can be brash… just bring your A-game (and don’t show up unscheduled…we’ve got busy calendars seizing opportunities and good times, after all).