As a collective of member-driven regional angel investment funds, we want to play an important part in the development of emerging entrepreneurial ecosystems.
The Gap
There is a gap between early-stage capital investment and the actual wealth of a region. Traditionally, wealth tends to be invested across more traditional asset classes, and high-potential investments are difficult to access on a diversified basis without substantial funds.
Enter Tonic.
Return-Driven Fund
Tonic provides an opportunity for our members to invest in regionally-focused funds that co-invest with other venture capital firms. Our funds leverage members' subject matter expertise and global perspective to invest in the most promising startups.Democratized Investment Process
We provide our members with exposure to the due diligence and investment processes and voting rights to co-invest with trusted people and access deals that otherwise would be unavailable to them.
The net effect will be to build an increased pool of professional early-stage angel investors to power regional startup ecosystem momentum.
Tonic Managers
Jeff Amerine
Founding Principal, Startup Junkie Consulting
Jeff is one of the key leaders in the state of Arkansas and Northwest Arkansas region involved with the creation of a lasting tech-focused venture/startup ecosystem. Jeff was previously Associate Vice Provost, Research and Economic Development and Director of the University of Arkansas Technology Ventures team, leading the commercialization of world-class research. He has held senior leadership positions in eight startup ventures and three Fortune 500 companies.
Nimeshh Patel
VP EMEA, Drawbridge, Inc.
Nimeshh Patel has over 13 years of experience in the Investment Banking, Telecoms, Media and Internet sectors. His expertise lies in building strategies for profitability improvement through restructuring, operational excellence, investment or partnership development. He is former Chief Operating Officer at AOL Europe, having held several positions at the company specializing in Finance & Strategy.
Jeannette Balleza Collins
Director, The ARK Challenge
Jeannette focuses on building Northwest Arkansas’ reputation as a technology startup hub, accelerating entrepreneurial success, recruiting startups worldwide and facilitating international mentorship events. Honored as one of “Arkansas’ 50 Influentials" by Arkansas Times, she holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Hendrix College and has over 15 years of experience in marketing strategy for startups, small businesses and corporate clients.
Permjot Valia
CEO and Founder, MentorCamp
Permjot Valia started angel investing after having served as Sales and Marketing Director for Ernst & Young Entrepreneurial Services in London. Having organized the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year competition for 2004, Permjot was able to learn first hand what it took to be a successful start up and the problems they encounter along the way. He has now invested in over 25 start ups in three countries (Canada, UK and South Africa). Permjot regularly mentors companies from around the world.
Brett Amerine
Director of Operations, Startup Junkie Consulting
Brett served nearly 5 years in Honolulu, Hawaii, and Los Angeles, California, as a United States Air Force Officer specializing in project management and contract management. Brett led high-visibility, multimillion- and billion-dollar service, construction and aerospace contracts and project teams. At his final assignment in the United States Air Force, he bought the Atlas and Delta space rockets, specializing in the procurement of the liquid upper-stage rocket engines.