Zach Ellis, Jr.

Founder & Managing Partner @ South Loop Ventures | Kauffman Fellow

📍 United States🔄 Updated September 2026💼 9 investments📅 3 years investing🗓 Last invested Feb 2025
VC🌍 United States
9
Total investments
5
Early stage
1
Mid stage
0
Late stage
3y
Years active

Portfolio

9 investments · sorted by recency
All investments
Early stage
Mid stage
Late stage
Investor
Feb 2025
PraxisPro is a full-scale AI-powered commercial infrastructure that seamlessly integrates learning, data analytics, market intelligence, and operational execution. By leveraging advanced AI, we empower sales, medical, and brand teams to drive strategic alignment, improve engagement, and maximize field effectiveness, without pulling professionals away from revenue-generating opportunities. From sales training and medical engagement to brand execution and field optimization, PraxisPro is the intelligent backbone for the future of life sciences commercialization. Led by sales leaders with decades of experience in multiple industries, PraxisPro is on a mission to redefine skill development. Follow us on LinkedIn and visit praxispro.ai to learn more
Investor
Dec 2024
Who Are We? SmartWiz is the leading name in automated software solutions designed for tax professionals. Our advanced technology automates and streamlines complicated tasks, helping professionals work more efficiently, close deals, and maximize profits. Our Mission Born from a genuine need to improve the current processes in the tax industry, our mission is to transform how taxes are prepared and filed. We are committed to leveraging technology to connect tax professionals and clients seamlessly and fostering a community that empowers everyone with equal opportunities for success. Our Vision Were not just another software company. Were a group of engineers, thought leaders, and go-getters who have experienced firsthand the challenges in the tax preparation sector. Thats why weve made it our mission to spice up a traditionally dull market with a dash of fun and innovation. Our Culture At SmartWiz, we believe in being impactful, collaborative, fun, innovative, and growth-oriented. We’re serious about your business and financial success. Our Community When you join the SmartWiz community, youre not just another customer but part of a high-profile network of driven entrepreneurs. We value, empower, and celebrate you, connecting you with a community that shares your aspirations and values.
Investor
Apr 2024
LunchTable is the first fan activation and engagement platform designed to mobilize your fans into digital brand ambassadors that boost your brand, marketing, and sales efforts. Problem: Traditional fan engagement methods struggle to keep fans actively interested beyond game day. This leads to declining attendance, decreased merchandise sales, and a disconnect between fans and teams. Value Creation: LunchTable solves this by creating a fan activation platform that uses gamification, exclusive content, and two-way interaction. This turns casual fans into passionate advocates, boosting social media engagement, brand loyalty, and valuable data insights for teams (e.g., fan preferences, sponsorship opportunities). Value-Add ● Year-Round Fan Activation and Engagements ○ Sustained Excitement ○ Stronger Brand Loyalty ○ Community Building ● Visibility for Sponsors ○ Increased Exposure ○ Creative Brand Integration ○ Authentic Association ● Attendance (Tickets and Merchandise Sales) ○ Targeted Promotions ○ Merchandising Opportunities ○ Demand Generation ● Data-Driven Insights ○ Personalized Experiences ○ Strategic Decision Making ○ Informed Marketing Campaigns
Investor
Feb 2024
Lokum App serves as a matchmaking platform linking CRNAs with healthcare facilities and anesthesia groups across the nation. We tackle the healthcare staffing crisis head-on by eliminating unnecessary intermediaries. This allows hospitals and groups to manage costs effectively, fosters direct communication between CRNAs and those in need of coverage, and presents CRNAs with a variety of opportunities. These opportunities range from Locum Tenens coverage, per diem roles, to permanent positions. Joy Ademuyewo, DNP, CRNA founded Lokum App in 2023, and were proud to have the backing of JP Morgan Techstars 2023.
Investor
Sep 2023
Stop losing deals because of slow Telegram support. Astronaut helps your team respond faster, close more deals, and keep customers happy.
Investor
Sep 2023
Upgrade is a venture-backed, high-growth company that offers a managed marketplace for beauty products and services. Our marketplace connects consumers seeking custom wigs, extensions and curated beauty products with a network of top stylists and colorists. Upgrade believes that women deserve luxury experiences and that their time is valuable. We strive to empower women to spend less time on beauty and more time doing the things they love without sacrificing quality.
Investor
Sep 2023
Kulture is where teams, groups and families create a Kulture together. Chat, take, notes, and manage to-dos all in one productive place. Download available for free on iOS and Android.
Investor
Sep 2023
Screen Skinz is a tech-enabled screen protector manufacturing company redefining screen protection by combining functionality with self-expression. Our patented technology allows users to personalize their screen protectors with designs that appear when the screen is off and disappear when the screen is on. Proudly manufactured in the U.S., Screen Skinz is the only print on demand and officially licensed screen protector brand. Screen Skinz technology is patented in the U.S. and patent pending in China, Germany, the U.K., and Mexico.
early stageManufacturing
Investor
Aug 2023
Milkify freeze-dries breast milk as a service for longer storage, more convenience, and better infant nutrition. Freeze-dried breast milk powder can be stored for 3+ years without refrigeration. Freeze-drying is superior to freezing when it comes to preserving the milks vital nutrients, immune factors, and probiotics. By solving the storage and transportation problems associated with breast milk, we empower parents to continue feeding their little ones the best possible food, on their own terms.
Experience · 18 entries
All (18)
Investments (9)
Founder (1)
2025
Investor
Feb 2025
PraxisPro is a full-scale AI-powered commercial infrastructure that seamlessly integrates learning, data analytics, market intelligence, and operational execution. By leveraging advanced AI, we empower sales, medical, and brand teams to drive strategic alignment, improve engagement, and maximize field effectiveness, without pulling professionals away from revenue-generating opportunities. From sales training and medical engagement to brand execution and field optimization, PraxisPro is the intelligent backbone for the future of life sciences commercialization. Led by sales leaders with decades of experience in multiple industries, PraxisPro is on a mission to redefine skill development. Follow us on LinkedIn and visit praxispro.ai to learn more
2024
Investor
Dec 2024
Who Are We? SmartWiz is the leading name in automated software solutions designed for tax professionals. Our advanced technology automates and streamlines complicated tasks, helping professionals work more efficiently, close deals, and maximize profits. Our Mission Born from a genuine need to improve the current processes in the tax industry, our mission is to transform how taxes are prepared and filed. We are committed to leveraging technology to connect tax professionals and clients seamlessly and fostering a community that empowers everyone with equal opportunities for success. Our Vision Were not just another software company. Were a group of engineers, thought leaders, and go-getters who have experienced firsthand the challenges in the tax preparation sector. Thats why weve made it our mission to spice up a traditionally dull market with a dash of fun and innovation. Our Culture At SmartWiz, we believe in being impactful, collaborative, fun, innovative, and growth-oriented. We’re serious about your business and financial success. Our Community When you join the SmartWiz community, youre not just another customer but part of a high-profile network of driven entrepreneurs. We value, empower, and celebrate you, connecting you with a community that shares your aspirations and values.
Investor
Apr 2024
LunchTable is the first fan activation and engagement platform designed to mobilize your fans into digital brand ambassadors that boost your brand, marketing, and sales efforts. Problem: Traditional fan engagement methods struggle to keep fans actively interested beyond game day. This leads to declining attendance, decreased merchandise sales, and a disconnect between fans and teams. Value Creation: LunchTable solves this by creating a fan activation platform that uses gamification, exclusive content, and two-way interaction. This turns casual fans into passionate advocates, boosting social media engagement, brand loyalty, and valuable data insights for teams (e.g., fan preferences, sponsorship opportunities). Value-Add ● Year-Round Fan Activation and Engagements ○ Sustained Excitement ○ Stronger Brand Loyalty ○ Community Building ● Visibility for Sponsors ○ Increased Exposure ○ Creative Brand Integration ○ Authentic Association ● Attendance (Tickets and Merchandise Sales) ○ Targeted Promotions ○ Merchandising Opportunities ○ Demand Generation ● Data-Driven Insights ○ Personalized Experiences ○ Strategic Decision Making ○ Informed Marketing Campaigns
Investor
Feb 2024
Lokum App serves as a matchmaking platform linking CRNAs with healthcare facilities and anesthesia groups across the nation. We tackle the healthcare staffing crisis head-on by eliminating unnecessary intermediaries. This allows hospitals and groups to manage costs effectively, fosters direct communication between CRNAs and those in need of coverage, and presents CRNAs with a variety of opportunities. These opportunities range from Locum Tenens coverage, per diem roles, to permanent positions. Joy Ademuyewo, DNP, CRNA founded Lokum App in 2023, and were proud to have the backing of JP Morgan Techstars 2023.
2023
Investor
Sep 2023
Stop losing deals because of slow Telegram support. Astronaut helps your team respond faster, close more deals, and keep customers happy.
Show all 18 entries ↓
Investment activity
2023–2025 · 9 investments
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