Clayton Associates is a venture capital firm based in Brentwood, Tennessee that provides early stage and growth equity to companies located primarily in the Southeast United States. We invest primarily in healthcare, healthcare related services and healthcare technology companies but also consider investments in other industry sectors including technology, communications, diversified services, and selected real estate ventures. We typically invest $1M to $5M of equity in companies with experienced management teams who are implementing proven business models with well defined exit strategies.

Clayton Associates was founded in 1996 by R. Clayton McWhorter, Stuart C. McWhorter, and Bill F. Cook. Because of the extensive operating experience and network of relationships of the funds' principals, Clayton Associates is often a sought after partner by successful entrepreneurs and management teams seeking access to capital.

Clayton Associates invests up to $500K directly, or through its affiliate, Triple Play Ventures, in seed and early stage companies. Clayton Associates also manages four investment funds, FCA Venture Partners I, II, III, and IV, for early stage and growth companies. Since its inception, Clayton Associates has invested $125M in over 100 venture deals.

In 2005, Ingram Industries of Nashville, Tennessee made a minority investment in Clayton Associates and John R. Ingram was added to the Advisory Board.