Robert Ritch

Ritch Ventures Relocates from Tennessee to Florida, Expands Investment Activity

June 14, 20253 min read

Bradenton, FL – In a strategic move to position itself at the center of Florida’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem, Ritch Ventures, led by seasoned investor Robert Ritch, has officially relocated its headquarters from Spring Hill, Tennessee to Bradenton, Florida. The relocation reflects the firm’s long-term growth strategy and commitment to building deeper relationships within the Florida business community.

Why the Move to Bradenton?

Florida has emerged as a magnet for entrepreneurs, investors, and high-growth companies. With no state income tax, a pro-business regulatory environment, and a strong influx of talent, the Sunshine State offers clear advantages for deal flow, operational efficiency, and investor engagement.

“Relocating to Bradenton allows us to be more actively involved with the local business landscape,” said Robert Ritch, founder of Ritch Ventures. “There’s tremendous potential here—from emerging startups to established companies ready for growth or transition.”

Deepening Local Engagement

Since the move, Ritch Ventures has wasted no time in connecting with local stakeholders. In April 2025, the firm co-hosted a successful Pitch Day at IMG Golf Club alongside Community Equity Partners of Knoxville, TN. The event brought together entrepreneurs, investors, and advisors to spotlight early-stage and distressed companies seeking capital and support.

Ritch Ventures is also a proud supporter of Big Dreams Through Small Steps, a Florida-based nonprofit founded by Robert and Misty Ritch, with Misty Ritch serving as President. The organization is dedicated to community development and drowning prevention, especially for underserved youth in Manatee County. Through educational programming, partnerships, and local engagement, Big Dreams Through Small Steps is empowering families and children with tools to build safer, brighter futures—one small step at a time.

In addition to supporting community initiatives, Robert Ritch has served as a guest speaker at the 26 West Center at the State College of Florida, where he addressed the Veterans Cohort, and at the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, sharing practical insights on raising capital, financing structures, and the mindset required to succeed in today’s competitive business landscape.

Expanding Portfolio Activity

Ritch Ventures continues to build a track record of successful acquisitions and exits.

  • In 2023, the firm acquired Aqualibrium Pool Service, a Florida-based residential and commercial pool care company. Within 18 months, the business doubled in size and was successfully exited—demonstrating Ritch Ventures’ hands-on approach to operational scaling and strategic value creation.

  • The firm is currently finalizing a deal with a 40-year-old Manatee County company to restructure and grow the business. This new partnership reflects Ritch Ventures’ commitment to revitalizing established local enterprises and supporting long-term economic impact in the region.

Building on a 30-Year Legacy

Robert Ritch brings over three decades of experience in business development, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate turnarounds. Through Ritch Ventures, he invests in small to mid-sized companies with untapped potential—helping founders refine operations, raise capital, and scale for growth or exit.

With its new Florida base, Ritch Ventures is uniquely positioned to support companies across multiple industries while contributing to the broader development of the Gulf Coast’s business landscape.

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, Ritch Ventures plans to:

  • Host additional Pitch Day events across Southwest Florida

  • Launch a workshop series for founders preparing for investment

  • Expand its portfolio of companies in service, tech, real estate, and hospitality

  • Build relationships with Florida-based family offices, economic development agencies, and accelerators

Final Thoughts

The relocation from Spring Hill to Bradenton marks a new chapter for Ritch Ventures—one focused on regional impact, practical growth strategies, and long-term partnerships. Whether scaling a family-run business or helping a startup secure its first round of funding, Ritch Ventures remains committed to building value with integrity, experience, and a boots-on-the-ground mindset.

Robert Ritch is a Florida-based investor and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in business development, M&A, and corporate turnarounds. He is the founder of Ritch Ventures, a family office that invests in companies and focuses on acquiring and growing small to mid-sized businesses. Ritch has launched and exited multiple successful ventures, served in executive roles across finance and operations, and regularly hosts investor events, including Pitch Days for early-stage and distressed companies.

ROBERT RITCH

Robert Ritch is a Florida-based investor and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in business development, M&A, and corporate turnarounds. He is the founder of Ritch Ventures, a family office that invests in companies and focuses on acquiring and growing small to mid-sized businesses. Ritch has launched and exited multiple successful ventures, served in executive roles across finance and operations, and regularly hosts investor events, including Pitch Days for early-stage and distressed companies.

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