In a show of support for Savannah, Aetho today announced that it will only allow Georgia investors to participate in its current financing round. With respect to this proclamation, Aetho revises its previously announced seed investment by limiting the deal to Savannah residents Yusuf Hameed, MD, and his wife, Karen George Hameed. 

Aetho arrived at this decision on the heels of a panel discussion with local startups the company organized at The Creators’ Foundry, Savannah’s very own innovation HIVE — home for innovators, venture capitalists, and entrepreneurs — operated by The Creative Coast. Documented by the City of Savannah, the panel discussion centered on the pros and points of resistance with minting a company in Savannah. 

“After listening to our peers talk about the dire need for more local investors to step up in the community, it was an easy decision for us to take a bold stance,” said Ian Nott, Aetho’s Co-founder. “We talked it through with the commitments we received and collectively came to the conclusion that having Dr. Hameed lead the round would send a resounding message to Savannah.” 

Dr. Hameed has been providing dedicated anesthesia services to the obstetrical department at Candler Hospital in Savannah, along with consultations in pain management. He is also an Executive Producer with Second Career Productions, a studio that is currently developing several screenplays that will be filmed in Savannah.

Over the next few weeks, the company will continue raising funds to quickly fill out its seed round and hopes to turn out would-be investors throughout Georgia. Aetho will also be on the lookout for design and engineering talent as the startup focuses on growing the team.