About Us
If you are looking for partners to connect you with the right people, foster ideas, bring expertise, and help your vision come to life - let us be the bridge.
History
Our firm is deeply ingrained in the culture of startups and early-stage companies. David, our founder, has been investing in early-stage companies for over 30 years, bringing his knowledge and contacts from technology, real estate, and media to the forefront. Over that time, David has made over 50 investments in early-stage companies and brings exposure and expertise in a multitude of industries. As part of the D-R Media team, the Natural Bridge Ventures™ has deployed capital in 30 investments in media and tech-centric companies.
Network
Through our existing ecosystem of startups, angel investors, business leaders, and entrepreneurs, the Natural Bridge Ventures™ aims to bridge the gap from ideation to disruptive enterprises in any industry. We are industry neutral and believe innovation lies hidden across the industry spectrum. We have invested in novel technologies in areas such as media, manufacturing equipment, and IoT systems.
Culture
We firmly believe in getting behind people and entrepreneurs in all markets. We dismiss the notion that only a handful of international hubs drive innovation, and we look to partner with people all across the U.S. and abroad. We have made the conscious decision to invest locally in Florida in addition to Silicon Valley to foster innovation in our backyard. We bet primarily on the founder, not the market or product.
Our Team
David Dunn-Rankin
Chairman
D-R Media and Investments LLC
David is Chairman and owner of D-R Media and Investments LLC where he is responsible for overseeing the newspaper and commercial print operations focused in central Florida. He brings a passion for quality local journalism, supporting small businesses, and leading growth businesses.
Prior to joining the newspaper and media industry, David was a CPA and consultant. He also worked as a technology entrepreneur and successfully developed and led multiple technology startups based in Atlanta, GA.
David has an MBA from Emory University, earned the CFP designation, and was formerly a practicing CPA. David holds a bachelor's degree in both Economics and German from Sewanee: The University of the South.
David enjoys swimming, travelling with his family, and entrepreneurship.
Rachel Frank
President
D-R Media and Investments LLC
Rachel is President at D-R Media and Investments. Rachel leads the company’s human resources and operational functions. She brings excitement for ensuring individual growth and eliminating waste within operations. Rachel also serves as President at Sun Events and is responsible for leading a rapidly expanding concert promotions business and overseeing the division’s strategy, operations, and finances. She serves as the venue procurement lead and drives strategic partnerships, ensuring success for all stakeholders: bands, venues, and media partners.
Prior to D-R Media , Rachel worked in the non-profit sector by helping forge community partnerships and developed curriculum to connect leadership and service-learning opportunities for PK2-12 aged girls in Memphis, TN.
Rachel has a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Sewanee: The University of the South.
Rachel enjoys reading, exploring new places, politics, and spending time with her three young children.
Atticus Frank, CFA, ABV
Vice President
Mercer Capital
Atticus Frank is a vice president with Mercer Capital. Atticus has valuation experience in engagements related to corporate planning and reorganizations, financial reporting, fairness opinions, litigation support, employee stock ownership plans, and estate and gift tax planning and compliance matters.
Atticus is a member of Mercer Capital’s Family Business Advisory Services Group. Atticus provides financial education, valuation, and other strategic financial consulting to multi-generation family businesses. Additionally, Atticus is a regular contributor to Mercer Capital’s blog, Family Business Director.
Atticus spent time at D-R Media and Investments, and served in the role of CFO, where he oversaw the financial operations of the company, including financial reporting and budgeting processes for the company. Atticus also spent time leading Sun Events, a start-up concert promotion business and division of D-R Media, overseeing operations, budgeting, and marketing strategy.
Atticus is a CFA charterholder, holds the Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV) credential from the AICPA, and has a bachelor's degree in both Economics and Political Science from Sewanee: The University of the South.
Atticus enjoys reading, politics, and spending time with his family.