LaunchTN

Join us at 3686, Launch Tennessee's annual entrepreneur conference, for a panel discussion on the future of climate technology.⁠ ⁠ Learn about investment trends, technological advancements, and the challenges and opportunities in building a sustainable future.⁠ ⁠ 3686 is happening Sept. 9-11 and tickets are on sale now. Don't miss out — it's the place to be if you're curious about Tennessee's startup scene. ⁠ ⁠ Panelists:⁠ — Connie Bowen is the founding General Partner at Farmhand Ventures, a venture firm building and backing startups shaping the future of work in agriculture.⁠ ⁠ — David P. is a serial entrepreneur focussed on sustainability and community. He has worked on various climate and community startups on all side - as a founder, advisor, investor, and lecturer. ⁠ ⁠ — Julia Polk is a serial entrepreneur and cofounder, with four decades of experience launching, financing, and scaling innovative healthcare and tech-enabled companies. ⁠ ⁠ — Tyler Hull is the President of AgriCapture, a leading certifier of Climate-Friendly farming practices and a generator of high integrity agricultural emissions reduction and removal credits.⁠ ⁠ Learn more about the speakers and buy your 3686 ticket at https://lnkd.in/eMBRYk45 ⁠ #3686fest #LaunchTN #Tennessee #panel #entrepreneur

Over the past year LaunchTN set out to build a statewide network to support technology transfer and commercialization at Tennessee universities.⁠ ⁠ In partnership with The University of Memphis, Tennessee State University, and Tennessee Technological University, our commercialization team has proven that the TTAC model works.  ⁠ Here's a snapshot of the program's impact so far:⁠ — 88% increase in new inventions disclosed (36 total) at TTAC institutions⁠ — 21 university technologies submitted for commercial evaluation⁠ — 12 technologies advancing to professional technology assessments⁠ — 3 technologies identified for intellectual property (IP) advancement⁠ ⁠ Beyond the immediate impact in developing the technology pipeline and advancing the innovation culture at participating institutions, TTAC is focused on building the next generation of innovation infrastructure needed to ensure that all Tennessee faculty and students know that innovation is possible and have the resources needed to turn their ideas into reality. ⁠ ⁠ We encourage you take a look at the TTAC Pilot Report, which reflects the program's activities from the year. You can find the report at https://lnkd.in/esgGhcFy ⁠ #TTAC #LaunchTN #PilotYear #Tennessee

And that's a wrap!! Last night, we concluded the INAUGURAL cohort of the Bankable Business Bootcamp! This first program of the Darrell S. Freeman Sr. Incubation and Innovation Center brought together business owners and industry partners to give owners the knowledge, networks, and resources needed to position their businesses to apply for and receive capital through small business loans. Thank you so much to all of the partners that made this program possible: The LocalTek Foundation, LaunchTN, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Republic Bank, Talibah M. B., TMB Tax and Financial Services Benefit Corporation, Bankably.app, ASHLEE BROOKS, Brooks & Associates Tax Consulting Services, Live Oak Bank , Pathway Lending, and Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County THANK YOU to the following business owners for trusting me with your time and your babies (your businesses): Kameela Williams-Jackson, Vita Infusion and Wellness Whitney Sains, Crown Love Beauty Supply Dwayne Williams, MBA, Apex Home Investors LLC Latreace Sankey-Wells, @ @Quiana McAlmont, Quiana's Creations Jeriesha B., JB Virtual-Services Cierra Harris, Above Influence Industries Cyntrel Lyons, Revamp'd By Cyn Cliffton Myah, Music City Mopeds And THANK YOU to those who spent their time with these business owners, providing their knowledge and support to help get them closer to their goals! Kandace Harris,MBA Luis M. Parodi, MBA Chip Higgins Jon Eisen Thomas Sheffield MBA, MS Lane Rhodes Casey Mulligan Talibah M. B. ASHLEE BROOKS Finally, to my amazing advisory board. I wouldn't be doing this without your support. Let's keep moving the vision forward!! LaTanya Channel, Rod McDaniel, Sherry Deutschmann, Michelle Gaskin Brown, JD, David Klements, Mignon Francois, Emanuel Reed, Pearl Amanfu, PMP

Are you an entrepreneur or influencer who wants to attend 3686, the place to be if you're curious about Tennessee startups? ⁠ ⁠ We're looking for 3686 Ambassadors who would benefit from attending LaunchTN's annual entrepreneur conference.⁠ ⁠ We're offering a free ticket in exchange for promotion of the event. ⁠ ⁠ You'll also get a promo code to share with your audience for $50-off tickets. ⁠ ⁠ At the conference, you'll get access to panels and programming including:⁠ — KEYNOTE: Stuart Weitzman: An Entrepreneurial Journey on the Road Less Traveled⁠ — Going Global: opportunities for expansion, collaboration and research partnerships outside the U.S.⁠ — AI for legacy industries⁠ — Climate tech: beyond the buzz ⁠ ⁠ Spaces are limited, but if you're interested please fill out the from at https://lnkd.in/grVr9SX7 ⁠ #3686fest #LaunchTN #Tennessee #Ambassador

InvestTN made an investment into a Memphis-based company, AnyCreek. ⁠ ⁠ AnyCreek is the leading online resource and marketplace for outdoor guided experiences. Trusted by world-class guides, AnyCreek streamlines their back offices to help them save time, make more money, and improve their overall customer booking experience.⁠ ⁠ "As a Memphis-based business, we are excited to partner with InvestTN. This investment is a testament to the unique growth opportunity that lies ahead for AnyCreek and further validates the value we are bringing to our guide and outfitter community every day. This capital is going to catalyze the next growth phase for AnyCreek and will continue to allow us to invest in and build the best platform for outdoor enthusiasts and guides." — Benjamin Lazarov, Co-Founder and CEO of AnyCreek⁠ ⁠ Find more at https://lnkd.in/ewJNCjzA #LaunchTN #InvestTN #Memphis #MemphisTN

Being smart is not enough. My edge has always been my network. How did I build it? By showing up and talking to people. 🗣️ Where do I show up? Any startup event where I can meet fellow founders, investors, and ecosystem builders. A few on my list for the rest of the year: - Tech Leaders Forum / Charlotte 🚀 🚀 🚀 annual cruise - 🚀 Startupfest - 💻 TechCrunch Disrupt - 🌟 LaunchTN 3686 - 🌱 Venture Atlanta Conference - 🌍 Web Summit Are you going to be at any of these events? How do you choose your moments to show up? Should I add any others? What the travel days look like 👇

Nashville holds a special place in my heart. Last September I went to LaunchTN's 3686 conference and I pitched the concept of Five Four. Less than a year later, we went back to meet the people who validated the need for an early stage agency. It was 2 FULL days, 7 meetings, a happy hour, and a stop at Buc-ees! The Nashville tech ecosystem is similar to Indy's in hospitality and humility. Founders here are hustling with few resources and exemplars to look to. But the community is growing and gosh, that grit and hustle is so motivating to be around. Looking to follow those who are making Nashville a tech hub? Check out: Bill Brock of Peridio John Bass of Hashed Health Kate O'Neil of Opre Ryan Johnson of Bugle Mike Rosengarten of Camino (acquired) Ben Kettle (currently building) Neil Granberry & Jenny Zhao (about to start their next things) Betina Evancha, former VP of Product at Pelaton Kyle Rogers of Husk Talent John Twomey, Investor and Builder at Newbury Franklin Software Nathan Buttrey, Investor at Altitude Ventures Next time I'll take a better photo but until then, enjoy this retro hotel sign.

Big news coming from LaunchTN today, we're thrilled to share the results from our pilot year of building the Tennessee Technology Advancement Consortium (#TTAC). 🏗 This past year, we set out to build a statewide network to support technology transfer and commercialization at Tennessee universities. In partnership with The University of Memphis, Tennessee State University, and Tennessee Technological University, we have brought the village together and demonstrably proven the #TTAC model works. 🏫 Here's a snapshot of our impact: 🚀 A staggering 88% increase in new inventions disclosed (36 total) at TTAC institutions. 🔍 21 university technologies submitted for commercial evaluation. 🔬 12 technologies advancing to professional technology assessments. 💼 3 technologies identified for intellectual property (IP) advancement. Beyond our immediate impact in developing the technology pipeline and advancing the innovation culture at participating institutions, #TTAC is focused on building the next generation of innovation infrastructure needed to ensure that all Tennessee faculty and students not only know that innovation is possible - but also have the resources needed to turn their ideas into reality. As LaunchTN deploys $70M in transformative capital to companies from every corner of Tennessee over the next decade through #InvestTN, the effort couldn't be more timely. 🌱 The most exciting thing? We're just getting started, and there's room for everyone in the village we're building. 🌎 You can read more about our activities from the year below.

We’re looking forward to seeing you on Aug. 6 for Capital Conversations, hosted by Pinnacle Financial Partners. ⁠ ⁠ Capital Conversations is a chance to get more information about InvestTN, the LaunchTN-administered, $70-million fund for investments in startups throughout Tennessee.⁠ ⁠⁠ The event will feature LaunchTN’s Capital team, financial sector experts from Pinnacle Financial Partners and Pathway Lending, and representatives from The Company Lab (CO.LAB).⁠ ⁠ For full details, including event location, RSVP at https://lnkd.in/eJViPTdw ⁠ 📸: Capital Conversations in Knoxville⁠ ⁠ #LaunchTN #capitalconversations #Chattanooga #Tennessee #InvestTN

From coffee shops and breakfast spots to drinks and dancing, The Music City has a lot to offer visitors. ⁠ ⁠ The Launch Tennessee staff put their heads together to come up with a list of hot spots and tips to enjoy Nashville, while you’re in town for our 3686 entrepreneurship conference. ⁠ ⁠ While Social Media and Communications Coordinator Abbey Lerner said Broadway is worth a trip, especially if it’s your first time in Nashville, our Chief Investment Officer Eller M Kelliher suggested that visitors spend only a couple hours max on Broadway, which is famous for its honky tonks, live music and other vibrant tourist spots. ⁠ ⁠ “If you want to know why people are flocking to Nashville, make sure to spend time in our neighborhoods (East Nashville, 12South, Edgehill, Germantown),” Eller also said. ⁠ ⁠ Check out the rest of the blog for a breakdown of suggestions on everything from coffee and entertainment to dinner and dancing at https://lnkd.in/ehsrX8eS ⁠ #3686fest #LaunchTN #Nashville #NashvilleTN