LaunchTN

This year, #3686fest brings expanded investor-exclusive programming. ⁠ ⁠ Wednesday, Investor Day, will include investor-to-investor networking and content. ⁠ ⁠ Investor-level ticket holders will gain valuable insights into emerging industry trends, regulatory shifts, and the unique factors fueling the state's venture and innovation ecosystems. ⁠ ⁠ Connect with active investors and fund managers deploying capital in the region, forging valuable partnerships, and staying ahead of the curve in Tennessee's thriving venture scene.⁠ ⁠ The newly formed Greater Nashville Venture Capital Association is a co-host of Investor Day. GNVCA brings together the region’s investment community, providing a vital forum for industry education and collaboration. ⁠ ⁠ As a part of Investor Day, the Vanderbilt University Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization will host a showcase spotlighting emerging innovations in the areas of medical devices, engineering, AI and wellness. ⁠ ⁠ Secure your tickets today at https://attend3686.com/, and don't miss the chance to connect with other like-minded 3686 attendees! ⁠ ⁠ *Investor Day programming is available only to investor-level ticket holders.⁠ ⁠ #3686fest #LaunchTN #Investor #InvestorDay #Tennessee

As my summer internship at Greater Than Equal comes to a close, I'm reflecting on the experiences I’ve had through the LaunchTN Intern Program. Working as a Business Development Intern with Hautelink—a platform dedicated to making sustainable fashion more equitable, accessible, and affordable—has been truly rewarding. Throughout the internship, I had the chance to design pitch decks, research funding opportunities, and collaborate closely with our Data Analytics Intern to showcase the growing market for sustainable fashion. A highlight of my experience was representing Greater Than Equal at the United Nations Fashion and Lifestyle Meeting in New York, where I learned from industry leaders about the critical role sustainable fashion plays in meeting consumer expectations while prioritizing sustainability. I'm grateful for this opportunity and excited to apply everything I've learned in the next chapter of my journey!

📣 Calling all Black business owners attending #3686Fest! 📣 Join us at the Black Founders Meet Up – a special 3686Fest pop up! This event is all about connecting, empowering, and elevating Black entrepreneurs. On Wednesday, September 11th from 12-3 PM, come network with fellow founders, share your experiences, and build connections that could take your business to the next level! Plus, you won't want to miss our one-hour workshop brought to you by Tennessee's #GrowWithGoogle Digital Coach, Netta Dobbins, on "Launching Your Biz with Customer-Focused Marketing". Learn how to craft marketing strategies that truly resonate with your audience and turn them into loyal customers! This is a can’t-miss event for all Black entrepreneurs ready to level up! Come meet Em E. Wilder (Twendé Program Manager) + incredible team members from LaunchTN, Corner to Corner, The Nashville Black Market, Black Business Boom, Holly Rachel, and The Darrell S. Freeman Center! Register here: https://lnkd.in/e6NK4ymS

In less than two weeks at #3686fest, hear from founders who participated in Launch Tennessee's statewide accelerator program, The TENN. ⁠ ⁠ The accelerator ran from 2013-2016 and included some high-powered startups that are still thriving today. ⁠ ⁠ Hear from:⁠ — Platt Boyd: Founder - Chief Innovation Architect, Branch Technology⁠ ⁠ Boyd is the Founder, Chairman, and Chief Innovation Architect of Branch Technology. He was the CEO of Branch Technology for 10 years and practiced as an award-winning architect for 15 years. His fascination with natural beauty and amazing structures led to the initiation of a new technology using freeform 3D printing combined with conventional materials to robotically prefabricate architectural assemblies with resource stewardship and unprecedented design freedom.⁠ ⁠ — Teja Yenamandra: CEO, Gun.io⁠ ⁠ Yenamandra went to high school at Hillsboro High and attended Boston University. Yenamandra started Gun.io in early 2013. Gun.io helps companies scale their software engineering teams seamlessly by tapping a global network of elite hired guns. Gun.io is trusted by teams committed to excellence in software engineering, like Tesla, CISCO, & NBC, and over 20,000 independent software engineers, designers, product managers, and project managers.⁠\ — Courtney Jones: Partner, DiversityWorksGroup & Partner/Co-founder, BeLabs⁠ ⁠ In 2023, Jones co-founded BeLabs with Pam Jeffords (formerly of PWC) and Blake Mitchell (formerly of Google) to provide structured support to inclusion and culture councils globally. Previously, Jones founded MomSource Network, a recruiting platform connecting diverse candidates with flexible work opportunities across the U.S. After its acquisition by Boulo Solutions, she joined as Chief Revenue Officer. ⁠ Don't miss the amazing programming at 3686, buy your tickets today at https://attend3686.com/! ⁠ #3686fest #LaunchTN #entrepreneur #conference #panel #speakerreveal

Pinnacle Financial Partners will host a special edition of their Capital Conversations series for 3686 attendees! The series offers entrepreneurs, startup companies, investors, and financial advisors opportunities to connect and network. ⁠ ⁠ The 3686 session of Capital Conversations will take place in the Idea Lab - second floor of the Cannery Hall - on Sept. 10.⁠ ⁠ Representatives from Pinnacle Financial Partners, Pathway Lending and LaunchTN's capital team will discuss funding opportunities and financial services - from getting bankable to equity to lending. ⁠ ⁠ Secure your 3686 ticket today at https://attend3686.com/, and don't miss this event! ⁠ ⁠ #3686fest #LaunchTN #Pinnacle #CapitalConversations

3686 is fast approaching — the annual entrepreneur conference will bring premier programming, captivating speakers, and countless connections to Music City in just TWO weeks! ⁠ ⁠ One guaranteed highlight: the Southeast Successes panel on Tues. Sept 10, moderated by Hypepotamus editor Maija Ehlinger, highlighting three groundbreaking startups that are reshaping industries and making a real impact.⁠ ⁠ Hypepotamus is the go-to source of startup and technology news, interviews, events, job listings, and resources. The digital publication showcases the founders, students, innovators, companies, and investors who are proud to call the Southeast home.⁠ ⁠ Fueled by the same entrepreneurial spirit that drives those it covers, Hypepotamus generates awareness about the Southeast’s innovation community.⁠ ⁠ 3686 tickets are going quickly, so secure your spot now at https://attend3686.com/ ⁠ #3686fest #LaunchTN #entrepreneur #conference #Nashville

We're excited to announce John E. Derrick will be a panelist at this year's 3686 conference, powered by LaunchTN. The three-day event in Nashville will take place Sept. 9-11 and will feature cutting-edge speaker content, networking meetups, and hundreds of direct connections. Don't miss John's panel "AI for Legacy Industries" on Sept. 10 at 2pm in Cannery Hall. Visit attend3686.com, and use code SPEAK3686 for $50 off your purchase. Hope to see you there! #3686fest #AI #panel #nashville

InvestTN made an investment into a Nashville-based company, Clear Health.⁠ ⁠ Clear Health enables hospitals to automatically generate global, GFE compliant (Phase 1-3), price estimates for patients prior to receiving care, enhancing transparency and providing clarity on patients' financial obligations. ⁠ ⁠ These estimates are conveniently delivered to the patient's mobile device, empowering them to make informed decisions and save money by paying in advance.⁠ ⁠ "Thanks to LaunchTN's strategic investment, Clear Health is positioned to unlock new avenues for product development and automation. This valuable partnership enables us to support providers in helping patients better understand their out-of-pocket expenses and providing them with a level of transparency that ensures comfort and confidence." — Blake Stevenson, Co-Founder of Clear Health⁠ ⁠ Find more at https://lnkd.in/ewJNCjzA⁠ ⁠ #LaunchTN #InvestTN #Tennessee #NashvilleTN

Don’t miss the next Southeast Capital Call on August 27, 2024!⁠ ⁠ Our featured presentation will be “Insights from Washington” with Jonas Murphy of the National Venture Capital Association. ⁠ ⁠ Jonas will detail policy shifts that may be on the horizon, particularly as we draw closer to a new administration in Washington. Jonas serves as Director of Government Affairs at NVCA. He works on various policy initiatives that impact the U.S. venture ecosystem and manages the NVCA Political Action Committee.⁠ ⁠ There will be plenty of opportunity for virtual networking, as well! ⁠ ⁠ Learn more & RSVP at https://lnkd.in/e6RaS8XA ⁠ #dealflow #LaunchTN #SECC #Investors #TNInvestors

Join us at 3686 for a panel discussion on how to go global with opportunities for expansion, collaboration and research partnerships outside the U.S. Panelists include: — Elizabeth Reid, Consul & Senior Trade Commissioner, Consulate General of Canada Elizabeth is the Consul and Senior Trade Commissioner at the Consulate General of Canada in Atlanta, which covers the states of Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi, and North and South Carolina, and as such is responsible for the trade and investment relationship between Canada and the Southeast United States. She worked in the private sector for the Royal Bank of Canada before joining Global Affairs Canada. — Hanna Yu: Senior Trade & Investment Officer of Technology, UK Department for Business & Trade Hanna is a Senior Trade and Investment Officer of Technology, covering the Southeast United States with a focus on emerging technology clusters including artificial intelligence, IoT, quantum technologies, and cybersecurity. In this role, she identifies export opportunities in the Southeast U.S. for market-ready UK companies. — Julianne Cox: VP International Development, Invest Northern Ireland Julianne is originally from Ireland but moved to Chicago in 2017 and is Vice President of Business Development for Invest Northern Ireland. Julianne specializes in assisting U.S. companies establish successful operations in Northern Ireland. Moderated by: — Brie Knox: Director of the U.S. Department of Commerce & U.S. Commercial Service Brie works with companies throughout the state to facilitate their export business and expand their global presence. She also collaborates with key stakeholders and economic development organizations to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Tennessee. Buy your tickets at https://attend3686.com/ #3686fest #LaunchTN #entrepreneur #conference #panel #speakerannouncement