VILLAGE 36 COMPANIES RECEIVE:

• Chance to compete for $50k in total prize money
• $500 travel stipend plus free three nights lodging
• Pitch time on the Main Stage
• Investor speed-dating
• Dedicated exhibit space
• Two complimentary 36|86 conference passes
• Invites to Welcome Party
• Exclusive Village 36 Investor Brunch

TIMELINE QUESTIONS

Q: What are the dates and deadlines I need to know about 36|86?

A: 36|86 is June 4-7, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. Applications are open from January 4 to March 15, 2017, and Village 36 companies will be announced April 6.

ELIGIBILITY QUESTIONS

Q: What industry sectors are eligible to apply?

A: All tech-enabled businesses within these focus areas: Advanced Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Clean Tech, Consumer Products, Digital Media, E-Commerce, Education, Environment, Financial Services, Healthcare IT/Services, Internet of Things, Logistics, Marketing, Mobile, SaaS and Virtual Reality

Q: Are medical devices and/or biopharmaceutical companies eligible?

A: No.

Q: What is the fundraising cut off?

A: $5 Million at the time of application

Q: Does non-equity financing count towards the $5 Million threshold (grants, loans, etc.)?

A: No

Q: Does convertible debt from private investors count toward the $5 Million threshold?

A: Yes

Q: How long can my company have been in business and still qualify as a “startup?”

A: Your company formation date must be no earlier than March 2012.

Q: Where does my company need to be based in order to be eligible for Village 36?

A: Your headquarters (i.e. primary place of business) must be based in one of the following Southeastern states or in Washington, DC: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia.

Q: If I have previously applied or participated in Village 36, can I apply again?

A: Yes, if you fit the eligibility criteria listed in these FAQs.

OTHER RELEVANT QUESTIONS

Q: What criteria are the judges using in reviewing my application?

A: The judges will score your application by considering these areas:

Market – size, current trajectory, scalability, potential for disruption

• Solution – product/market fit
• Model – business model and go-to-market strategy
• Validation / Traction – capital, revenue, customers/users
• Management – the right expertise on the team
• X Factor – this company will be an outstanding representative for the SE region

Q: Why should I want to come to the 36|86 event in Nashville?

A: We will provide unparalleled education, awareness and networking for our entrepreneurs. In addition to pitching on-stage in front of 900+ people for a cash prize, the 36 companies will be part of an investor speed-dating session and have the opportunity to network with some of the country’s and region’s leading venture capital firms. We had 168 investors attend in 2016, representing 100 different firms. The potential media exposure will be terrific, as we had over 30 different media outlets in 2016 and we expect a similar number in 2017.

Q: What prizes are available?

A: A total of $50,000 in cash awards and other prizes

Q: Do these prizes require equity?

A: No, these are cash and in-kind donations awarded to the winners.

Q: What is the stipend for the 36 teams accepted into Village 36 and how/when do we receive it?

A: Each team will receive a $500 check upon arrival in Nashville for the 36|86 conference, as long as LaunchTN has received the company’s Form W-9 in advance. Village companies also have free access to three nights’ lodging (June 4th-6th) for two team members at the Music City Guest House.

More questions? Jill@LaunchTN.org