Launch Tennessee periodically publishes essays written by entrepreneurs, investors, and supporters of the startup ecosystem here in Tennessee and across the southeast region, sharing thoughtful and unique observations and perspectives on the business landscape and the challenges they’re encountering. Today on the blog, we are joined by Launch Tennessee’s very own Capital Analyst. Post By:…

The first C-Suite hire to manage organization’s investment portfolio, Villa will lead investments in Tennessee early-stage companies NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 22, 2022) – Launch Tennessee, a public-private partnership guided by a vision of making Tennessee the most startup-friendly state in the nation, has hired Monique Villa as the organization’s first Chief Investment Officer. In this…

After a conversation about difficult communication, Possip founder Shani Dowell created an easy, survey-based method for parents and schools to share info. Today the edtech company is growing — and Dowell has hit a historic milestone. A conversation with her husband lit the spark that led Shani Dowell to Possip. Both educators, the couple were chatting…

Why the entrepreneurs of the future are coming from the margins Backstage Capital founder Arlan Hamilton takes us inside her revolutionary VC and explains why ‘underestimated’ founders are on the cutting edge of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Anyone with their finger on the pulse of the entrepreneurial landscape knows Arlan Hamilton is a force to be reckoned with….

Why Dorm Room Fund invests in student entrepreneurs Entrepreneur and former Dorm Room Fund CEO Rei Wang talks VCs, collaborative creativity, and the need for diversity and community among startups. As the former CEO of First Round Capital’s Dorm Room Fund and founder of startup The Grand, Rei Wang knows the entrepreneurial ecosystem inside and out. Featured in Forbes’ 30…

When it comes to successful startups, Tennessee is quickly becoming one of the country’s most popular points of convergence — particularly in the tech sector. Part of that is due to the work we’re doing at LaunchTN. We’re dedicated to helping high-growth-potential businesses across the state navigate what is often a complicated entrepreneurial ecosystem. Our vision…

Launch Tennessee periodically publishes essays written by entrepreneurs, investors, and supporters of the startup ecosystem here in Tennessee and across the southeast region, sharing thoughtful and unique observations and perspectives on the business landscape and the challenges they’re encountering. Today on the blog, we are joined by Launch Tennessee’s very own Capital Analyst. To view…

Our BuildTN Fellows program is for undergrad/graduate students who have an interest in the VC industry. Our Fellows spend real time working up close with VCs and Founders over the course of a semester and are eligible for college credit. Fellows conduct market research on a chosen industry vertical, taking on the role of domain…