Discover the top startup incubators in Tennessee helping to launch successful businesses with our comprehensive list. Find the support your venture needs!
The Tennessee startup ecosystem is alive and well, thanks to many specialized incubators. These incubators are there for all sorts of businesses, from healthcare technology to farming. They offer startups funding, advice, a place to work, and chances to meet others.
These business incubators do a lot for economic growth. They play a big part in making Tennessee's business community strong.
Jumpstart Foundry is all in on changing healthcare with new tech. It offers the support and resources needed to make healthcare smarter and easier to get to.
Jumpstart Foundry calls Nashville, Tennessee, home. It has been a big help in bringing new health ideas to life since 2010. The accelerator has helped over 132 companies by giving them $150,000 each to succeed in health tech3.
Jumpstart Foundry focuses on several important health tech areas. These include:
This focus helps spawn startups that improve health care through automation, better care teamwork, and cutting-edge diagnostic tools. You can find out more about these innovations here3.
In 2010, Marcus Whitney, Scott Kozicki, Townes Duncan, and Vic Gatto started Jumpstart Foundry. They wanted to create a place where healthcare startups could get the help and funding they needed. Their knowledge and dream have made the accelerator a key player in the health tech world.
Jumpstart Foundry is serious about pushing healthcare forward. It has made 90 investments and seen five startups successfully exit. This has attracted a lot of attention and money from venture capitalists into health technology. It's helping these companies grow and develop.
Its unique strategy and strong connections in the industry lead to big steps forward in health tech. This confirms Jumpstart Foundry's place as a top name in the field.
ZeroTo510 was started in 2012 by Allan Daisely and Jan Bouten in Memphis, Tennessee. It's a special program that helps medical device startups grow. The program is known for pushing forward healthcare innovation and giving entrepreneurs great advice.
Over the years, ZeroTo510 has earned a top-notch name for sparking new ideas in healthcare. Through a 15-week course, they offer lots of support and tools to startups. This helps young businesses figure out how to develop their products and meet regulatory standards, laying the groundwork for their success.
What makes ZeroTo510 stand out is its personalized learning path, which comes with mentoring and chances to get funding. Startups get to meet industry experts and potential backers. They also get to take part in workshops and networking events. This helps them turn their creative ideas into products ready for the market.
"We provide a platform that accelerates the journey from concept to commercialization, ensuring our startups are well-equipped to impact the healthcare landscape positively." — Founders of ZeroTo510
ZeroTo510 is known among health incubators and accelerators for its key role in nurturing innovation by offering resources, advice, and support. You can learn more about ZeroTo510 and such programs here4.
Since beginning, ZeroTo510 has invested in 27 medical device startups. Many have gone on to get more funds and breakthrough in the market. Thanks to its focus on mentorship, ZeroTo510 boosts the potential of new healthcare solutions. This approach is similar to other leading accelerators in the U.S., like CO.LAB Sustainable Mobility Accelerator in Chattanooga that offers $20,000 to startups4.
ZeroTo510 is a prime example of how targeted support and resources can drive progress in healthcare tech. It helps prepare the future innovators of medical devices.
Start Co. stands out in helping technology startups grow and sparking innovation in business. It was started in 2008 by Andre Fowlkes and Eric Mathews. This company plays a big role in launching new tech and supporting entrepreneurs on their journey.
Start Co. actively supports tech startups by offering resources and advice. It aims at business innovation and has helped many companies. Start Co. makes a big difference by being involved in entrepreneurial activities in Tennessee. This includes networking, startup competitions, and shared workspaces.
Start Co. mainly focuses on technology but also dips into other innovative areas. It has a rich background in software, data analytics, and consumer tech. This offers a wide range of support for startups in these fields.
Andre Fowlkes and Eric Mathews founded Start Co. in 2008. Since then, it has supported 25 tech startup investments. Their work in business innovation is key to the growth of tech ventures in and outside the region. Start Co.'s help is crucial for startups in their early stages.
In Nashville, also known as Music City, Start Co. is part of a vibrant startup scene. This city is full of networking groups, entrepreneurial events, and co-working spaces. These resources support growth and innovation in the area. You can learn more about this supportive community here5.
Project Music is a creative effort in Nashville, Tennessee, helping music and entertainment startups grow. It's part of the Nashville Entrepreneur Center and offers lots of help to speed up growth in this area.
This program helps music entrepreneurs by giving them important tools and advice. It's known for being tough but also rewarding, helping startups improve their business plans and reach more people. Thanks to Nashville's rich music history and strong business environment, Project Music stands out as a source of new ideas in the industry. ecosystem6.
Project Music focuses on the music and entertainment industries, offering support that meets their special needs. This has led to many successes and produced graduates who have deeply impacted the startup scene in music.
The program lasts for 52 weeks, providing deep support and growth opportunities for a full year. It has led to 18 investments and one major success story, showing it's really making a difference. This success helps the whole entertainment business scene in Nashville grow7.
Nashville's vibrant business community promotes growth in many fields, including music, healthcare, and digital media. With help from Launch Tennessee and the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, startups get mentoring, funding, and educational events6. These initiatives have helped over 2,225 startups so far, boosting the music and entertainment industries6.
Lamp Post Group has been essential in kick-starting new businesses since 2010. It focuses on tech startups, offering them strong venture capital support. Their dedication helps these new ventures thrive.
Founded by Barry Large, Jack Studer, and others, Lamp Post Group supports tech startups. It has fostered an environment where new businesses can grow. This includes backing initiatives like GIGTANK and the CoLab Accelerator.
With 13 investments and two major exits, the group shows its strong commitment. They are dedicated to nurturing startups and investing in new ideas.
Lamp Post Group focuses on the tech industry, aiming to improve the digital world. It's key in driving innovation by providing resources and mentorship. Their programs help tech startups speed up their growth.
Barry Large and his co-founders started Lamp Post Group to boost startup growth. Since 2010, they've built a strong foundation for new businesses. Their work ensures ongoing support for emerging ventures.
The Group celebrates 13 investments and two major exits, showing their success in the tech world. Their efforts have reached over 500 million people, showcasing their impact. They've made a mark in high-profile media outlets like the New York Times.
An analysis by a special Task Force calls for more investment in tech startups8. It suggests forming a partnership between the private and public sectors. The goal is to foster innovation and digital growth.
The Task Force emphasizes the need for practical tech demonstrations and strong leadership9. It recommends a unified approach to direct strategic initiatives. Lamp Post Group's goal is to make Chattanooga a center for digital innovation.
For insights into Chattanooga's tech startup scene, see the Kauffman case study. It details the significant uplift in the local tech industry.
The Epicenter Logistics Innovation Accelerator is a leader in pushing logistics tech forward. It gives startups in areas like AI, Data, and Healthcare Tech the tools they need. With key funding, help, and the chance to meet the right people, it's making a big difference.
Startups from all over the world, like Germany, Sweden, and Brazil, join Epicenter.They come from many places, showing Epicenter's wide reach in logistics10. This mix helps tackle logistics problems worldwide.
Epicenter has put money into ten startups, helping them grow. These businesses vary in size, from small teams to large companies with thousands of workers10. Each investment shows Epicenter's commitment to advancing logistics tech.
The Midwest, with its many big companies, makes a great spot for startups thanks to Epicenter11. This area draws talent from around the globe, offering resources and connections11.
Epicenter merges financial backing, helpful programs, and networking. This boosts innovation in logistics tech, making the industry stronger.
The AgLaunch Accelerator is changing the way we think about farming and food. It's located in Memphis, Tennessee. This incubator works with Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). They aim to bring new ideas in farming technology and sustainable practices to life1213.
AgLaunch runs a 5-week program for agricultural startups and farmers. They invest $50,000 and provide three months of business help to six startups. The Summer of Acceleration experience happens in Memphis12. This program is known for helping startups grow and develop further.
The AgLaunch Accelerator focuses on AgTech, food, and agriculture. It blends new tech with traditional farming methods. Being part of IN2 allows AgLaunch to support startups from early development to market readiness13.
The 5-week program AgLaunch offers is planned to spark innovation and success. Startups get to work with IN2 and NREL, gaining access to funding and competition exposure13. The effectiveness of AgLaunch is seen in the growth of small businesses and entrepreneurship in the U.S12.
In 2021, Brickyard quickly became a key player in early-stage investments. Located in Chattanooga, this business incubator doesn't focus on just one industry. It aims to build strong connections between investors and entrepreneurs with big ideas.
Allan Davis, Barry Large, Cameron Doody, Matt Patterson, and Ted Alling created Brickyard to help investors and founders succeed together. It has 14,000 square feet of space and can host up to 25 startups14. This space supports new ventures and helps young companies grow by providing a cooperative environment.
Brickyard invests across a wide range of fields such as logistics, marketplaces, SaaS, and more14. They avoid the healthcare and hardware sectors because of the long time it takes to sell and update products14.
A team of experienced entrepreneurs founded Brickyard. They wanted to create a place where startup founders could find early-stage investment and support. Their efforts help fund 20% of new ventures in Chattanooga each year, making the local market thriving and dynamic15.
Brickyard has agreed to invest in 15 startups out of 16 offers14. They've chosen diverse companies like REPOWR, Krepling, Joon, and Coast from different tech sectors. On average, each company received $150,000. These investments have helped raise an additional $40 million, boosting their value to near $200 million14. Soon, Brickyard aims to raise a $12 million fund from local sources to support the community and startup scene even more14.
This guide offers valuable information for Tennessee entrepreneurs. It gives a detailed list of startup incubators across the state. Tennessee is known for endorsing startup ventures. It hosts many incubators to meet the varied needs of upcoming business owners.
In Middle Tennessee, there are nine startup incubators16. Thirteen are found in East Tennessee, and West Tennessee has eleven16. In all, Tennessee proudly has thirty-three startup incubators16. This shows the state's dedication to creating a strong entrepreneurial environment16.
The Tennessee Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) are a big part of this list, with sixteen locations16. These centers offer mentorship, resources, and training to support startups. Interestingly, the Nashville Business Incubation Center has a female CEO16. The Chattanooga Center (ChSCC) is led by an African-American CEO16. This reflects the leadership diversity within Tennessee's startup community.
Memphis has eight incubators16. Nashville has five16, while Chattanooga supports six16, and Knoxville has three16. Other cities with key incubators include Johnson City, Jackson, and more16. Seven incubators are connected to universities. This links academic research directly with business practices16.
East Tennessee's startup environment is boosted by events like Innov865 Week17. It brings together startups and the community for learning and networking17. In Nashville, the Innov865 Entrepreneurship Festival encourages entrepreneur growth17.
Nashville has a big economic role, with over 40,000 businesses generating $62 billion locally18. Sectors like healthcare and entertainment contribute majorly. The Nashville Entrepreneur Center is key in supporting startups of different stages18. The Greater Nashville Technology Council and EO Nashville are crucial for tech and entrepreneurial growth in Middle Tennessee18.
This list of startup incubators shows the vast resources for Tennessee entrepreneurs. It highlights the broad support network aiming for the success of various startups across the state.
Founded in 2010, the Nashville Entrepreneur Center boosts visionaries in music, entertainment, and healthcare. It's a non-profit that helps entrepreneurs grow at all business stages. They offer essential resources and advice for achieving success.
The Nashville Entrepreneur Center launched the Twendé cohort program, helping minority businesses. It provides connections, curriculum, resources, coaching, and mentorship to 56 leaders. This effort aims to boost startup development and improve diversity within the business world19.
It prioritizes music, entertainment, and healthcare. Each field gets custom support for faster growth. Entrepreneurs gain access to specialized resources and connections to expand their businesses.
The center runs a 48-week program focused on business acceleration. This long-term support lets participants fully benefit from the curriculum and mentoring. The initiative has led to startups making money and creating jobs in Tennessee19.
The Nashville Entrepreneur Center plays a key role in the area's business scene. It helps startups grow in various fields. With a focus on diversity, it ensures minority founders get the help and resources needed for success.
Tennessee is known for its strong support for new businesses. It has innovation hubs in many fields like health, tech, farming, and entertainment. The Knoxville Entrepreneur Center is gearing up for its Demo Day. This event is a big chance for startups to meet mentors and industry leaders20.
Big names like Y Combinator have created $600 billion worth of startup value. 500 Startups has helped projects in 60 countries20. Plug and Play Tech Center raised over $9 billion for its companies, showing the value of these programs20. Knoxville is standing out with the University of Tennessee Research Foundation. It has built over 50 companies and raised lots of money21.
Knoxville was declared one of the most budget-friendly cities in 2016. It also holds important events like Innov865 Week21. With various incubators like Jumpstart Foundry, and others, the state offers a strong setup for startups. MassChallenge and AngelPad show how successful these efforts can be, raising billions and helping many startups grow20. Tennessee is a place filled with opportunities for ambitious entrepreneurs.
The Tennessee startup ecosystem is a vibrant community. It includes business incubators, accelerators, and venture capital firms. They support entrepreneurs in industries like healthcare, agribusiness, and entertainment.
In Tennessee, business incubators offer important help. This includes funding, mentorship, office space, and chances to network. Their goal is to help entrepreneurs grow their innovative ideas into successful businesses.
Jumpstart Foundry focuses on the healthcare sector, offering tools for smarter healthcare. It supports sectors like HealthTech and Diagnostic Devices. Since starting in 2010, it has made 90 investments, leading to five successful exits.
ZeroTo510 specializes in medical devices through a 15-week accelerator program. Started in 2012, it boasts 27 investments. It's a strong platform for medical startups to grow in the health industry.
Start Co. is all about technology and supporting early innovations. Founded in 2008, they have helped with 25 investments. They guide clients through the tech world effectively.
Project Music offers a year-long program for those in music and entertainment. With 18 investments and an exit, it provides tools to thrive in a tough industry.
Lamp Post Group, started in 2010, supports tech startups. With 13 investments and two exits, it nurtures new tech ventures.
The Epicenter focuses on AI, Data, FinTech, Healthcare Tech, and Logistics. It offers funding, programming, and networking to boost logistics startups.
AgLaunch Accelerator champions innovation in AgTech and agriculture. Its 5-week program, with three investments, aims to meet modern farming needs.
Brickyard, started in 2021, connects early-stage investors and founders. It is open to all industries and has made two investments, focusing on building strong foundations for businesses.
Since 2010, the Nashville Entrepreneur Center supports dreamers in Music, Entertainment, and Healthcare. With a 48-week program and one investment, it offers vast support to entrepreneurs at different business stages.
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