Southern Series shows depth, breadth of regional talent
We’re just a few weeks out from 36|86, Launch Tennessee’s signature conference, and if our recently completed Southern Series is any indication, the sheer volume of talent headed to Music City will be unlike anything we’ve seen before.
The Southern Series was imagined as a run-up of sorts to 36|86, a chance for the Launch Tennessee team to pair early-stage companies with investors and other supporters during events in Atlanta; Arlington, Va.; and Columbia, S.C. Ten startups were selected to pitch at each event, and they’ll also bring their mojo to 36|86 for a shot at the grand prize of $36,000 and other prizes.
Just as it is for the overall 36|86 event, the mission of the Southern Series is to shine a light on the unique blend of Southeastern innovation and culture. We want to bring more awareness and opportunity to the Southeast’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
In so doing, we bring in national media, investors and thought leaders to see what our state and regional entrepreneurs are up to. It all leads to more awareness of these dynamic startups, and gives them a bigger platform for networking and capital generation.
What we found in each city was a thriving entrepreneurial market with a lot of synergy between startups and their supporters. The companies we chose to pitch did an outstanding job, and we predict great things when they come to Nashville in June. All of the featured startups at 36|86 will have the opportunity to hear from and network with leading investors, entrepreneurs and media representatives from Tennessee, the Southeast and the nation. This sets them up for even more success as they hone their pitches to maximize impact.
Another common element was the positive feedback about LaunchTN, 36|86 and Tennessee. There’s a lot of interest in our programs, the startup community in Nashville and the rest of the state.
It’s more than just the talent and innovation that we’re nurturing in Tennessee. For the investors in California and New York City we have visited over the past two months, it’s the fact that 36|86 provides them with a really efficient way to see multiple companies from Southeastern states. So while the Southern Series takes place outside our state, it brings the focus — and the national investors and media — right back here. It also helps grow the already-strong interest in 36|86, pulling in an even wider variety of participants and spectators.
Combined, the Southern Series and 36|86 are an entrepreneurial showcase that lifts Nashville, Tennessee and the entire region. It’s a national platform, and in Music City we know how to work a stage. When we start talking about innovation around here, people around the country aren’t just listening — they want to be in the room and hear it for themselves. With the Southern Series, along with plans we’re working on for even more promotional events, we’re making sure that 36|86 puts Nashville and Tennessee on the map when it comes to showcasing and capitalizing on Southern entrepreneurship and culture.
Our latest speaker commitments include the CTO of Warby Parker and the East Coast general manager and communications team member from Uber. They join Kevin and Julia Hartz, co-founders of Eventbrite, as well as and leading investors, entrepreneurs and media representatives. Get your tickets today at www.thirtysixeightysix.com.
Charlie Brock is CEO of Launch Tennessee (www.launchtn.org), a public-private partnership focused on supporting the development of high-growth companies in Tennessee with the ultimate goal of making Tennessee the No. 1 place in the Southeast for entrepreneurs to start and grow a company. For more information on LaunchTN’s flagship event, 36|86, visit www.thirtysixeightysix.com.