LaunchTN seeking proposals to manage new industry mentor programs in FinTech and consumer products
Launch Tennessee (LaunchTN) has opened a call for Network Partners to run programming for two new industry verticals: financial technology (FinTech) and consumer products.
The expansion, which will increase the industry sector-focused effort by 50 percent, is made possible by $2 million in grant funding that the statewide organization received under the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s “Build to Scale” program (see teknovation.biz article here). The existing industry sectors are in advanced energy, agriculture technology, automotive and mobility, and life sciences. With the additional funding, LaunchTN will be able to focus on furthering the development of Tennessee-based early stage companies in these fast-growing sectors.
“The addition of FinTech and Consumer Product Network Partners will allow us to reach even more Tennessee-based start-ups with our proven model,” said Lindsey Cox, Chief Executive Officer of LaunchTN. “These sectors represent industries instrumental to the continued growth of Tennessee’s economy. We look forward to finding partners who can help us support founders as they seek to commercialize technology and products, attract investment capital, and build innovative companies with high-growth, high-wage jobs.”
The Industry Network Partners are responsible for running a sector-specific Mentor Network program that helps early stage companies address potential gaps in key areas such as marketing plan, financial model and projections, intellectual property, and financing. Industry Network Partners also use their industry connections for activities that spur commercialization, including by supporting successful Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer applications.
Applicants for either of the new verticals should be a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization which could include industry associations, universities and research institutions, and service organizations. Applicants should be based in Tennessee and have unique experience in the financial technology or consumer products sector in addition to a deep understanding of the greater Tennessee entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Qualified parties can learn more about the Industry Network Partners and apply here.
LaunchTN will also hold two informational sessions where interested parties can ask questions about the application. These sessions will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. CST on November 21 and also at the same time on December 19. Registration information can be found here.
