List Of Major Startups Events In Tennessee
Tennessee has become a thriving hub for entrepreneurship, offering numerous events that connect startups with resources, investors, and fellow innovators. From Nashville to Knoxville, these gatherings provide valuable opportunities for networking, learning, and growth in the local business ecosystem. Startup events in Nashville and across Tennessee give entrepreneurs access to mentorship programs, funding opportunities, and essential connections needed to scale their businesses.
The state's commitment to fostering new business development is evident through its regular schedule of conferences, workshops, and pitch competitions designed specifically for early-stage companies. These events cater to various industries and startup stages, making them relevant for entrepreneurs at any point in their business journey. Many of these Tennessee business gatherings are organized by established institutions like the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, which consistently delivers high-quality programming for the startup community.
1) Nashville Entrepreneur Center Workshops
The Nashville Entrepreneur Center (EC) hosts many events for startups and business founders throughout the year. These workshops provide valuable knowledge and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs at all stages.
One popular workshop is the Capital Sessions: Build To Raise, which helps founders learn how to structure their startups and split equity properly before seeking investment. This practical workshop is scheduled for June 26, 2025.
The EC has been helping businesses since 2010 as a non-profit organization. Their main goal is to connect entrepreneurs with critical resources needed to create, launch, and grow successful companies.
Workshops often take place at their headquarters located at 41 Peabody Street in Nashville. The center serves over 850 alumni and has more than 450 members who benefit from their programs.
Events typically include hands-on learning, expert speakers, and chances to meet potential investors. Many workshops focus on specific business challenges like funding, marketing, and legal issues.
To stay updated on upcoming workshops, entrepreneurs can sign up for newsletters or check the EC website regularly for the latest events.
2) Startup TN Tech Networking Events
Tennessee offers several tech networking events for startup founders looking to connect with peers and investors. These events create opportunities to build relationships that can help your business grow.
Startup Tennessee powered by LaunchTN provides resources and events for founders across all 95 counties in the state. Their platform aggregates information about programs that support new businesses and entrepreneurs.
Nashville hosts regular meetups where tech entrepreneurs can share ideas and collaborate. The Nashville Startup Traction & Funding Network organizes free events throughout the year focused on building great startups and strengthening the local ecosystem.
TECHSPO is a key event where product testing, networking, and hands-on interaction happen. This complements the theoretical aspects covered in tech conferences.
These networking events typically include workshops, pitch sessions, and mentoring opportunities. They allow startup founders to learn from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts.
Many events feature local success stories and provide platforms for startups to showcase their products or services to potential investors and partners.
3) Tennessee Pitch Competition
Tennessee hosts several major pitch competitions that give startups valuable exposure and funding opportunities. These events attract entrepreneurs from across the state and beyond.
The annual Fly Pitch Competition at UTC provides a platform for student entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas and business models. This university-backed event helps nurture the next generation of business leaders.
Entrepreneurs can compete for significant cash prizes at the Start Here Pitch Competition organized by The Biz Foundry. The event welcomes participants from local, regional, and even national locations.
The 3686 Entrepreneurship Festival features a prominent startup pitch competition. At its 10th annual event, five Tennessee companies pitched their ideas to top venture capitalists, creating direct connections with potential investors.
Sloss.Tech/Ideas Pitch Competition recently featured three Tennessee startups among its 16 finalists. This inaugural event offered $75,000 in prize money to winners.
Nashville will host the 2025 ViVE Event featuring a startup pitch competition focused on healthcare innovation. The event is scheduled for February 16-19, 2025.
4) Music Industry Startup Expo Nashville
The Music Industry Startup Expo Nashville happens every summer at the Nashville Music City Center. This event brings together tech innovators and music industry professionals to showcase new technologies in the music business.
Startups can present their products to potential investors and partners. The expo features pitch competitions with cash prizes for the most promising music tech innovations.
Nashville's position as a music and entertainment top industry makes it the perfect location for this specialized event. Local and international attendees network and form valuable business connections.
The expo includes workshops on music copyright, streaming technology, and artist management tools. These sessions help startups understand the unique challenges of the music industry landscape.
Former Universal Music Group artists and independent music storytellers often participate as speakers or mentors. Their insights provide real-world guidance for new ventures.
Registration typically opens three months before the event. Early-bird tickets offer significant discounts for startup founders and small businesses.
5) Nashville Venture Capital Forum
The Nashville Venture Capital Forum connects entrepreneurs with potential investors in Tennessee. It provides a platform for startups to pitch their ideas and for venture capitalists to discover promising new businesses.
This annual event typically features panel discussions, networking sessions, and one-on-one meetings between founders and investors. The forum attracts both local and out-of-state VC firms looking to invest in Tennessee's growing startup ecosystem.
Startups can connect with investors in Nashville and beyond through structured pitch sessions. These opportunities allow new companies to gain visibility and potentially secure funding for their ventures.
The forum is part of Tennessee's broader effort to empower innovators across the state by providing capital, commercialization support, and valuable connections. It serves as a critical link in Nashville's startup funding pipeline.
For 2025, the forum will include sessions on angel investing, featuring experts like Haley Zapolski, Peter Swan, and Tommy Jacobs. These sessions offer valuable insights for both startups seeking funding and individuals interested in becoming investors.
Attendance at the Nashville Venture Capital Forum is essential for any Tennessee startup looking to raise capital and expand their business network.
6) Knoxville Startup Week
Knoxville Startup Week is a key part of the city's efforts to grow a sustainable startup economy in the region. This event brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders to share ideas and build connections.
The event typically includes pitch competitions, educational panels, and networking opportunities. These activities help new businesses gain visibility and connect with potential investors.
Knoxville Startup Week is often held in conjunction with Innov865 Week, a weeklong celebration of entrepreneurship in East Tennessee. The combined events create a powerful platform for startup visibility.
Many sessions take place at the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, located in Market Square. This central location makes it easy for attendees to participate in multiple events.
For startups looking to gain traction in the Tennessee market, this event provides valuable exposure. Business owners can showcase their products and services to a targeted audience of investors and industry professionals.
The next Knoxville business event calendar includes several networking opportunities planned for June 2025. These events offer additional chances to connect with the local business community.
7) Tennessee Innovation Summit
The Tennessee Innovation Summit is a key event in the state's startup ecosystem. This gathering brings entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders together to share ideas and build connections.
The 2024 in-person Summit details are now available, featuring keynote speakers Nancy Giordano and Jorge Valenzuela. The event will take place at Music City Center in Nashville, offering various learning sessions for attendees.
Looking ahead, the 2025 Nashville Innovation Summit is scheduled for August 14-15, 2025. This event promises to be a valuable opportunity for startups to network and learn from experts in their fields.
Parking can be a challenge at these large events. Organizers recommend carpooling for discounts, making attendance more affordable for startup teams with limited budgets.
The Summit aligns with Tennessee's broader mission to foster innovation. It serves as a platform for showcasing new technologies, business models, and entrepreneurial talent across the state.
8) Nashville Fundraising Bootcamp
Nashville Fundraising Bootcamp is a two-day intensive program that helps Tennessee startups learn how to raise capital. The bootcamp typically runs quarterly and features experienced investors and successful founders who share practical advice.
Participants get hands-on training in creating pitch decks, financial projections, and valuation models. They also practice their pitches and receive feedback from real investors.
The bootcamp includes startup mentorship programs in Nashville that continue after the main event. These mentorship relationships often lead to introductions to potential investors.
One of the most valuable aspects is the opportunity to connect with investors in Nashville and beyond through organized networking sessions. Many past participants have secured funding within months of attending.
The registration fee includes all materials, meals during the event, and follow-up sessions. Early-bird pricing offers a significant discount for those who register at least one month in advance.
Space is limited to 30 startups per bootcamp to ensure personalized attention. Applications open approximately two months before each event.
9) Tennessee Startup Mentorship Program
The LaunchTN Industry Partners program connects Tennessee startups with experienced industry experts across multiple sectors. These include life sciences, energy, agriculture, mobility, consumer packaged goods, and fintech.
This program is free for startups throughout all 95 counties in Tennessee. It helps new businesses gain valuable insights from established professionals who understand their specific industry challenges.
Entrepreneurs can access personalized guidance to help overcome obstacles in their growth journey. The mentors provide practical advice based on real-world experience rather than theoretical concepts.
The program is part of a broader effort by Startup Tennessee resources to support the entrepreneurial ecosystem across the state. Participants can attend regular mentoring sessions either virtually or in person.
Startups interested in joining must complete an application process. Selection criteria focus on growth potential and commitment to building businesses in Tennessee.
The mentorship relationships often continue beyond the formal program period. Many participants report ongoing connections with their mentors that prove valuable throughout different stages of business development.
10) Knoxville Business Accelerator Events
Knoxville offers several key accelerator events for startups looking to grow their businesses in Tennessee. The most notable is THE WORKS Startup Accelerator 2025 run by Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, providing mentorship and resources for early-stage companies.
The 865 Fest happens on September 16, 2025, featuring two premier pitch competitions where startups can showcase their ideas to potential investors. This full-day event also includes keynote speakers and breakout sessions focused on entrepreneurial growth.
Small business owners can attend monthly troubleshooting sessions hosted by the Knoxville Chamber. These sessions occur every first Wednesday at 8:30 AM and help entrepreneurs overcome growth challenges by connecting them with experienced business leaders.
Knoxville's entrepreneurial ecosystem aims to establish the region as a premier hub for innovation and startups. The community actively supports new businesses through networking events and accelerator programs.
Inflection Point Capital events provide opportunities for startups to connect with potential investors. These gatherings help new businesses secure the funding needed to scale operations and expand their market reach.
Economic Impact of Startup Events in Tennessee
Startup events in Tennessee drive significant economic value through new business formation, job creation, and increased investment activity in the region.
Boosting Local Innovation Ecosystems
Startup events like 3686 conference in Nashville create immediate economic benefits for host cities. These gatherings bring hundreds of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts to Tennessee communities, filling hotels, restaurants, and local businesses.
The economic ripple effect extends beyond event days. When startups secure funding at these events, they often establish or expand operations in Tennessee. LaunchTN reports that startups participating in their programs have raised over $400 million in capital and created thousands of jobs statewide.
Events like Startup Mountain Summit in Eastern Tennessee have helped transform Johnson City into a budding hub for startups. This growth attracts investment dollars that would otherwise flow to traditional tech centers like San Francisco or New York.
Supporting Workforce Development
Tennessee startup events directly impact the state's talent pipeline. These gatherings connect job seekers with emerging companies, helping to retain skilled workers who might otherwise leave for opportunities elsewhere.
Programs featured at these events often include workforce training initiatives. Technical workshops, coding bootcamps, and mentorship opportunities help Tennesseans develop skills needed for high-growth industries.
The events also strengthen university partnerships. When college students attend startup showcases, they gain exposure to career options within Tennessee's innovation economy. This connection helps reduce "brain drain" and keeps talented graduates in the state.
Many startup events include specialized programming for underrepresented groups, expanding economic opportunity to more diverse communities across all 95 counties in Tennessee.
Networking and Collaboration Opportunities
Tennessee's startup events offer valuable platforms where entrepreneurs can forge meaningful connections and develop strategic partnerships that drive business growth.
Connecting Entrepreneurs and Investors
Nashville's vibrant startup scene hosts several events specifically designed to bring founders and funders together. The Nashville business networking groups organize regular meetups where startups can pitch directly to potential investors. These structured networking sessions often include one-on-one meeting opportunities and dedicated pitch slots.
Knoxville's tech meetups provide similar advantages with a more intimate setting. These gatherings typically feature 30-60 minute networking sessions before and after presentations, giving entrepreneurs ample time to connect with angel investors and venture capitalists.
Memphis hosts quarterly investor matchmaking events where pre-screened startups get direct access to both local and out-of-state funding sources. These events boast a 22% success rate for participating startups securing at least initial funding discussions.
Building Partnerships Across Industries
Cross-industry collaboration forms a cornerstone of Tennessee's startup ecosystem. The state's top startup events excel at bringing together professionals from different sectors, creating unique partnership opportunities.
Chattanooga's Innovation District sponsors monthly cross-pollination events where tech startups meet potential partners from healthcare, manufacturing, and education sectors. These facilitated workshops have led to over 40 formal partnerships in the past year alone.
Nashville's industry-spanning hackathons pair tech startups with established companies facing specific challenges. This collaborative model has generated innovative solutions while creating lasting business relationships.
The Tri-Cities area hosts quarterly "Startup + Corporate" mixers where new ventures can meet representatives from larger companies seeking fresh innovation partnerships. These structured networking sessions include guided introductions based on pre-identified collaboration opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tennessee hosts several major startup events throughout the year that cater to entrepreneurs, investors, and tech innovators. These events provide valuable opportunities for networking, funding, and business growth.
What are the top startup conferences taking place in Tennessee this year?
The 3686 entrepreneurial festival stands as Tennessee's premier startup conference for 2025. This flagship event brings together founders, investors, and industry leaders.
Nashville Entrepreneur Center Workshops occur monthly, offering specialized training on business development, marketing, and funding strategies.
The Music Industry Startup Expo Nashville happens each fall, connecting music-tech startups with industry executives and potential partners.
Can you recommend networking opportunities for tech startups in Tennessee?
Startup TN Tech Networking Events take place quarterly across major Tennessee cities. These gatherings focus on connecting developers, founders, and investors in a relaxed setting.
LaunchTN's resource hub provides information about ongoing networking events throughout Tennessee's 95 counties.
The Nashville Venture Capital Forum hosts bi-monthly meetups where entrepreneurs can connect directly with potential investors.
What are the most anticipated entrepreneur-focused events in Tennessee?
Innov865 Week's Startup Day in Knoxville draws significant attention from entrepreneurs statewide. This event showcases innovative startups and includes pitch competitions with substantial prizes.
The Tennessee Pitch Competition, held twice yearly, attracts founders seeking seed funding and visibility.
Channel Connect 2024 in Nashville (November 17, 2025) ranks as a top trending event for startups according to Crunchbase data.
Where can I find information about startup pitch competitions or investor meetups in Tennessee?
The Tennessee startup funding programs website provides comprehensive listings of upcoming pitch events and investor gatherings throughout the state.
Every.io maintains a regularly updated calendar of Tennessee startup grants and competitions available to new businesses.
Local entrepreneurship centers in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga post monthly schedules of investor meetups on their websites.
What are the key dates for startup and innovation festivals happening in Tennessee?
The Nashville Entrepreneur Week occurs annually in mid-September, featuring workshops, pitch competitions, and keynote speeches from industry leaders.
Innov865 Week typically runs during the third week of September in Knoxville.
The Memphis Innovation Festival takes place in early April, while Chattanooga's Startup Week happens in late October.
How can I get involved or participate in Tennessee's startup events?
Most Tennessee startup events offer registration through their websites or through partner organizations like LaunchTN.
Volunteering opportunities exist for those wanting to network while supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Startups can apply to pitch at competitions through online applications, typically due 4-6 weeks before events.
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