We spoke with Morgan Beam, Launch Tennessee’s Data & Development Coordinator, about how this platform is improving ecosystem connectivity and supporting founders across the state.
Startup Tennessee, powered by EcoMap, serves as the digital front door to Tennessee’s startup ecosystem. We spoke with Morgan Beam, Launch Tennessee’s Data & Development Coordinator, about how this platform is improving ecosystem connectivity and supporting founders across the state.
How has Startup Tennessee connected resources from 95 counties in Tennessee?
Morgan: While we’re still in the early stages of introducing Startup Tennessee to founders, we’ve seen an unexpected and exciting development. Many ecosystem supporters have reached out to us about claiming their organizations or finding ways to collaborate. This enthusiasm really speaks to the kind of ecosystem we’re trying to build, aiming to put as many resources as possible in front of founders.
How has Startup Tennessee increased founders’ ability to access capital?
Morgan: Our primary focus has been showing founders what’s available to them. EcoMap’s platform has been instrumental in this effort, creating easy access to resources for the founders we serve. We recently had a founder share that fundraising was one of the most challenging experiences of their life. Our goal is to make this process as easy and stress-free as possible for founders. By democratizing access to capital, we’re working to break down the barriers often associated with “who you know.” Startup Tennessee provides a comprehensive view of available resources, simplifying the fundraising journey for founders.
What are some of the ways you promote the Startup Tennessee platform?
Morgan: We’re working to integrate Startup Tennessee into our existing marketing and communications strategies. For example, we regularly feature Startup Tennessee links in our newsletter, highlighting programs and events like our annual 3686 conference. This encourages our newsletter subscribers to explore the platform and reinforces its role as the central hub for Tennessee’s entrepreneurial resources. During this year’s 3686 conference, we displayed digital slides directing attendees to Startup Tennessee, continuing to raise awareness. These efforts have helped us to orient our founders to the platform and we’re looking to build on these interactions to reach even more founders in the future.
Can you share your experience working with EcoMap?
Morgan: Working with EcoMap has been a great experience, particularly due to its collaborative nature, not just in Tennessee but also with other EcoMap customers who have similar initiatives. This has created a community where we can share best practices and get to know each other better. We’ve really enjoyed being part of this broader network of ecosystem builders.
Through Startup Tennessee, the Launch Tennessee team continues to fulfill its mission of providing capital, connections, and commercialization opportunities to startups across the state. By leveraging EcoMap’s technology, they’re creating a more connected and accessible ecosystem for Tennessee’s entrepreneurs.