#147: Why Tennessee Volunteered To Be The Next Home for Startups

In the last decade, the cities of Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis, and Nashville have grown Tennesse tech tremendously, attracting skilled talent, founders, and investors from across the country. Today, we talk with a CEO of a public-private partnership with Entrepreneur Centers in seven regions across the state focused on connecting and nurturing innovative startups, and tight-knit communities—mixed with a healthy dose of Southern hospitality—that has become a secret weapon on their journey toward startup success. On today's episode of the Powderkeg Podcast, we're talking with Van Tucker, CEO at Venture Capital Firm, Launch Tennessee. As CEO, Van Tucker supports the mission and vision of making Tennessee the best state in the nation for startups by empowering a network of resources. Before joining LaunchTN in early 2020, Tucker served as founding CEO of the Nashville Fashion Alliance, a trade organization that raised international awareness of its $6B economic impact. Before that, Van was a cofounder of Avenue Bank as Chief Creative Officer, responsible for award-winning brand development. Tune in to hear more! In this episode with Van Tucker, you’ll learn: --- How the Volunteer State is creating the next wave of entrepreneurs --- The best ways to show support for underrepresented founders --- What makes Tennessee Tech special for incoming talent --- More on this year’s 36|86 Festival hosted by Launch Tennessee --- Van’s greatest vision for entrepreneurship and startups in Tennessee Figuring out your next career move doesn’t have to be so stressful. So why not try Powderkeg Matches? By joining Matches, you’re joining a community of thousands of top professionals in the Powderkeg community to get connected with outstanding people at the hottest tech companies between the coasts. Get matched with great employers, land your next major opportunity, and get started today! Please enjoy this conversation with Van Tucker! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.