The Knoxville Entrepreneur Center (KEC), in partnership with Tech 20/20 and LaunchTN, announces Startup Day, a local celebration of entrepreneurship and culture.
The event will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, at The Standard on Jackson Avenue in Downtown Knoxville. The celebration is open to everyone.
Michael Strickland, CEO of Bandit Lights, will kick off the event, which includes 5-minute rapid-fire pitches by the CEO's of 16 new startup companies. In between the pitches will be breaks with local musicians sharing their talents. The program concludes with a time of networking, great food and a mini concert by the Coveralls, a local band.
"The KEC has been a huge success since it opened early this year," said Rhonda Rice, Chairman of the KEC Board. "We have had over 30 companies participate in three directed entrepreneurial programs and countless others have come through the center for mentoring and key support services. Startup Day is our chance to share this activity with the community. "
John Morris, CEO of Tech 20/20 said, "Startup Day is a different kind of event. In the past we have had pitch competitions and venture forums, but this a grand party to celebrate the role of entrepreneurship both in our heritage and our future."
"We are proud to support the KEC and Startup Day," said Charlie Brock, President of LaunchTN. "This event is one of several top-notch events around the state this year that, together, will set Tennessee apart as a destination for people who want to start their companies."
Knoxville Entrepreneur Center (KEC) is an accelerator that provides access to a regionally recognized company development program, an involved network of dedicated capital sources, successful local mentors, and world-class training. It is located at 17 Market Square in Downtown Knoxville, TN.
www.knoxec.com
Tech 20/20 is a Venture Development Organization headquartered in Oak Ridge, TN, with a focus on equipping entrepreneurs, connecting to capital and leveraging regional assets.
www.tech2020.org
Launch Tennessee (LaunchTN) is a public-private partnership focused on supporting the development of high-growth companies in the State of Tennessee with the ultimate goal of fostering job creation and economic growth.
www.launchtn.org