Memphis Poised to Become Regional Anchor for Entrepreneurs
A federal agency’s attention to Memphis’ entrepreneurial ecosystem could bring stronger investment and resources for startups. Of the 16 startups that presented, SweetBio, LendMed, MyCollegeSTREAM and FrontDeskConnect were selected to be fellows in the DRA’s Delta Entrepreneurship Network. The DRA was so impressed with the field that it selected four businesses instead the original plan of three, according to Christopher Masingill, DRA’s federal co-chairman. SweetBio is a graduate of Memphis Bioworks’ ZeroTo510 accelerator, and LendMed and MyCollegeSTREAM are graduates of Start Co.’s accelerators. Musistic, also a Start Co. graduate, was selected as an alternate. Read the full article at The Daily News
Memphis-Based Cabsolutely Expands Into Nashville
Cabsolutely, a 2014 graduate of Start Co.’s Upstart accelerator, has reached its first regional market. Now a partner with Nashville-area Kwik Cab, the service platform provides cloud-based dispatch software and an app for cab drivers to better compete with tech-savvy ridesharing platforms. Cabsolutely currently is accepting beta testers for its upcoming passenger app, which will allow smartphone users to hail, pay for and rate a cab experience. It also has partnered in Memphis with Premier Transportation. Read the full article at The Daily News
Local company offers new lending system for the medical industry
To address the ever-increasing costs of heathcare, startup company LendMed may be just what the doctor ordered. “Hospitals can’t always anticipate the specific needs of every patient or afford to keep every medication or surgical device in their inventory,” explained Ryan Freiden, Founder of LendMed. “As a result, hospitals in the United States borrow from one another nearly 50,000 items per week.” Read the full article at High Ground News
Memphis startup simplifies home sales
Homebuyers and real estate agents have a new sales tool at their disposal. In contrast to the traditional real estate model, MLS My Nestintroduces cost-sensitive home sellers to agents in their area who will list their home for a flat fee of $1,500 instead of a percentage commission fee. Co-founded in Memphis by Jessica Buffington and Dustie Zvolanek, in just 60 days their team has expanded to 23 cities, 35 network Realtors(R), 87 listings, with two homes already sold. In high-demand markets, homes are practically selling themselves, so it is often hard for homeowners to justify paying a three percent commission fee to a listing agent. On the other hand, sellers often prefer the benefit of full representation by an agent, which includes the value of an MLS listing that better ensures buyer traffic. Read the full article at High Ground News
Local startup offers style for professional women
If the saying is true — that the clothing makes the man — then Michael Wolf, co-founder of 6figure, believes that adage also holds true for women, especially those in competitive corporate fields. “It takes just seven seconds to create a first impression,” said Wolf. “The highly demanding corporate world necessitates that women project a credible, polished, and professional image daily.” Read the full article at High Ground News
Cabsolutely dodging obstacles in the startup road
With the launch of its ridesharing app in Nashville, Cabsolutely has reached another milestone of expanding into a new city, but the company still has a long way to go. Cabsolutely, an alum of one of Start Co.’s Upstart accelerator, has formed a partnership with Kwik Cab, a Nashville cab company, to provide its cloud-based web-application to the company. Read the full article at Memphis Business Journal
Regional pitch competition launches in Memphis this week
The first of six regional startup pitch competitions will take place this week. Read the full article at Memphis Business Journal
Cabsolutely taps into Nashville market
An alum of one of the Start Co. accelerators is launching in Nashville. Cabsolutely, a cloud-based taxi dispatch and rider app, has formed a partnership with Kwik Cab, a Nashville cab company, clearing the way for Cabsolutely to move into the Nashville market. In 2014, the company formed partnerships with Premier Transportation, Yellow and Checker Cab. Read the full article at Memphis Business Journal
Delta Challenge Kick-off in Memphis
The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) is kicking-off the Delta Challenge on September 18th in Memphis, TN. This event will take place in the heart of Downtown Memphis bringing together entrepreneurs for workshops, networking, keynote speakers, and a pitch competition. Check out the schedule below and register here! Schedule of Events 1:00 PM Workshop Option: Accelerators 101 – Alumni Panel Want to take your startup to the next level? Learn from alumni what an accelerator entails and if it’s the right next step for you. Location: Start Co. (88 Union Ave 2nd Floor) — or — Workshop Option: Brand Strategy Canvas Your brand is a crucial aspect of your company. Learn from the best at archer>malmo on how to create the right brand for your startup. Location: Archer>Malmo (65 Union Ave 5th Floor) 2:00 PM Networking at Start Co. 3:00 PM Workshop Option: Term Sheet Negotiation Are you ready for investment? Not sure what terms you should settle on? Innova and Baker Donelson have put together this phenomenal workshop that will help guide you through term sheets. Location: Start Co. (88 Union Ave 2nd Floor) — or — Workshop Option: Lean Product Development Don’t waste your time building a complete product. The team at archer>malmo will help guide you through product development so you aren’t wasting time and resources on unnecessary features. Location: Archer>Malmo (65 Union Ave 5th Floor) 4:00 PM Delta Challenge Pitch Competition Apply by September 13th to pitch your idea or business model to panel
Startup Preteckt helps keep distribution smooth
Start Co., a venture development group based in Memphis, helps accelerate startup ideas into actual businesses. This think tank incubator helps provide entrepreneurs access to mentors and investors. But the bulk of the work is shouldered by those trying to launch their ideas. Read the full article at High Ground News