So as we wrap up 2024 and look ahead to the new year, we are spending some time asking people across the Southeast tech ecosystem for their bold predictions about what startups are ready for the spotlight in 2025.
Today, it is all about startups in the Volunteer State.
Tennessee’s startup ecosystem has grown across the state, thanks in large part to LaunchTN and its partner network that works for agriculture technology startups in Memphis to SaaS companies in Knoxville. On top of powering the popular 3686 entrepreneurial conference in Nashville each year, it also provides capital to early-stage startups and venture funds through InvestTN.
As we look ahead to 2025, we asked LaunchTN what startups Hypepotamus readers should keep an eye on. The list includes:
Giggs (Nashville)
Giggs is the only platform dedicated to music industry touring professionals looking to find and fill jobs on the road. It’s the simple way to hire qualified workers and expand professional and personal rolodexes.
Founder and CEO Nikki Sanz (who was highlighted in a recent Hypepotamus Get To Know The CEO article) landed on the 2024 Forbes 30 under 30 list in the music category. Giggs is poised to help tour professionals land better jobs for 2025 music and entertainment tours.
Personality Pool (Kingsport)
Personality Pool uses artificial intelligence to help employers screen entry-level job candidates based on their personality traits…without the bland resume-based application. The platform is particularly impactful for customer service, hospitality and healthcare industries.
The team received the first check from InvestTN in 2024, a vertical inside of Fund Tennessee that invests directly into Tennessee-based startups through its matching program.
Branch Technology (Chattanooga)
Branch Technology uses software, robotics, and 3D-printing technology to build a more beautiful built world. It has projects across the United States and others in its hometown of Chattanooga.
AnyCreek (Memphis)
AnyCreek is the leading online resource and marketplace for outdoor guided experiences. The platform streamlines the back office needs for outdoor guides and allows customers to book a fishing or hunting trip in minutes.
Unified Track (Knoxville)
With its AI-driven predictive analytics platform, United Track helps counselors, students, and their families set up for success by detecting deviations from expected graduation paths and offering timely guidance for college admission processes.
Investing In Tennessee in 2025
InvestTN has a unique perspective on the state’s ecosystem, as they invest alongside other firms and provide “conditional commitments” and a minimum one-to-one match as startups bring on other investors. Startups looking to apply for InvestTN funding in 2025 can find out more here.
Eller Kelliher, Chief Investment Officer at LaunchTN, told Hypepotamus that while 2024 was a bit slower year statewide for startups, she is seeing more momentum as we turn towards the new year.
We asked Kelliher what industries she sees as providing the most growth opportunities for Tennessee. She is particularly interested in watching advanced energy and mobility startups in Chattanooga and Knoxville, advanced manufacturing in Memphis, and Biotech startups centered around Nashville and Knoxville. These sectors, she noted, are shaping up to be key drivers of economic development and entrepreneurial success across the state.
