We support TN entrepreneurs. Join us.
LaunchTN elevates entrepreneurship and innovation across Tennessee
About us
LaunchTN is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization. We foster success for Tennessee entrepreneurs through capital access, technology advancement, and workforce development by offering mentorship, investment, and a statewide network of support and programs.
Our three Cs We support entrepreneurs with Capital Connections Commercialization
Meet Mark and Ian
Crossville, TN-based co-founders of Whisper Aero
Mark Moore and Ian Villa co-founded Whisper Aero to pioneer a more considerate, compelling, and connected future by delivering cleaner, quieter, and more efficient propulsion solutions.
They’re integrating electric propulsors into drones and aircraft to fundamentally reduce both noise and emissions.
Over time, they plan to apply the company’s ultra-quiet technology to items that touch everyday lives - air purifiers, HVACs, leaf blowers, and carbon capture devices.
Building
With investment from LaunchTN’s
SBIR matching funds, Whisper Aero has designed, built and validated 9 generations of its core technology. Its propulsors have been proven through hours of ground tests and flights.
LaunchTN’sSBIR/STTR MatchingFundprogram
Research and development can be a lengthy and expensive process. The SBIR/STTR Matching Fund program provides Tennessee startups (who have received an SBIR/STTR award) the funding and support they need to develop their innovative technologies and accelerate their development to market.
Highlights
● $4.5 million awarded to 30 companies in 2023
● More than 130 federal SBIR/STTR awards supported to-date, contributing $697 million in total economic impact
Growing
In 2022, Ian and Mark started their campaign to raise capital for Whisper Aero, and LaunchTN invested through the Impact Fund.
LaunchTNInvestments
In 2023, Whisper Aero broke ground on a new test facility in Crossville, TN and launched their newest Whisper Jet electric duct fan (EDF) quiet leaf blower product to market.
Since 2012, LaunchTN has been making direct equity investments into Tennessee-located companies through the Impact, INCITE, and InvestTN funds. The funds are evergreen, meaning that all proceeds are re-invested in TN companies.
$70m new InvestTN fund 43 current portfolio companies Highlights
Sharing
Ian spoke at the 2023 3686 Entrepreneurship Festival. He inspired festival attendees with the story of his journey as a Tennessee entrepreneur.
LaunchTN’s3686 conference is Tennessee’s annual celebration of connections, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The conference features sessions, one-on-one startup/investor meetings, a pitch competition, networking opportunities, and partner popup events around Nashville.
2023 highlights
846 attendees from 33 states
846 attendees from 33 states
912 one-on-one meetings between founders and investors or service providers
Succeeding
Whisper Aero continues to soar with Cofounder Ian Villa being named on the Forbes 30 under 30 list for Manufacturing & Industry.
Whisper Aero is committed to making an impact in Tennessee, recently partnering with Tennessee Tech University to build a state of the art wind tunnel
TennesseeTechnology AdvancementConsortium (TTAC)
Our Vision to Create a University Network
846
Through the development of a centralized technology transfer and commercialization support office, TTAC envisions a future where every university in our state, regardless of its size or resources, has the opportunity to engage in technology commercialization.
attendees from 33 states
This is just one TN entrepreneur’s story.
This past year LaunchTN, along with our network, supported TN entrepreneurs through 4,000+ touchpoints. We’ve been doing this for more than a decade - and we need your help.
Join us. Become a LaunchTN Patron.
Your $5,000 donation to LaunchTN will help us put another TN entrepreneur on the path to success.
Complimentary pass to 3686
(*or opportunity to donate pass to a student) Recognition on LaunchTNwebsite (if desired)
*Full $5,000 tax-deductible if pass donated
Visit launchtn.org and click “Support LaunchTN” or contact LaunchTN Development Director Emily Masters: emily@launchtn.org