Jumpstart your idea

Jumpstart Foundry is getting another running start at its 3rd batch of startups. Get aboard! by reading this.

Startup paralysis?

One of our most-read recent stories: This panel calls the question: If you're an entrepreneur, why are you still sitting there still 'thinking about' starting a business? Tough love from Nashvillians who've been there. Read about it here.

Startup or Job?

Entrepreneurship isn't for the faint-hearted, and sometimes a job's a better course. Read about this Nashville panel's discussion here.

Venture Incite

Venture Incite, the tech-transfer arm of Solidus and its emerging network of incubators, confirms it has several tech maturation grants in prospect. NashvillePost.com has it. Our earlier note on Venture Incite chief Scott Ewing (at left).

Local VCs fear smokin' holes

A local panel discussion reveals a bit of the perspective of Townes Duncan, founder of Solidus, which has spawned JumpStart Foundry and other programs. Read about it here.

Solidus-Seed Hatchery mentees named

Seed Hatchery and Solidus (JumpStart) announced their first 6-startup cohort for the Memphis Seed Hatchery incubator. The only one with an alpha website is StiQRd, technology for the digital loyalty wallet; others in the cohort (all with URL's parked) Tridyn, focused on electronic device recharging stations with digital marketing; Obeedo, online groceries with drive-through pickup; Krikle, which enables self-expression via GPS and Smartphone-enabled virtual graffiti wall; WTF Memphis (the acronym can't have the usual meaning), which relates to "domesticating wireless sensor networks"; and Work for Pie, a "Match.com"-ish for entrepreneurs and co-founders. The Seed Hatchery release is here. It says, in part, "Seed Hatchery is a mentorship-driven seed fund that invests to accelerate new companies through the early phases of starting up. It was founded by serial entrepreneur Eric Mathews in partnership with Solidus Company, one of the new TNInvestco venture funds. The Seed Hatchery startups will receive access to successful business leaders, an innovative 90 day cohort program to help them develop their startups, as well as $15,000 in capital. Incubation space and other operational support are furnished..." The tip o' the Seed Hatchery spear in Memphis is entrepreneur and consultant Eric Matthews. More VNC news is here.

Peat, Gatto, Chadwick on watching NVille Techies

Here's our story, also published by Digital Nashville, on how local VCs follow the efforts of local Tech innovators and entrepreneurs. Cited are Council's Gary Peat, Claritas' John Chadwick and Solidus' Vic Gatto.

Vic Gatto keeps learning

It's speakers' responses to audience questions that often catch our attention: As when during the recent NTC capital forum Solidus VC Vic Gatto answered a question from Brainwave entrepreneur Rob Solberg. Gatto revealed he's been studying online games and the intersection of mobile and social, and finds it an "exciting space," particularly if there's a new platform emerging. Read about the forum here.

Capital forum set, Dec. 3

Nashville Technology Council will host a "Capital Formation" roundtable, Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, beginning 5 p.m., in the offices of Bradley, Arant, Boult, Cummings, LLC, 1600 Division Street, Suite 700. Panelists will be: Vic Gatto, Solidus; Jim Phillips, XMi Capital; Gary Peat, Council Ventures; John Chadwick, Claritas Capital; Chris Sloan, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings. Details here.

TNInvestco: Solidus ready to he'p

Solidus TNInvestco LLC didn't get a $20MM allocation of tax credits to lure investors under the TNInvestco program announced this morning; but -- looking ahead to partnering with the firms that did get allocations, and possibly looking toward a second TNInvestco round -- Solidus Partner Vic Gatto told VNC this afternoon, "As I have said from the beginning of TNInvestco, it is a great program for our state. Obviously Townes and I are both disappointed, but we wish the six winners luck and hope to work with them as they invest the capital. If there is another round of tax credits, we would certainly be interested in participating."

Kisber, Farr gently lay down the law

ECD Commissioner Matt Kisber and Revenue Commissioner Reagan Farr believe there'll be more innovation to come, if TNInvestco is a success. This week, they're yanking some knots out of the lines of communication, particularly as it relates to the role of a new VC consortium. The story's here.

Venture Notes

Vic Gatto (at left), a partner in Solidus Company, responded to Bruce Lynskey this morning. Gatto is, as is Lynskey, a participant in the Chamber Entrepreneur Project. He said, "I basically agree with Bruce, with [differing views on] a couple of subtle issues. There is no question that there is a scarcity of Seed/Early stage capital in Nashville. However, zero seems to be inaccurate. Solidus [VC player] invested in seven new companies last year (5 in Nashville) -- that is not zero. What I tell people is that there is not enough capital by a factor of 3-4X. This doesn’t mean that there is 'zero'. It does mean that many exciting companies with strong management teams should get funding, but do not. Additionally, I do not agree that 'it’s a culture thing.' In my opinion, this is inaccurate and wrongly suggests that the city will not be able to foster a strong venture presence. I believe there is a strong culture of entrepreneurship and early stage (angel) investors to finance them. For multiple reasons, these people, successful former start-ups and investment firms have never organized them into a venture community like occurred in Boston and Silicon Valley."