NTC invites donations to funds

Nashville Technology Council yesterday announced creation of two funds, one to support postsecondary scholarships for students interested in technology, the other to support charitable technology-oriented works in the community. The NTC release is here. The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee will administer the funds. Related VNC story on CFMT's Ellen Lehman.

NIMBY Wars and Nashville's Mike Saint

We told you first in our Dec. 13 story, now Forbes (Feb. 16) is touting the role of Franklin-based Saint Communications, which does $30 million a year in fighting NIMBY wars for corporations.

Fractional Capital

Our story on Ellen Lehman's call for VC involvement in the community foundation she leads reminded me of Mike Shmerling's 'Idea 67' concept, in which Nashville allies would launch ventures that would remain in Nashville long term. The idea: go to local companies in search of viable business ideas those companies might have lying about, but which have been deemed too small to address within the company, itself. Assemble a team of mentors, grad students, investors, et al; develop a business plan, recruit funding and execute. The idea of fractional ownership is well established in U.S. real-estate circles. Why not in other sectors? 'Seems like a great idea to explore, particularly in these times.