In partnership with Tennessee Center for Rural Innovation at TTU, we’re hosting the Start Here Pitch Competition in Tennessee during Global Entrepreneurship Week. Local, regional, and national startups looking to start here in the Upper Cumberland region will pitch their businesses to a panel of judges for the opportunity to win either $10k, $5k, or $2.5k, as well as an opportunity to pitch to the Upper Cumberland Angel Investors Fund
Interested entrepreneurs will apply through the following steps:
1. Submit an application and video through our application form here by November 1st.
2. Applications will be reviewed by The Biz Foundry and our 6 finalists will be announced on November 4th.
3. Finalists will work with The Biz Foundry Business Coaches to prepare their pitches.
4. Finalists will pitch at the Start Here Pitch Competition at 37 Cedar November 20, 2024 at 5:30pm.
1st Place: Matthew Martin, Quantum Turf
Award: $10,000 Grand Prize
About the Business: Quantum Turf is revolutionizing the agricultural green industry with a SaaS platform designed to optimize lawn care. Using cutting-edge AI and the latest turfgrass algorithms, Quantum Turf helps lawn care businesses reduce costs, improve sustainability, and boost profitability. The platform creates tailored care programs based on factors like location, soil conditions, and weather, empowering businesses to achieve better results while positively impacting the environment.
How They’ll Use the Prize: The $10,000 prize will be used to refine Quantum Turf’s user experience and interface, ensuring a seamless launch that serves customers effectively
Open to entrepreneurs in the concept or startup phase that meet the following requirements:
Must plan on growing to 1 million plus in revenue or add 1 Million plus in revenue within 3 years
Must plan to grow to more than 5 employees or add more than 5 employees within 3 years
Must serve a regional or national market
Must have some lineage to the Upper Cumberland region. Started here, will start here, interested in starting here, or interested in relocating to the Upper Cumberland Region
Must have less than 50 employees
See who will be pitching at this year’s event!
Location: Cookeville, TN
Industry: AgriTech & Environmental Services
About AgriSmart Analytics
AgriSmart Analytics, founded by Michael Nattrass, empowers farmers with a secure platform to manage farm data and make smarter, more sustainable decisions. By harnessing blockchain, Michael’s mission is to help farmers optimize their operations and even earn from anonymized data insights.
Investment Goal
Michael plans to build a Smart farm and develop a mobile app to give farmers real-time data insights, pushing agriculture toward a smarter future.
Learn More: www.AgriSmartAnalytics.com
Location: Byrdstown, TN
Industry: Leisure, Travel & Tourism
About Fly View Ventures
Founded by David Drennan, Fly View Ventures is developing an innovative system that combines tower, drone, and software technology to transform travel experiences. David’s goal is to create immersive, aerial views for travelers worldwide.
Investment Goal
David is seeking funding to bring his concept to life, starting with a prototype for Fly View’s drone and tower system.
Location: Cookeville, TN
Industry: Health, Wellness, and Fitness
About Mountain Top Candle Shop
Mountain Top Candle Shop, led by Lyndsee Campbell, is more than just candles—it’s a growing wellness brand focused on natural, self-care products. With plans to introduce a plant nursery division, Mountain Top aims to offer year-round products, from wellness candles to vibrant, health-focused plants.
Investment Goal
Lyndsee is seeking investment to expand production capabilities and launch the new plant division, turning Mountain Top Candle Shop into a full-fledged wellness brand. This funding will also support targeted marketing efforts to reach a nationwide audience and grow their customer base.
Location: Alpine, TN
Industry: Business Supplies and Equipment
About Platformworx
Platformworx, founded by Willis Whited, creates high-quality business equipment, serving a global market from its roots in Alpine, TN. Focused on growth, the business is committed to innovation and reliability in every product.
Investment Goal
Willis is seeking capital to scale Platformworx by securing additional assembly parts from a Knoxville-based manufacturer. This investment will support expanded production capabilities and fuel growth toward either a business sale or licensing agreement.
Location: Knoxville, TN
Industry: Computer Software (Agricultural Green Industry – Turf & Ornamentals)
About Quantum Turf
Quantum Turf, founded by Matthew Martin, is a cutting-edge SaaS company designed to serve the specialized Turf & Ornamentals sector within the agricultural green industry. With a focus on streamlined UX/UI, Quantum Turf aims to enhance operational efficiency and data-driven insights for professionals across the U.S.
Investment Goal
Matthew seeks funding to refine Quantum Turf’s user experience and interface, preparing the platform for a successful market launch and rapid scaling.
The Start Here Pitch Competition is an opportunity for local, regional, and national entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas to win cash prizes, with the grand prize of $10,000, pitch to the Upper Cumberland Angel Investors Fund, and also help boost the community and economic development of our region.
Next Pitch Event: November, 2025 at 6:00pm
Have questions about the Start Here Pitch Competition?
Complete the form below and we will get back to you within 48 business hours.
