Tennessee’s Rising Stars: 5 Startups to Watch in 2025
As we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome the new year, we’re gazing into the crystal ball to predict which Tennessee startups are ready to shine in 2025. The Volunteer State’s startup ecosystem has been thriving, thanks in large part to LaunchTN and its partner network. From agriculture technology startups in Memphis to SaaS companies in Knoxville, the growth has been widespread.
LaunchTN has been instrumental in fostering this growth, not only by powering the popular 3686 entrepreneurial conference in Nashville each year but also by providing capital to early-stage startups and venture funds through InvestTN. We asked LaunchTN to share their insights on the startups that Hypepotamus readers should keep an eye on in 2025.
1. Giggs (Nashville)
Giggs is revolutionizing the music industry by providing a platform for touring professionals to find and fill jobs on the road. It’s a simple yet effective way to hire qualified workers and expand professional networks. Founder and CEO Nikki Sanz, who was featured in a recent Hypepotamus ‘Get To Know The CEO’ article, made it to the 2024 Forbes 30 under 30 list in the music category. With Giggs, tour professionals are poised to land better jobs for the 2025 music and entertainment tours.
2. Personality Pool (Kingsport)
Personality Pool is using artificial intelligence to transform the hiring process for entry-level job candidates. By focusing on personality traits rather than bland resumes, the platform is making a significant impact in customer service, hospitality, and healthcare industries. The team received their first investment from InvestTN in 2024, a vertical inside Fund Tennessee that invests directly in Tennessee-based startups.
3. Branch Technology (Chattanooga)
Branch Technology is pushing the boundaries of construction with its innovative use of software, robotics, and 3D-printing technology. The company is building a more beautiful world, one project at a time, with initiatives across the United States and in its hometown of Chattanooga.
4. AnyCreek (Memphis)
AnyCreek is the go-to online resource and marketplace for outdoor guided experiences. The platform streamlines the back-office needs for outdoor guides, allowing customers to book fishing or hunting trips in minutes. This convenience is set to make AnyCreek a key player in the outdoor tourism industry in 2025.
5. Unified Track (Knoxville)
Unified Track is harnessing the power of AI-driven predictive analytics to help counselors, students, and their families navigate the college admission process. By detecting deviations from expected graduation paths, the platform offers timely guidance to set students up for success.
InvestTN is playing a crucial role in supporting these startups, with a unique investment approach that includes ‘conditional commitments’ and a minimum one-to-one match as startups bring on other investors. Eller Kelliher, Chief Investment Officer at LaunchTN, notes that while 2024 was a slower year for Tennessee startups statewide, there’s growing momentum heading into the new year.
Kelliher is particularly excited about advanced energy and mobility startups in Chattanooga and Knoxville, advanced manufacturing in Memphis, and biotech startups centered around Nashville and Knoxville. These sectors are shaping up to be key drivers of economic development and entrepreneurial success across Tennessee in 2025.
As we look ahead to the new year, these five startups are certainly ones to watch in the Volunteer State. With their innovative approaches and the support of LaunchTN and InvestTN, they’re poised to make significant impacts in their respective industries.
