In just a few years, 36|86 technology conference has become a known annual event for the startups in the Southeast. Produced by Launch Tennessee, this four-day entrepreneurship event will be bringing together speakers like Steve Case, Bill Frist, M.D. and Kelly Hoey to the stage, at least 110 investor groups with their watchful eyes and entrepreneurs hoping to get their attention. This year’s event will be on June 4-7 in Nashville, and the early bird ticket pricing is still available.
86 days until the best event in 🇺🇸 for #startups, #hotchicken & #whiskey! Buy early bird tix before they run out! https://t.co/Kch8xF36nV pic.twitter.com/5TLWFbI1x5
— 36 I 86 (@3686South) March 10, 2017
One aspect of 36|86 that is coming back again is their Village 36, where each of the selected 36 companies get a $500 travel stipend, free three nights lodging and two complimentary tickets to 36|86 to have dedicated exhibit space, investor speed-dating session, and more. And oh yes, you’ll be pitching on stage to compete for $50,000 in total prize money.
Because the evaluation of the companies to get to Village 36 is done by investors in the region, just placing an application itself gets you closer to getting your startup in front of an investor. Â But, of course, winning at the Village 36 competition looks even better:
Congrats to @My_Torch, the winner of $50K sponsored by @blackstone! pic.twitter.com/9RxiGIWe5d
— 36 I 86 (@3686South) June 7, 2016
Unlike the previous rules of eligibility for Village 36 where startups had to win at specific regional gatherings, the process to apply is much, much simpler. Â Any business based in Washington, DC, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia or West Virginia can apply. Â (For more FAQ, head to the Village 36 page, or email Jill van Beke.)
What’s the deadline to be considered to join this village? March 15.
Since the last conference, we’ve been catching up with some Village 36 startups to get a better understanding of what they do, especially when they all are focused on such a variety of solutions. We hope to see you at 36|86 this summer and have a chance to tell your story.
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