Patent Attorney and Founder
Hey Memphis inventors, entrepreneurs, and business owners, this one’s for you.
I’m JD Houvener, founder and patent attorney at Bold Patent Law Firm. And today, I want to share five amazing startup resources right here in Memphis, Tennessee.
I’ve worked with hundreds of inventors over the years, helping them secure nearly 500 patents. And I’ve seen firsthand how tough it can be to bring a new idea to life. It gets lonely. It gets confusing. That’s why having local support can make all the difference.
If you’re building a product, starting a business, or pitching to investors, these five Memphis-based organizations are worth checking out:
1. Start Co
This is the place to go if you’re just getting started.
Start Co runs accelerator programs for B2B tech, edtech, and women-led startups. Whether you’re technical and need help with business stuff, or vice versa, they match you with mentors who know what they’re doing.
A couple cool companies that launched from here?
- Savor & Sip – Food delivery tech
- Graph Story – Smart database tools
2. ZeroTo510
Focused entirely on medical device startups.
If you’re working on something FDA-bound and need clinical trials, this is your lane. They’ll help you move fast, get funding, and prep for market.
Past grads include:
- SweetBio – Using medical-grade honey to heal wounds
- Surgithm – Improving surgical outcomes with patient-focused software
3. Epicenter Memphis
Think of it as a home base for Memphis entrepreneurs.
Need a desk? A connection? Advice from someone who’s been there? Epicenter is where founders gather, swap stories, and help each other grow.
Two standout companies from here:
- Cowlar – Smart collars for cows (yes, really)
- Skycision – Using drones to track crop health
4. Emerge Memphis
They’ve been around since 1999, and they’re still going strong.
This is a tech-focused business incubator with a great co-working setup, mentorship, and networking events.
What do I love? It’s not just about getting advice; it’s about building real relationships with other founders who get what you’re going through.
5. AgLaunch
All about agriculture tech.
If your invention helps farmers or the ag industry, this is your spot. AgLaunch connects you with experts, investors, and real-world testing opportunities.
Perfect for anyone building solutions for food, soil, water, or crops.
Before you apply to any of these, please protect your idea first.
Too many inventors share their concept before securing a patent, or even a provisional one. That’s risky.
If you’re not sure where to start, give us a call. At Bold Patents, we’ll help you figure out if your idea is patentable, and whether it makes more sense to file or keep it as a trade secret.
Schedule a free discovery call. We’d love to help.
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I’m JD Houvener, patent attorney and founder of Bold Patents.
Go big. Go bold.
Let’s make your idea real.