Patent Attorney and Founder
Hey everyone, I’m JD Houvener founder and patent attorney at Bold Patents here in Nashville.
Now, most folks know Nashville for its music scene. Fair enough it is legendary. But what a lot of people don’t realize is that this city’s also a hot spot for startups and inventors. If you’re working on an invention and you’re based in Nashville, you’ve got some awesome resources at your fingertips.
Here are five places I personally recommend checking out:
1. Nashville Entrepreneur Center (NEC)
This one’s a nonprofit, and it’s all about connecting entrepreneurs with the help they need mentors, funding advice, networking. Real hands-on stuff. One of the coolest parts? Successful founders often come back to give back, coaching people who are just getting started.
Heard of Soundstripe? They offer royalty-free music to creators and yep, they came out of the NEC.
2. Jumpstart Foundry
Looking for funding? Even just a small seed round? Jumpstart Foundry is an investment firm focused on growing early-stage companies especially in healthcare.
They backed LightSprtite, a digital therapy company that’s made some serious moves. If your idea has potential, they might be the right fit.
3. Launch Tennessee
This one’s a public-private partnership, and their whole mission is to make Tennessee the best state for startups. Big goal but they’re doing the work.
They’ve supported a bunch of companies, including Soundstripe. If you’re looking for statewide support, resources, and networking, this is a good place to start.
4. Bunker Labs
If you’re a veteran or a military spouse Bunker Labs is for you. It’s a national group that helps folks in the military-connected community launch and grow businesses.
A great example? Bromeo Entertainment Group. They specialize in live events and got their start through Bunker Labs.
5. Tennessee State University Incubation Center
Think of this place like a nest for startups. It’s an incubator, so you’re working alongside other early-stage companies, all helping each other grow.
You’ll find support with tech stuff like software or engineering, plus help on the business side marketing, hiring, legal, and more. It’s a great way to avoid feeling like you’re building alone.
So, if you’re inventing here in Nashville, you’ve got options and good ones. And of course, if you’ve got questions about protecting your ideas whether it’s patents, trademarks, copyrights, or trade secrets we’re here to help.
Go big. Go bold.