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Jumpstart Foundry (JSF) accelerates the growth of fledgling tech-oriented businesses. Started in 2010, JSF is a formal, mentor-driven 14-week business acceleration program held over the summer months -- with the goal of launching successful companies, prime for funding, at an Investor Day in late August. Those startup companies -- keying on the areas of healthcare IT, information & data and social engagement tools -- will derive resources and guidance from a hand-selected group of mentors who bring a wealth of experience from a variety of fields. Additionally, Jumpstart Foundry will help grow Middle Tennessee's entrepreneurial and investment communities -- focusing on 'The Future' -- by offering a series of training courses and seminars, called Jumpstart Fundamentals, geared toward expanding those communities' understanding and interaction. The Funds to support the efforts of Jumpstart Foundry are supplied by Solidus Company and Solidus-TNinvestco (see profile). Program companies receive $15,000 in seed funding. In exchange for The Foundry program, seed funding, advice, mentorship, connections, and investor day, Jumpstart Foundry receives a 6% equity stake. In 2013, JSF opened an office in Silicon Valley, where alumni companies will receive expense-paid office space and apartments while building their funding and strategic networks. The firm has invested in 150+ portfolio companies across 35 states.
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