About
Innov865 is an alliance-based investment organization serving the Knoxville, Tennessee entrepreneurial ecosystem, formed through a partnership between the Knoxville Chamber, the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, and the broader Innov865 Alliance. The organization was created in response to findings from Techstars' Assessment of the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem of the Greater Knoxville Metropolitan Area, which identified a critical gap in access to capital for early-stage founders in the region. Rather than operating as a traditional single fund, Innov865 functions as a convening platform and resource hub that connects entrepreneurs with multiple capital providers, mentors, and industry leaders across Tennessee and beyond. The organization maintains a comprehensive directory of regional investment firms and actively hosts the Innov865 Investor Series, a program designed to facilitate direct interaction between founders and investors at various stages. Innov865 also organizes signature annual events including Innov865 Week and the Innov865 Startup Day pitch competition, which awards up to $10,000 to selected early-stage ventures. The alliance tracks investments across a broad range of sectors and has visibility into funding for companies including Algaeo, T&T Scientific, Eonix, and Quantal Security. Leadership involvement includes John Bruck as a member of the alliance and an active participant in Queen City Angels, as well as partnerships with institutions such as the University of Tennessee Research Foundation and the University of Tennessee Research Park at Cherokee Farm. Entrepreneurs gain access to capital sourcing assistance, investor introductions, educational programming on fundraising and angel investing, and networking opportunities across the regional startup community. Investors and firms participating in Innov865 programming gain visibility into deal flow, access to vetted founders, and association with a growing innovation hub in East Tennessee.