🌱 NEC Introduces Project FinTech + New Venture Studio For AI Startups

Hello all. I'm back with your fresh copy of the Nashville Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Clouds giving way to some sun. High: 83 Low: 56.
• Friday: Plenty of sunshine. High: 85 Low: 56.

From our sponsor:

Today’s Nashville Patch newsletter is sponsored by BJ’s Wholesale Club. BJ’s Wholesale Club is opening this summer in La Vergne! Founding members get a $40 welcome reward when they join. Click here to learn more!

Here are the top three stories in Nashville today:

1. Nashville Entrepreneur Center has introduced Project FinTech, a new statewide accelerator program and mentor network aimed at supporting FinTech startups. The program invites founders of FinTech companies across the United States to apply for the 2023 cohort, offering community, curriculum, and connections with experienced mentors and experts. The inaugural cohort, launching in August 2023, will prioritize regional founders and BankTech companies developing products for community banks and their customers. (Digital Journal)
2. A group of Nashville technology sector officials has announced the launch of The Innovation Studio, a venture studio aimed at building startups focused on artificial intelligence products. The studio aims to fund new startups that address market gaps and provide hands-on support until the companies are sold. The focus of The Innovation Studio will be on "industrial AI," targeting specific industries to improve efficiency, quality control, and profitability through deep applications of AI technology. (The News Tennessee)
3. Metro Nashville police have confirmed the arrest of the fourth suspect involved in the targeted shooting that claimed the life of a 4-year-old girl. With all four suspects now in custody, the investigation into the criminal homicide case is ongoing. The tragic incident occurred when two of the suspects allegedly opened fire with rifles at the intersection of Dickerson Pike and Douglas Avenue, resulting in the death of the young girl. The suspects also left the other occupants of the vehicle, including two children and an adult driver, thankfully uninjured. (WSMV 4)

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Today and tomorrow in Nashville:

Thursday, June 8

• Ian Munsick At Nissan Stadium (12:00 PM)
• Real Estate Industry Night At East Nashville Beer Works (4:30 PM)

Friday, June 9

• Alicia Blue At Centennial Park (5:30 PM)
• Backstage With Tommy Howell And Friends At City Winery Nashville (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Planning a staycation this summer? Check out these lakefront cabins at Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort. (Nashville Tennessee via Instagram)
• Brit Manor, the LGBTQIA+ Liaison, was honored as the Hero of the Match during a Nashville Soccer Club game for their contributions in training Davidson County Sheriff's Office cadets and Metropolitan Nashville Police Department cadets on strategies to better serve the local LGBTQIA+ community. (Nashville Sheriff: Davidson County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• If you were not able to attend the "I'm with the Banned" event Wednesday at Love & Exile bar, you can still show your support for Next Chapter Society and Nashville Public Library by purchasing a limited-edition I'm with the Banned event shirt. (Nashville Public Library Foundation via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (June 10)
• Ireland's Neil Byrne - Here Art Thou Concert Tour (June 11)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (June 13)
• Add your event

That's it for today! I'll see you around.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.