Rise of the Rest brings startup money to Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Most people know that Chattanooga is known as “Gig City” and has an impressive record for coming up with innovative ideas.

But the founder of AOL wants to help the tech community grow even faster.

AOL founder Steve Case is impressed with Chattanooga’s tech environment.

That’s why he included it in his list of 5 cities on his “Rise of the Rest” tour.

His goal is to encourage young entrepreneurs and start-ups.

Eight fledgling Chattanooga companies are in the running for 100-thousand dollars from a seed fund.

Steve Case says “we try to travel around each city and see what’s happening, talk to the entrepreneurs, talk to the university presidents, talk to the mayor ..talk to the big companies. And figure out what the community can do to get to the next level..there’s a lot of excitement in Chattanooga about what has happened in the last 5 years..the innovation district and other things.”

Case spoke to local officials and scores of entrepreneurs at the Songbird Museum.

“California got half of the U.S. venture capital last year. Tennessee got less than 1 Percent. We’re trying to change that and level the playing field so entrepreneurs everywhere, including in Chattanooga have an opportunity to start companies and grow companies , create jobs and really pursue the American dream.”

Aegle Gear CEO George Brown says “we took our experience of working in the athletic industry and imposed that upon health care and we’re building uniforms that perform great, and more importantly are protective in helping reduce hospital associated infections.”

Marcus Shaw with Co-Lab “we’re super excited. We think it’s a complete validation of the entrepreneurship ecosystem that we have here in the region.”

The “Rise of the Rest” tour is sponsored by Case’s investment firm, Revolution.

He and the judges are hearing a pitch from the 8 start-up groups each hoping to be the one selected and awarded the 100-thousand dollar investment.