InvestorInvesting in growth through strategic partnerships.
The startup scene in United States
The University of Memphis describes its FedEx Institute of Technology as a cross-campus applied research hub spanning AI, cybersecurity, robotics, and other technology fields. Its stated focus includes university research, IP licensing, applied technology clusters, and workforce development focused on the Mid-South.
About
The University of Memphis describes its FedEx Institute of Technology as a cross-campus applied research hub spanning AI, cybersecurity, robotics, and other technology fields. Its stated focus includes university research, IP licensing, applied technology clusters, and workforce development focused on the Mid-South.
The University of Memphis Office of Technology Transfer helps faculty protect research and explore routes to market. The university and Epicenter describe Patents2Products as a postdoctoral venture pathway using patented intellectual property. Epicenter lists ZeroTo510, Innovate Xcelerate, and Next Big Thing; the reviewed listing does not state that applications are open.
SweetBio says it is headquartered at the University of Memphis CommuniTech Research Park and graduated from ZeroTo510 in 2015. The University of Memphis reported that SweetBio raised $1.15 million from December 2015 through May 2016, with Innova, MB Venture Partners, The JumpFund, and ZeroTo510 among its named investors.
Regional One Health describes a care-setting feedback pathway for Seed- and Series A-stage healthcare startups and cites SweetBio as an example. The source describes access for feedback on product use and go-to-market strategy; it does not establish current availability.
Startup ecosystem standing
Where Memphis ranks
| Ranking | Edition | Position | Since last edition | Trust | What it measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Global Startup Ecosystem Index (cities) | 2025 | #250 | No prior edition | B | Ecosystem, Activity, Finance, Business Climate |
 Emerging Ecosystems Ranking (GSER Top 100) | 2021 | 91 to 100 | No prior edition | C | Ecosystem, Performance, Finance, Talent |
22 organizations with a profile
Who's based in Memphis
Investors 15
Investor
InvestorInvestment management and advisory firm specializing in alternative investments.
InvestorInvesting in growth-stage technology companies.
The 3 most prominent of 15. Browse all investors
Incubators 4
IncubatorConnecting agtech startups with farmers for sustainable solutions.
IncubatorNurturing creative entrepreneurship for social change.
IncubatorEmpowering food entrepreneurs through training and support.
The 3 most prominent of 4. Browse all incubators
Accelerators 2
AcceleratorMentorship-driven seed stage investment program.
AcceleratorAccelerating logistics technology startups in Memphis.
Venture studios 1
Venture studioPioneering therapies for the future of healthcare.
Pick what describes you
Your way in
Raising in Memphis
Investors based here, and the programs that take teams at your stage.
Get investor introsFinding startups in Memphis
Accelerators and incubators here see the earliest teams first.
Get startups that fitScouting in Memphis
Campuses and communities are where teams form before anyone funds them.
Start scoutingFrom public sources
What the sources say about Memphis
Regional One's innovation chief points to SweetBio as an example of a Memphis startup using healthcare ecosystem relationships.
Source: Memphis Business Journal Table of Experts: Regional One Health Chief Innovation Officer joins a conversation on innovations in health careRegional One describes a healthcare startup access pathway for Seed and Series A teams seeking clinical-setting feedback.
Source: Memphis Business Journal Table of Experts: Regional One Health Chief Innovation Officer joins a conversation on innovations in health careThe university reported SweetBio's $1.15 million early funding round and named its four major investors in 2016.
Source: UofM Startup SweetBio Secures $1.15 Million in FundingSweetBio says it is a Memphis-headquartered wound-care device company and a 2015 ZeroTo510 graduate.
Source: About | SweetBioEpicenter lists a medical-device accelerator, a competitive startup program, and a founder competition.
Source: All Initiatives | EpicenterThe university and Epicenter describe Patents2Products as a post-doc venture pathway using patented IP.
Source: Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) | FedEx Institute of Technology
Questions about Memphis
How does Memphis rank as a startup ecosystem?
Its best position is #250 in StartupBlink Index (cities) (2025). It appears in 2 published rankings; the table above lists each one.
How many startup investors are based in Memphis?
15 investors based in Memphis have a profile here, including SouthWorth Capital Management, Gerber Taylor and SSM Partners. The real number is higher.
Are there accelerators or incubators in Memphis?
Yes. Memphis has 2 accelerators, 4 incubators and 1 venture studio on record, including Seed Hatchery, AgLaunch and Heinz Ventures, LLC.
Geographic proximity
Nearby cities to Memphis
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