Southeast Shoutouts | Two universities selected to help develop new strategic growth plan for Alabama
TCA Venture Group, an Irvine, CA-based venture capital group, has announced the launch of TCA Southeast to foster start-up ecosystems in Florida and Georgia.
From Montgomery, AL:
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced that a national consulting firm and two Alabama universities have been selected to assist in the creation of the state’s new strategic economic growth. The organizations will assist a small team led by the Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce to identify the plan’s overall objectives, potential new approaches, and the target industry sectors best aligned for recruitment and growth.
The two universities involved and their roles are:
- Troy University’s Continuing Education and Outreach which will facilitate focus groups of internal stakeholders including regional economic developers, private sector leaders, and business associations; and
- Alabama A&M University’s Center for Educator Preparation and Certification Services that will bring an academic element to the qualitative analysis through extensive notetaking, review, and the preparation of a final report based on the information gathered.
The deadline for the new plan is October 1, and it will replace Accelerate Alabama, the state’s first-ever economic development strategic plan, which was adopted in 2012 and updated in 2017.
From Lexington, KY:
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded more than $8.25 million to Kentucky Commercialization Ventures (KCV), an initiative of the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation (KSTC), for a program that addresses inequities in academic research funding by supporting underrepresented higher education institutions with research infrastructure. The project, titled “Granting Emerging and Developing Institutions a Competitive EDGE” (KCV EDGE), will provide holistic support for research grant administration to partner institutions Kentucky State University, Northern Kentucky University, and Morehead State University.
The program builds on KCV’s centralized technology transfer services for Kentucky’s public colleges and universities. KCV EDGE also leverages partnerships with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, University of Louisville, University of Kentucky, and others to build competitiveness and capacity in regional institutions for securing and managing research grants.
From St. Petersburg, FL:
TCA Venture Group (TCA VG), an Irvine, CA-based venture capital group, has announced the launch of TCA Southeast to foster start-up ecosystems in Florida and Georgia.
According to this news release, “With its new vision, TCA VG is focusing on selective expansion into thriving start-up ecosystems, and the addition of TCA Southeast aligns seamlessly with this strategy. Members of TCA Southeast will now have the unique opportunity to invest and participate in both existing and new TCA member funds and have access to all the deals considered in the group. As its network grows in membership and correspondingly more capital for investment, TCA VG and its networks will appeal to a broader set of discerning entrepreneurs seeking support, mentorship, and capital.”
Christopher Fey and Frederick Fey will spearhead the new network’s efforts as Co-Presidents. Both bring a wealth of investment and local expertise to complement TCA VG’s vision, and with their extensive contacts in the Southeast, will establish robust pathways with regional angel groups, syndicates, family offices, universities, and accelerators. TCA Southeast members will not only comprise investors in Georgia and Florida, but will include virtual members.
Founded as Tech Coast Angels in 1997, TCA VG has invested approximately $280 million in more than 544 companies, attracting an additional $2.2 billion in capital. It has more than 400 accredited investors.
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