Partner Track is connecting founders with investors across the globe
The Knoxville-based connection hub is a meeting ground for founders, investors, and venture firms across the world.
Jonathan Henry is a constant force in the Knoxville start-up scene. He never misses an event, connection, or opportunity to get involved. As Brandon Bruce’s right-hand man during the Techstars Industries of the Future Accelerator, and the Diligence Lead and Head of Operations at Community Equity Partners (CEP), Henry is deeply embedded in Knoxville’s entrepreneurial community. In his “spare time,” he takes on another impressive role: connecting founders with investors across the country.
And here’s the kicker—Henry is only in his mid-twenties.
Henry attended the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), where he majored in Finance and entrepreneurship. One of Henry’s first ventures was ‘BusiCard,’ a digital business card start-up. Although it didn’t take off, it sparked his interest in the investment side of entrepreneurship.
He discovered that venture capitalists not only have a birds-eye view of the innovation ecosystem but also an intimate understanding of the founders bringing new ideas to market. Being someone who is motivated by big ideas, Henry wanted to dive into venture capital.
He noted that Tricia Martinez, the former Managing Director of Techstars (before Bruce), was a mentor and inspiration of sorts for him in finding avenues for capital movements on a national scale.
“She was good at helping founders find avenues for funding – though, most of it wasn’t local. Then, when Brandon came on board, that focus shifted more local – on how Knoxville can get more involved. I liked seeing their two different approaches,” Henry said.
In March of 2024, Henry began leveraging the connections he made through school and business. He reached out to dozens of venture capitalists and limited partners across the country to take meetings – figure out pain points – and understand what exactly they’re looking for in start-ups.
It turned out, one of the things they needed was a centralized community.
“I thought hey – I can create that,” Henry said. He launched Partner Track in May – a platform designed for investors, by investors.
What began as a series of networking events and dinners for venture capital firms in cities like Nashville and New York has now evolved into a thriving online communications hub where investors can easily connect and collaborate. The platform has attracted a diverse group of over 450 funds from places like Mississippi, Florida, Oklahoma, Boston, Chicago, Seattle, and beyond.
Henry enjoys the dynamic interaction within the Partner Track community, which is made up of seasoned and emerging investors.
“People have different reasons for investing in start-ups, some do it for the money, some for equity, others for mentorship, genuine passion, or leaving a legacy. It’s fun to hear their why,” he said.
Once a month the Partner Track community gathers on a Zoom call to discuss where in the country – and in what industries cash is flowing. Additionally, Henry hosts a lecture series with guest speakers to provide insights, feedback, and advice for next-generation VCs.
Through his extensive network, Henry has observed key factors that make certain cities attractive hubs for innovation and entrepreneurship. According to him, the most important driver is “shining star founders who champion entrepreneurship.” These successful founders not only build their own businesses but also invest in the success of others, fostering a cycle of mentorship, investment, and connectivity that helps their regions thrive.
With Partner Track already connecting 450 funds across the globe, Henry sees potential to grow Knoxville & the Southeast’s role in the venture capital world.
“We are the friendly face that can open doors to these major venture funds across the globe,” he said.
Learn more about Partner Track.
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