Belief in the
Underdogs
We Believe in the Underdog Entrepreneurs in the Appalachian Highlands and Helping Them on Their Startup Journeys
The Mission
Our Mission is to Be the Catalyst Behind All Successful Startups in the Appalachian Highlands and Beyond
We envision an economically empowered Appalachia driven by innovation and entrepreneurship.
Our Story
Built on innovation
The forges in Johnson City glowed brightly as hardworking Americans forged their future with new technology and innovation. Eastman built a city around an innovative venture. Bristol is the birthplace of country music. Innovation has always happened here. Medical devices, products, and services have started in our region and scaled to success. We are built on innovation.
Now, It’s Your Turn.
Ignite the forge
It is your turn to carry the torch of innovation once again. A new future awaits for those that seize it. The future will be built by hardworking Americans that pioneer new technologies and develop new products that impact the world around us.
It’s time to #StartTheForge once again and build our futures, and our region, together.
You are not alone
As a 501(c)3 non-profit we are constantly making connections to the local, state, and National Startup Organizations (NSOs), venture firms, and government entities.
We are building a stronger network to help Startups cut through the red tape, find meaningful connections, and supporting our local Entrepreneurs through community. With high-impact programs, events, and creative spaces connect, you will see your startups thrive in our region.
Founders of the Forge
The FoundersForge Team Consists of Entrepreneurs, Early Startup Team Members, and Those Dedicated to the Entrepreneurial Success of Our Region
David Nelson is a local entrepreneur that has started 6 companies, participated in multiple accelerators, and has lived in some of the most active startup ecosystems in the country. David leverages his past experiences to help startups achieve rapid success.
Executive Director
David Nelson
Adriana Dew is a Kingsport native that has worked in multiple high-level marketing roles on national campaigns with some of the largest brands in the country. Adriana brings her years of project management and client relations experience to our startup community.
Program Director
Adriana Dew
Isaac Deel is the expert behind the marketing of FoundersForge. He has previously assisted local startups in their branding and marketing while running his own side hustles. Isaac is constantly working to leverage and share his approach for our local startup community.
Marketing Manager
Isaac Deel
Board Members
Our Diverse Board Brings Decades of Experience to Our Startup Ecosystem and is Dedicated to the Success of Our Region's Underdog Entrepreneurs.
Karlee Goodwin knows Startup ecosystems. She was the Community Director of Atlanta Tech Village and has worked for multiple Startups.
Karlee is now the People and Operations Manager at ActionVFX and believes culture is the key to any company's success.
Karlee Goodwin
John Wood, of Wood Patent Law, is at the intersection of law and business development. He applies an extensive combination of in-house and legal experience to provide practical patent and trademark counsel to capture and protect technology, brands, and intellectual property assets.
John is a startup ecosystem advocate and enjoys working with the startup community.
John Wood
Ryan Hayes is a nine-time Microsoft MVP award winner, business owner, community leader, and builder of award-winning web apps with millions of daily users. Today, Ryan works on the innovation team at Hilton Grand Vacations.
Ryan believes innovation comes from the individual and the team, inside a company or on their own.
Ryan Hayes
Jose Castillo is a local entrepreneur that has co-founded Tennessee's longest running coworking facility, he's the host of NASCAR Trackside Live, and recently hosted Team USA House a the Paris Olympics.
Jose believes adding his flavor to everything he does helps everyone make their mark on the world around them.
Jose Castillo
Sonu Mirchandani is faculty at East Tennessee State University's College of Business and Technology (CBAT), where he is the Director of Entrepreneurship. He has extensive experience in startups, finance, and investing.
Sonu also sits on the educational board of the Angel Capital Association.
Sonu Mirchandani
Edwin Williams is one of the original founders of FoundersForge. He has started multiple startups and currently the Co-Founder of ZenHammer, the "Pocket Office" for subcontractors and crew.
Edwin is a fierce advocate for startups in our region.
Edwin Williams