RED FLAGS

For 50 years, Nashville has been a health care powerhouse, 1 resulting in a VC scene dominated by health and health-tech firms. Access to capital for other industries can be challenging, says Brian Moyer, CEO of the Nashville Technology Council, who struggled to raise money for his own tech startup while an acquaintance who started a company to acquire hospitals quickly raised $300 million.

Health care and music industry 6 dominance also stifles the ability to find mentors and talent in other fields. Some skill sets, such as that of a cloud engineer, are scarce but in high demand. “If you want to start an e-commerce business here, you will be a pioneer,” says Jumpstart’s Whitney.