Charles Layne

Innovation Manager @ Launch Tennessee - Making Tennessee the most startup-friendly state in the nation.

Charles Layne is a dedicated professional with a background in city and regional planning, community development, and entrepreneurship. With a Master's degree in City and Regional Planning from The University of Memphis and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Community Development & Behavioral Science from Trevecca Nazarene University, Charles combines his academic knowledge with practical experience.

Currently serving as the Innovation Manager at LaunchTN, Charles has a proven track record in strategy coordination and fostering innovation. He has previously held positions at various organizations, including being the Founder of Complete Neighborhoods, participating in The Urban Leaders Fellowship as a Policy Fellow, and contributing to BLDG Memphis as a Housing & Community Development Fellow.

His diverse professional background also includes roles at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, Nashville Teacher Residency, Nashville Civic Design Center, and the University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services. Charles has been involved in community development initiatives, serving as a Community Liaison and Associate Research and Community Coordinator at Trevecca Nazarene University.

Charles Layne is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs and startups, particularly in Tennessee. In his role as the Strategy Coordinator at LaunchTN, he focuses on making Tennessee a welcoming environment for startups, investors, and employees. Through his work, Charles aims to position Tennessee as a prominent hub for innovation and venture capital in the United States.

For individuals interested in building companies, deploying capital, or working for startups in Tennessee, Charles provides valuable resources and guidance. His commitment to driving startup-friendly policies and his involvement in the entrepreneurial ecosystem make him a central figure in advancing Tennessee's entrepreneurship landscape.

To learn more about opportunities in Tennessee or connect with Charles Layne, you can visit bit.ly/buildtn, bit.ly/investtn, or bit.ly/worktn. For general inquiries, Charles can be reached via email at charles@launchtn.org or by phone at 629-204-2546.