Memphis Startups and Entrepreneurs

A series that spotlights the builders, dreamers, and disruptors shaping our city’s tech future.

SpeciNate, Part 2: Building for Trust, Constraint, and Conservation That Works

Feb 13, 2026

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12 min read

SpeciNate, Part 2: Building for Trust, Constraint, and Conservation That Works

What it really takes to build trust-first technology in Memphis. Lessons from SpeciNate on clarity, constraint, and designing for people doing real work.

JC Smiley

Memphis Startups and Entrepreneurs

When Zoos and Aquariums Can’t Show Impact, Supporters Walk Away. SpeciNate Changes That

Feb 6, 2026

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8 min read

When Zoos and Aquariums Can’t Show Impact, Supporters Walk Away. SpeciNate Changes That

A Memphis‐rooted look at how one founder is reshaping conservation support with clarity, trust, and community‐driven impact.

JC Smiley

Memphis Startups and Entrepreneurs

Routes and Jobs Part 2: Tackling Memphis’ Transit Deserts with Tech and Grit

Oct 8, 2025

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7 min read

Routes and Jobs Part 2: Tackling Memphis’ Transit Deserts with Tech and Grit

How a local startup is redefining workforce rideshare by blending lived experience, community trust, and Memphis-born innovation.

JC Smiley

Memphis Startups and Entrepreneurs

🧳 Tandem Trips Part 1: Memphis-Built Tool Turns Travel Chaos into Team Harmony

Sep 25, 2025

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3 min read

🧳 Tandem Trips Part 1: Memphis-Built Tool Turns Travel Chaos into Team Harmony

From hackathon spark to startup momentum, Mac McMorries and Randall Thomas are reimagining how distributed team's travel. One joyful itinerary at a time.

JC Smiley

Memphis Startups and Entrepreneurs

🚐 Routes and Jobs Part 1: Driving Workforce Stability, One Ride at a Time.

Sep 14, 2025

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3 min read

🚐 Routes and Jobs Part 1: Driving Workforce Stability, One Ride at a Time.

Routes and Jobs are reimagining workforce mobility, one ride at a time.

JC Smiley

Memphis Startups and Entrepreneurs

SpeciNate, Part 2: Building for Trust, Constraint, and Conservation That Works

When Zoos and Aquariums Can’t Show Impact, Supporters Walk Away. SpeciNate Changes That

Routes and Jobs Part 2: Tackling Memphis’ Transit Deserts with Tech and Grit

🧳 Tandem Trips Part 1: Memphis-Built Tool Turns Travel Chaos into Team Harmony

🚐 Routes and Jobs Part 1: Driving Workforce Stability, One Ride at a Time.

Memphis Tech Scene