Brandon Bruce is no stranger to entrepreneurial ventures. One of the best descriptions I’ve seen of him is “connector and risk-taker.” I would add adventurer to that description. (Ask him how he broke his leg a couple of years ago. It may be my favorite story of all time.) With a focus on tech companies and start-ups, Brandon has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs get the support and financial backing they need.
Some other ventures that Brandon has been part of are:
Techstars Industries of the Future, Managing Director
Uncat, CEO & Co-founder
Market Square Ventures, General Partner
EvasiveAI, Co-founder
Cirrus Insight, Co-founder & COO (Exited)
One Knoxville Sporting Club Partner
SmartRIA, Board Chair
Brandon and business partner John Bruck, (Market Square Ventures and Inno865), saw the need for a hub geared toward tech companies. He and John have created 121 Tech Hub.
The 121 Tech Hub is a community for tech founders and teams at 121 East Jackson Avenue in Knoxville, across the street from Barley’s and a half block from the new stadium and free parking. This building is also home to organizations like The Boyd Foundation and The Boys and Girls Club offices. There is lots of natural light from the nearly ceiling-to-floor windows, and comfortable seating is available in the lobby, offering a small group gathering space that is available for rent/reservation. Up a half floor takes you to level 2, where 121 Tech Hub is the primary tenant. There are multiple standing desks with screens, private pods for calls, meetings or tech that need a quiet space and conference room space for joint brainstorming sessions with multiple thinkers to come together. There is wifi, a network printer, and an open kitchen and lounge space. The price point is set to meet just about any budget at $250/month, making it an affordable option for tech start-ups. They have space for up to 25 members at this time with potential for making some gentle renovations to the basement area for additional meeting, hosting or office space.
The community and interested parties are invited to come check out the space on October 2 from 5-7pm. This is in conjunction with the Inno865 week by the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, of which Brandon is heavily involved and was the spark for 121 Tech Hub. As a mentor to a recent start-up in this field, he and the founder traveled to other communities with spaces encouraging collaboration, idea formation, and affordable professional resources. He felt Knoxville was missing this element and, as a problem solver, sought a way to make it happen.
As an Old City supporter who values history and preservation, I appreciate that the One Two One Bldg was preserved and renovated and is being used as a hub for many organizations and start-ups in the community. With the stadium’s completion nearing, this area will be a vital part of the corridor leading up to the stadium’s grand entrance. Many things have been announced for the area, like a restaurant by Jim Klonaris and SpringHill Suites. Aside from the building owned by Klonaris being demolished, none of that work has begun. Let’s hope they continue to build it up to match the energy and needs of the community as it changes and grows.
