Two Kentuckians have been appointed to Build in SE's ecosystem curator team.
Chris Redd and Ellie Puckett have joined the volunteer-led organization that aims to provide region-wide programming and resources for Southeast-based startups, powered by a collaborative network of local experts. By coordinating at a regional level, Nashville, Tennessee-based Build In SE’s primary goal is to increase the number of startup success stories in the region, according to a news release.
“Build In SE is thrilled to welcome Ellie and Chris to our team of ecosystem experts across the Southeast," said Monique Villa, co-founder of Build In SE. "Kentucky is home to a growing number of exciting startups and centrally located between emerging hubs such as Nashville, Cincinnati and Indianapolis. We look forward to identifying new opportunities to further connect Kentucky’s entrepreneurs with resources across the Southeast."
Redd, the founder of Network n Chill and recipient of the Mac Venture Scholarship for VC Unlocked: Silicon Valley Online, is a member of Louisville Business First's 2021 Forty Under 40 class. He said he is eager to begin his work with Build In SE.
“Louisville has the talent, potential, and all the ingredients to be a top tier tech ecosystem,” Redd said. “Collaboration and synergy in the region is vital for any ecosystem to thrive, so I’m excited to help curate and connect founders in Louisville to the Build In SE mission as it is very aligned with the future we want here in the city.”
Puckett is the senior regional partner for Open Eye, a boutique consulting firm specializing in strategy and operations for technology startups, as well as the co-founder of Finger Frame, a video production business, and the former deputy executive director of KY Innovation.
“I love Louisville and Kentucky and I want to see it thrive,” Puckett said. “I resonate so deeply with the Build In SE mission and their desire to build the future we want. Economic development should be a dynamic portfolio, and Build In SE is supporting innovation and entrepreneurship based economic development in new and creative ways.
"Instead of competition, it's about collaboration and allowing us to build our whole region. Connecting founders to the support they need outside of the state so they can have all the resources they need to grow and build, right here."
