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John Lanahan

Director of Financial Strategy, Compass East


As Director of Financial Strategy and part of the Management Team, John is responsible for Compass East’s revenue operations starting with top-of-funnel marketing efforts, driving new business development, and developing channel partnerships to grow topline revenue. John’s client-facing work includes financial modeling, strategy, capital fundraising advisory, and investor relations.

Previously, John was the Director of Capital Formation at Launch Tennessee where he worked to grow investment in Tennessee-based startups through entrepreneur development, building investor and corporate networks, and leading policy initiatives that help spur private investment across the state. He managed the $30M INCITE Fund, Impact Seed Fund, and the Tennessee Angel Tax Credit program. Prior to moving to Nashville in 2016, John spent 7 years in San Francisco and New York at LaunchCapital, a seed stage venture capital firm investing in technology and life science companies.

Outside of work, John is a member of the Organizing Committee for Nashville Entrepreneur Week and volunteers with Friends of Shelby Park and Bottoms and Project Return. He graduated from Middlebury College with a B.A. in Economics, where he also played Division III baseball and football. John is married to his lovely wife Ally, has an infant son Cooper and has a Westie named Poppy. While he’s hung up the baseball and football cleats for good, John continues to be an avid sports fan, foodie, and tries to catch as much Nashville live music as possible!

To meet with John, or any of our excellent mentors, please fill out this interest form.