Auto Finance News is pleased to announce that Nashville Entrepreneur Center has joined Auto Finance Summit East 2025 as the event’s official Demo Challenge partner during the event, which takes place May 12-14 in Nashville, Tenn. 

The 2025 Demo Challenge provides a platform for fintech startups and emerging tech companies to showcase their latest innovative technologies in auto finance and mobility to conference attendees in short, live demos.  

The Nashville Entrepreneur Center is a nonprofit that since 2010 has supported entrepreneurs by hosting accelerators and other events aimed at helping startups grow along with providing resources and connecting founders to investors. 

View the full event agenda here. 

Sam Davidson

Nashville Entrepreneur Center Chief Executive Sam Davidson will present the “Best in Show” startup demo competition, acting as emcee to introduce several startups that will demonstrate new solutions to industry challenges. Audience members will get a first look at the latest technology in generative AI, machine learning, underwriting, data analysis and sales training, to name a few. 

Startups will compete for the title of “Best in Show” before a panel of judges who will decide on the winning fintech along with input from the audience.  

Meet the judges: 

Burak Cendek

Burak Cendek, partner at Autotech Ventures: Cendek has worked with more than 200 entrepreneurs and oversees investments related to fintech, software-as-a-service and supply chain/logistics. Autotech Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in and provides consulting services to companies in transportation technology sectors. 

Jimmy Douglas

Jimmy Douglas, founder and CEO of Plug: Douglas founded Plug, an online marketplace that facilitates the wholesale buying and selling of used EVs to dealers and fleet managers. His career also includes a stint in EV remarketing operations at Tesla. 

Alex Liegl

Alex Liegl, co-founder and board director at Tenet: Startup Tenet provides EV financing and last year began transitioning to a lending-as-a-service model to originate EV loans for credit unions, nonbank lenders and subprime financiers. Prior to Tenet, Liegl founded Layer1, a U.S. bitcoin mining company focused on renewable energy. 

Following the competition and winner announcement, the judges will share insights into how to find success in technology initiatives and fintech partnerships.  

The discussion will dive into: 

• Key considerations when evaluating new technology projects or partnerships;  

• Tips on incorporating new capabilities into existing tech infrastructure; and 

• Designing, implementing and monitoring processes for fintech compliance and data management. 

Along with live technology demos, Auto Finance Summit East 2025 presents attendees with unique opportunities to network during workshops and roundtable discussions and get key industry knowledge through fireside chats and panel discussions on topics including subprime financing, digital strategies, capital markets and auto refinance. 

Learn more about Auto Finance Summit East 2025 and register here.