Home

Driving growth, fueling innovation in North Carolina since 1984.

We’re a nonprofit that puts founders, investors, and community partners in the same room.
I’m a
Founder Partner Investor
Your big idea is the reason we’re here. Get the honest, unbiased, powerful support you and your team need to successfully scale your startup.
Learn More
Businesses, leaders, and organizations drive community and unlock innovation within one of America’s most vibrant startup ecosystems. Interested in partnering?
Learn More
Meet and invest in North Carolina’s most innovative companies while leveraging CED’s trusted intel and regional expertise.
Learn More
$185B
Triangle Enterprise Value, explore Dealroom to learn more
A New Era of Growth book

A New Era of Growth

CED has spent 42 years helping founders build and scale their companies through proven programs and continued innovation. That legacy is a powerful foundation, and our best work is still to come.

Read the Impact Report

1,300+ introductions made 747 startups supported 13k+ support hours 4.8x more total funding raised vs non-CED companies 3.6x more funding rounds completed 2.1x higher Dealroom Signal score

Find Your Community

Whether you’re a founder, operator, investor, or community champion—there is a place for you to plug in with the CED Network. Hands-on workshops, regular networking events, and our annual flagship conference Venture Connect.

Starting and Scaling

A community for founders and operators who are building and scaling Tech and Life Science startups in NC.
Explore

Fueling Innovation

A community for partners who have time to devote to startups and want to get involved.
Explore

Investing and Networking

A community for investors who are financially funding startups directly or through CED.
Explore

Upcoming Events

View All

Explore our Programs

GRO Incubator

A 12-week intensive incubator program, tailored for early stage Tech and Biotech startups seeking to fast-track their growth.

Apply

Strength in Numbers

Our program where female-identifying members of the innovation ecosystem gather to connect, collaborate, and support each other.

Join us

Workshops

Hands-on, interactive working sessions that give founders core education across the startup lifecycle, led by experienced practitioners.

Learn more

CED is an incredible resource for founders and funders looking to get connected in the Triangle.

Mahati Sridhar

Partner @ Revolution

The Founder-In-Residence program is unlike any other resource in the Triangle ecosystem.

Jed Carlson

Founder & CEO @ Roundup.org

Supported by: