we match entrepreneurs with the resources they need.

If you’re just getting started with a new company and need support, or if you’re an experienced entrepreneur wanting to foster a young company’s success, CED facilitates the ideal connections.

where do you fit in?

GROW YOUR COMPANY Get Support

Are you seeking the resources that will help your company succeed? CED connects entrepreneurs with invaluable resources that can help a new company launch and grow successfully. From financial backing to mentoring, our partners are here to help. Learn More

EMPOWER AN ENTREPRENEUR Give Support

Do you want to offer your entrepreneurial expertise, share your network, or invest in a smart start-up? CED partners with entrepreneurs, investors and the business community to connect growing companies with the resources needed to scale. Learn More

we’re a close-knit community of 40,000

CED is one part of a larger entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Here are just some of the ways we contribute:

7000

Companies supported

1000

Active resources supporting companies

$6B

Raised by companies

400+

Investors engaged

  • #Investor

    CED does a great job of thoughtfully connecting investors with entrepreneurs who are building promising companies. We benefit greatly from all of their hard work in supporting local startups.”

    Alex Gray // Principal // Gray Ventures

  • #StartupCompany

    I work with CED to be plugged into the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem of North Carolina. We have benefitted immensely from being a participant in the program and having access to other resources over the years. I look forward to continuing to work with CED and contributing to the entrepreneurial fabric of North Carolina.”

    Leah Townsend, Ph.D. // President // Pulvinar Neuro

  • #Builder

    Building a great company is hard…very hard. If we can provide first-time entrepreneurs with both the context and the confidence to navigate that journey, we can have a tremendous impact on North Carolina.”

    Carl Ryden // Founder // PrecisionLender

  • #PremiumPartner

    The CED staff takes great effort to put people together in an organic way, everyone is willing to be candid about their needs and their goals. That sharing allows me the chance to connect members to other individuals in both the market and the greater community, and it also creates a road map through which my team and I can use our own expertise to help their organization directly, should they need it.”

    Wilson McWilliams // Owner & Strategist // JWM Group

what does your company need to succeed?

support

Taking a high-touch approach, CED provides startups and founders with access to the support they need to scale.

capital

If you’re seeking financial support for your company, we can connect you with the perfect investor match–and fully prepare you to make a great impression.

connections

Make the connections that count with CED’s networking events, partner referrals, and more ways to mingle with established entrepreneurs.

explore support

March 20-21, 2024

Raleigh | North Carolina

Venture Connect 2024 is a one-of-a-kind capital summit bringing together Tech and Biotech under one roof. Largest selection of high growth companies that are scaling in the Southeast.

Learn more

get the latest