Forge
Founders + Operators
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THE POWERFUL FOUNDER COMMUNITY YOU NEED

FORGE was created for YOU. We’re a community of new and experienced founders and operators rallying together to make tech companies in North Carolina stronger. 

You’ll find solutions and support here, with veteran leaders ready to help with the resources that are right for you, right now.

Our Approach

We equip you with the resources and tools you need for where your startup is today. From one-to-one coaching to group classes and many opportunities to connect with other founders and operators, you’ll find what you need to grow here.

As a FORGE member, you’ll access four areas of development:

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Education

CED exclusive curriculum with core concepts and strategies to scale your technology business:

  • 12-week Incubator Program
  • Advanced Strategies Series
  • Workshops

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Experience

Share your experiences and learn from industry peers to find solutions faster.

  • Small Group Discussions
  • Professionally Facilitated
  • Confidential Setting

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Advice

Match with veteran founders and leaders who can offer direct solutions for tackling immediate challenges

Mini-sessions with experts in:

  • Business Strategy
  • Capital and Fundraising
  • Talent

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Audience

Build a network of people who can accelerate your business

  • Exclusive, Invite-Only Networking
  • Year-Round Events
  • Opportunities to Pitch
  • Community Collabs

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SHOWING UP IS MAKING AN INVESTMENT IN YOURSELF + YOUR COMPANY

What makes Chris stand out for me isn't just his insights; it's how he's turned into a trusted advisor and, honestly, a close friend. If I could hire him, I would, but for now, I'm grateful to have him as a confidant and a sounding board for my business decisions.
Yasin Abbak
Founder | GroupUps
Yasin receives support from Chris
Yasin was fun to work with because he is hungry for tactical methods for growing and running his business. When you support someone, who is open to advice, implements it and comes to the next meeting with an update, is a homerun engagement.
Chris Leithe
Operator | SaaS
Chris supports Yasin

Your Investment

Our pricing makes the invaluable FORGE resources and community benefits accessible to startups wherever they are in the journey. Once you’ve been accepted into FORGE, our team will connect with you to finalize payment details.

INDIVIDUAL

You’re a first time founder or operator building an early stage startup.

You’re a one man band, investing in yourself and seeking guidance and peer support to scale smarter.


$100/month


Access for 1 team member

CORE TEAM

You and your team have traction and are starting to scale.

You’re invested in your people and want to leverage a community of peers, while building a strong professional network.


$250/month


Access for up to 3 team members

GROWTH

You have an established leadership team, whose functions are scaling rapidly.

You’re eager to connect with others in your stage and are ready to offer support to others.


$500/month


Access for 4+ team members