It Takes a Village

“If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together”

Growing Together

Investing in Each Other

We are surrounded by countless individuals, organizations, and corporations that energetically invest in the Charlotte startup community. Together we are generating creative opportunities, a healthy economy, and most importantly, stronger, successful entrepreneurs.

Collaboration

Our Ecosystem Partners

Jay Hurt Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Davidson College

The Hurt Hub facilitates access and exposure to innovation and entrepreneurship for all Davidson students, alumni, faculty, staff, Hurt Hub co-workers, and community members. LaunchCLT mentees benefit from educational opportunities, office hours, and other entrepreneurial resources available from The Hurt Hub.

First Turn Innovations

FTI is an engineering and prototyping lab made up of top tier engineers and entrepreneurs. They help entrepreneurs advance their brilliant ideas from concept to testing with legal, prototyping and financial support. LaunchCLT mentors advise the founders and inventors who engage with FTI.

Thank You

Our Sponsors

Visionaries

Our Founders Circle

In 2018, an integral group of leaders ignited our organization, originally named LaunchLKN, by making generous individual contributions. We are deeply grateful for both their financial contributions and their strategic guidance.

Mark Boomgarden

President, CEO: Moore Nanotechnology Systems & Moore Tool Company

“LaunchCLT has successfully connected some of the brightest minds in the Lake Norman and Charlotte region through a local network of like-minded individuals. Our focus is on networking, mentoring and communication – pairing successful industry technologists and leaders with talented and capable entrepreneurs. I feel very fortunate to be a part of the founding team.”

Bob Guth

Independent Director, LaunchCLT Board Chair

“I’m excited to be a part of the LaunchLKN effort. The mentoring opportunities and the community development initiatives brought me to the group, but what has caused me to get even more involved is the caliber of people I’ve met and the shared spirit to do something impactful for our region.”

John Hevey

Founder: Birch Avenue Investments, LLC

“Entrepreneurial activity and growth is vital to any growing economy. It is exciting to be a part of LaunchCLT’s mission to foster the entrepreneurial ecosystem in our community.”

Mike Marvin

Managing Director: MDM Advisors

“Every community needs to have new industries and businesses to keep it fresh and youthful. Our community is endowed with a rich set of seasoned, talented, successful people who have helped grow businesses all over the country. Through LaunchLKN, we hope to leverage this key asset into growing existing and creating many new businesses that will help sustain the vitality of our community.”

Mark McDowell

Board Partner: Real Ventures, Co-Founder: Launch CLT

“LaunchCLT is unifying the talent and resources of the region into an ecosystem where entrepreneurs are welcome and supported (and served good local beer).”

Chris McKee

Managing Partner: McKee Group Capital

“There are many successful entrepreneurs with diverse backgrounds in our area. Until LaunchLKN, there wasn’t a facilitator to bring us together to learn, share ideas, and form a community that encourages and supports one another. I am excited to be a part of it.”

Interested in supporting local entrepreneurs and creating a stronger Charlotte together?

Let’s talk about how we can collaborate.