Curiosity + Collaboration

We believe that knowledge becomes powerful when it is shared.

Our Team

Elevating Entrepreneurs

Our team could really include every one of our mentors, founders, sponsors, partners, investors, and community members — we all support one another towards a common goal of elevating entrepreneurs. Here are just a few of the people who embrace curiosity and help make connections for collaboration.

Erica Madden

Chief Engagement Officer

Hi, I’m Erica … voracious reader, Steelers lover, and entrepreneur enthusiast. I’ve been part of this community from the beginning, and I’m grateful for all the ways people have poured into me. When I’m in a room with the LaunchCLT community, I feel like I’m with my people. We have interesting and stimulating conversations. We exchange ideas and dream big. We say ‘I wonder if we could …’ a lot. We all want to help make the entrepreneurial journey just a little bit easier. In addition to spending time with this crew, I run a strategic consulting company (bloom.), volunteer with Access to Success to serve entrepreneurs in Benin City, Nigeria, and contemplate where my next trip abroad will be (suggestions welcome)! Please connect and let’s grab coffee or a beer together soon. Cheers!

Claire Allen

Program Administrator

Hi, I’m Claire Allen, recently minted Program Administrator with LaunchCLT. Some of my favorite activities include tennis, power walking, hiking and most outdoor activities (above 0° temps)! After living all over the country for 25 years, our family is thrilled to return to NC (GO Tarheels) and be closer to the coast. Twenty plus years in healthcare have afforded me amazing opportunities and experiences in direct patient care, as well as administrative duties to increase efficiencies of large healthcare systems. My recent responsibilities in a non-profit organization included the development of membership/volunteer programs and targeted fundraising. Call me old fashioned, but I am partial to hardcover books and talking on the phone in lieu of electronic communication. I have served on community boards and volunteered for numerous organizations supporting education, arts and culture, and grass roots to reduce hunger and homelessness. As the wife of an energy executive and proud mother of two college age sons, our life is full of friendly competition. We are members of St. Albans church in Davidson, NC and enjoy sporting events at Davidson College and surrounding areas.