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!

Matt Cuddy

Program Administrator

Hey, I’m Matt! I’m currently living in New York City but I’m a Charlotte person at heart and plan to return there in the near future. I’m a proud graduate of Appalachian State University. Shortly after graduating, I jumped at the opportunity to join this incredible community, lending support to founders and contributing to various programs. In the following years, I began the journey of building my own website design business from the ground up. I also dipped my toes in the startup world, gaining valuable experience working at a small, fast-growing startup. Now, I’m thrilled to be rejoining this amazing community and excited to continue supporting founders. Outside of work, I’m also a runner and recently completed my very first marathon. Let’s connect!

Board of Directors

Bob Guth

Bob Guth

LaunchCLT Chairman of the Board and Independent Director

Mark McDowell

Mark McDowell

Founder/Investor Real Ventures, LaunchCLT Co-founder

Chris Boggiano

Chris Boggiano

Co-founder + President Everblue

Liz Brigham

Liz Brigham

W. Spencer Mitchem Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Davidson College

Kevin Mahl

Kevin Mahl

President + CEO Champion Tire & Wheel

Mark Mahoney

Mark Mahoney

Co-founder Jackrabbit Technologies

Cindy Praeger

Cindy Praeger

Co-founder + Managing Partner Rhythm Systems

Don Rainey

Don Rainey

General Partner Grotech Ventures

Anjali Shah

Anjali Shah

Head of Innovation Strategy Wells Fargo

David L. Howard

David L. Howard

Principal, DL Howard Consulting Group

Ashley Gautreaux

Ashley Gautreaux

Partner, CreativeCo

Ed Gorman

Ed Gorman

Dana Hicks

Dana Hicks

CEO and Cofounder, NaneXPure LLC