NC Idea

NC IDEA is a nonprofit organization based in Durham, North Carolina, founded in 2005 to support entrepreneurs in starting and growing high-potential companies. It primarily focuses on providing early financing through competitive grants, particularly targeting young, innovative companies in sectors such as biotechnology, cleantech, healthcare information technology, and software. NC IDEA emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in its initiatives and works to serve as a catalyst for the development of technology-driven businesses in the region. In addition to financial support, the organization offers various programs and leverages a network of strategic partners to assist entrepreneurs during critical stages of their ventures.

Amy Bastian

Senior Director

David P. Rizzo

President and CEO

Thom Ruhe

President and CEO

Past deals in North Carolina

Home for Life Designs

Grant in 2023
Home for Life Designs provides mobile and cloud software for practitioners to conduct home evaluations in any patient home environment. The company also provides an innovative home assessment solution for healthcare professionals and paraprofessionals, enabling clients to stay in their homes and community safely and independently, for life. Home for Life Designs is based in Salisbury, North Carolina.

BCombs

Grant in 2023
BCombs is a stealthy technology firm based in Cary, North Carolina.

Beeloo

Grant in 2023
Beeloo is an AI-powered fun and educational worksheets for teachers and parents. The company's mission is to use technology to help kids spend LESS time on technology by giving teachers, caregivers, and parents unlimited options for educational and fun printable worksheets, activities, and crafts. It was founded in 2022 and is located in Holly Springs, North Carolina.

Tempo Brew

Grant in 2023
Tempo Brew is a producer of cold brewed coffee based in the Triangle region, focusing on delivering convenience and exceptional flavor. The company caters to foodies and coffee enthusiasts by using locally roasted fresh coffee beans and incorporating real spices, avoiding any added sugar. This approach allows customers to enjoy their caffeine fix in a healthier manner, emphasizing quality and taste in every brew.

BCombs

Grant in 2022
BCombs is a stealthy technology firm based in Cary, North Carolina.

Oncotect

Grant in 2022
Oncotect is a Raleigh-based biotech startup focused on the early detection of cancer risks in dogs through a novel urine-based screening test. The company has developed a patent-pending in-vitro diagnostic platform that utilizes proprietary technology alongside the olfactory receptors of C. elegans to identify cancerous volatile metabolites in dog urine. This innovative method provides a non-invasive, convenient, and affordable approach to multi-cancer screening, making it the only test of its kind available for dogs. By enabling dog owners to detect potential cancer risks early, Oncotect aims to improve canine health outcomes and enhance the ability to manage cancer in pets.

LoanWell

Grant in 2022
LoanWell, LLC provides a customizable loan origination system designed to streamline the entire loan process, including application intake, underwriting, closing, disbursement, and repayment. Established in 2017 and located in Durham, North Carolina, LoanWell serves community development financial institutions (CDFIs) by automating lending processes to enhance efficiency and deliver affordable capital to individuals and small businesses. The platform allows for secure management of applicant information and required documentation, while offering automated communication to facilitate application completion. By focusing on equitable access to capital, LoanWell aims to support mission-driven lenders in fostering community growth and economic development.

BatteryXchange

Grant in 2022
BatteryXchange, Inc. specializes in manufacturing and supplying portable batteries, focusing on providing mobile charging solutions. Founded in 2019 and based in Charlotte, North Carolina, the company has developed a battery rental platform that allows users to rent portable batteries for their devices. This innovative system enables users to return the batteries to any kiosk within the network after use, ensuring convenience and accessibility for on-the-go charging. By facilitating the sharing of charging resources, BatteryXchange aims to enhance connectivity and engagement for users in various settings.

Flux Hybrids

Grant in 2021
Flux Hybrids is a company focused on developing hybrid conversion technology that significantly improves vehicle fuel efficiency. Founded in 2019 and based in Raleigh, North Carolina, the company offers conversion kits designed to seamlessly integrate into a vehicle's drivetrain. This technology not only enhances fuel economy but also reduces fuel expenses, making the kits cost-neutral for users. Additionally, the conversion kits help lower the carbon footprint of traditional gas-powered vehicles, providing a universal solution for retrofitting them into hybrids.

BattleBuggies To Go

Grant in 2021
BattleBuggies To Go is a grocery delivery service based in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, specializing in same-day delivery for authorized patrons of DeCA commissaries. The company operates an online shopping platform that allows customers to place orders and make payments for their groceries, ensuring a seamless shopping experience. With a focus on convenience, BattleBuggies To Go provides hassle-free delivery within a 10-mile radius of any participating commissary, catering to the needs of its clientele by facilitating quick access to essential grocery items.

MyMatR

Grant in 2021
MyMatR, established in 2019 and based in Raleigh, North Carolina, specializes in waste management solutions. The company offers smart waste containers equipped with AI, sensors, and robotics to automatically sort trash, recycling, and other waste at the point of disposal. These containers can be customized with different bin sizes and opening configurations, catering to diverse client needs. By automating waste sorting, MyMatR helps reduce contamination, lower waste collection costs, and provides valuable waste stream data analytics.

Wishful

Grant in 2021
Wishful is a software platform connecting B2B sales and marketing teams that easily send gifts at various stages. The company's mission is to help companies achieve genuine and long-lasting relationships with their customers and prospects. Wishful is based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Home for Life Designs

Grant in 2021
Home for Life Designs provides mobile and cloud software for practitioners to conduct home evaluations in any patient home environment. The company also provides an innovative home assessment solution for healthcare professionals and paraprofessionals, enabling clients to stay in their homes and community safely and independently, for life. Home for Life Designs is based in Salisbury, North Carolina.

Content Commanders

Grant in 2021
Content Commanders is a content marketing and branding agency based in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. The company specializes in storytelling and strategy, aiming to enhance the power and personality of brands through multimedia content. By offering services in content storytelling and placement, Content Commanders helps businesses create engaging digital, print, and social media content designed to build fan bases and foster audience engagement. Their approach enables clients to effectively connect with their target audiences, convert leads, and maintain ongoing relationships.

Flow Phantom

Grant in 2021
Flow Phantom is a company based in Raleigh, North Carolina, founded in 2020, that specializes in creating upselling and cross-selling solutions for the Webflow e-commerce platform. Its technology is designed to enhance the online shopping experience by offering strategic add-to-cart and post-purchase upsells tailored to the items already in a customer's cart. By maximizing conversion rates and increasing average order value, Flow Phantom enables e-commerce brands to boost their revenue while fostering a positive interaction with customers.

Sure!

Grant in 2021
Sure! is a company based in Greenville, North Carolina, that focuses on providing plant-based milk and vegan infant formula specifically designed for babies and toddlers. The company aims to offer complete nutrition and high-quality products that cater to the needs of modern parents, ensuring convenience while supporting healthy eating habits for their young children. Through its ready-made offerings, Sure! enables parents to easily provide nutritious food options that align with a plant-based lifestyle.

Vitality Robotics

Grant in 2021
Vitality Robotics is a medical device company that designs AI-powered devices for biomedical research and veterinary medicine by combining computer vision, reinforcement learning, and robotics. It is based in Morrisville, North Carolina.

BatteryXchange

Grant in 2021
BatteryXchange, Inc. specializes in manufacturing and supplying portable batteries, focusing on providing mobile charging solutions. Founded in 2019 and based in Charlotte, North Carolina, the company has developed a battery rental platform that allows users to rent portable batteries for their devices. This innovative system enables users to return the batteries to any kiosk within the network after use, ensuring convenience and accessibility for on-the-go charging. By facilitating the sharing of charging resources, BatteryXchange aims to enhance connectivity and engagement for users in various settings.

Vision Church

Grant in 2021
Vision Church is a non-denominational church in Raleigh, NC that exists to glorify God and make disciples.

Creative Allies

Grant in 2021
Creative Allies, Inc. is an integrated marketing firm based in Morrisville, North Carolina, established in 2009. The company specializes in assisting celebrity and consumer brands in executing marketing campaigns and engaging with customers, particularly millennials. Creative Allies leverages proprietary crowdsourcing technology to create impactful digital campaigns that drive both revenue and social engagement. The firm operates a community of over 120,000 designers and 180,000 fans, facilitating contests that allow artists and fans to collaborate on creative projects. This platform not only helps brands and musical icons connect with their audiences but also enables emerging artists to gain exposure and win prizes for their work. Creative Allies has collaborated with a variety of notable brands and celebrities, enhancing their marketing efforts through innovative strategies.

Brunswick Community College

Grant in 2021
Career training, academic programs and lively entertainment and cultural offerings may all be found at Brunswick Community College (BCC) in Supply, North Carolina. Some of BCC’s academic offerings include art and science majors for those who wish to transfer to a four-year university. For those who want to prepare for a professional trade there are programs in Computer Repair, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, Office Administration, Plumbing and Welding, among others. A large part of BCC’s student life offerings may be found at the Odell Williamson Auditorium, a 1,500-seat venue that features musical, dance and theatre performances as well as lectures from renowned performers, artists and authors. Student services include academic and career advising, disability services and a student mentoring program. Students interested in attending Brunswick must provide proof of a high school diploma or GED, as well as copies of transcripts. All students must also take an assessment or placement exam prior to enrolling. Tuition for in-state students is significantly reduced. Financial aid is available to those who qualify.

Jayla’s Heirlooms

Grant in 2021
Jayla’s Heirlooms is a manufacturing company that offers handmade dolls for kids and babies. The company is based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Caia

Grant in 2021
Caia is a medical device company based in Durham, North Carolina, established in 2019. The company focuses on enhancing breast health through an innovative hand-held device that simplifies breast self-exams. This tool is designed to help women perform self-exams with greater confidence and accuracy by providing a tactile demonstration of how cancerous tumors feel within breast tissue. By enabling women to better understand what to look for during self-exams, Caia aims to improve early detection of breast cancer and promote proactive health management. The device is built to be durable and long-lasting, making it a practical choice for personal health monitoring.

Mountain BizWorks

Grant in 2020
Mountain BizWorks’ helps to build a vibrant and inclusive entrepreneurial community in Western North Carolina by helping small businesses start, grow, and thrive. When small businesses succeed, it all prosper. Mountain BizWorks provides business loans and coaching to emerging and established small businesses in Western North Carolina. It has a particular focus on working with businesses unable to access financing from banks and other traditional sources, as well as low-income, minority, women, and immigrant entrepreneurs, and businesses that operate within the local food system.

Natural Capital Investment Fund

Grant in 2020
Natural Capital Investment Fund, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering economic development in underserved communities across Central Appalachia and the Southeast. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Charles Town, West Virginia, with additional offices in West Virginia and North Carolina, the organization provides loans and technical assistance to small and mid-sized businesses, agricultural enterprises, and nonprofits. As a certified Community Development Financial Institution, it plays a crucial role in supporting entrepreneurs by offering flexible capital and business advisory services. The fund's efforts are aimed at catalyzing environmentally and socially responsible business development and wealth creation, particularly in rural, minority, and low-wealth areas.

S.G. Atkins Community Development Corporation

Grant in 2020
S.G. Atkins Community Development Corporation is a non-profit organization that strives to foster community-based leadership focused on revitalizing the neighborhoods surrounding Winston-Salem State University.

Provident1898

Grant in 2020
Provident1898 is a black-centric coworking community and resource hub, inspired by the legacy of Durham's Black Wall Street.

RIoT

Grant in 2020
RIoT is a non-profit organization established in 2014 and affiliated with the Wireless Research Center. Initially formed as a Meetup group, it has evolved to become a prominent hub for the Internet of Things (IoT) community. RIoT provides various services, including a startup accelerator, research and development lab, and educational programs aimed at fostering innovation in technology, particularly within the IoT, artificial intelligence, and data sectors. Based in Wilson, North Carolina, RIoT plays a crucial role in supporting the growth of emerging companies and facilitating collaboration among industry stakeholders.

Piedmont Business Capital

Grant in 2020
Piedmont Business Capital (PBC), established in 1992 and based in Greensboro, North Carolina, focuses on providing debt financing to small and medium-sized enterprises. The firm offers flexible financial products designed to support business growth while fostering socially responsible investments that aim to revitalize communities in the Piedmont region. Through its lending services and sound financial advice, PBC seeks to empower local businesses and contribute to economic development in the area.

North Carolina Business Council

Grant in 2020
North Carolina Business Council connects & empowers business leaders to build a healthy, resilient economy that benefits North Carolinians.

BlueRecruit

Grant in 2020
BlueRecruit is a direct-hire platform founded in 2019 and based in Raleigh, North Carolina. The company specializes in connecting skilled trade workers with employers by creating professional profiles that highlight their skills and experiences. This innovative approach eliminates the inefficiencies associated with traditional resumes and job postings, allowing employers to conduct targeted searches tailored to their specific talent needs. By focusing on the capabilities of job seekers, BlueRecruit facilitates a more efficient and effective matchmaking process between employees and employers.

Plantd Climbing

Grant in 2020
Plantd Climbing is a provider of product solutions for climbing gyms and climbers. The company is based in Durham, North Carolina.

AdaptBionic

Grant in 2020
AdaptBionic is a smart prosthetics and sports wearables company for an active lifestyle. The company builds smart prosthetics to help athletes stay competitive while adapting to their injuries. AdaptBionic was founded in 2020 and is based in Chapel Hill, NC.

FishingLicense.us

Grant in 2020
FishingLicense.us is an online platform based in Greenville, North Carolina, designed to simplify and expedite the process of obtaining or renewing fishing licenses. The company aims to make outdoor recreation more accessible by providing a hassle-free registration experience for users. By streamlining the licensing process, FishingLicense.us enables individuals to easily keep their fishing licenses up to date, promoting greater participation in fishing activities.

Arpio

Grant in 2020
Arpio is a cybersecurity software company based in Durham, North Carolina, focused on safeguarding AWS applications from downtime and outages. Founded in 2018 by Doug Neumann and Shaw Terwilliger, Arpio offers a solution that automates the application recovery process, allowing businesses to recover from disruptions in just a few minutes. The software isolates test environments while managing various components, including network configurations, security settings, IAM identities, autoscaling policies, load balancers, ECS tasks, and lambda functions. By streamlining the protection and restoration of entire AWS environments, Arpio helps clients minimize downtime and mitigate the risks associated with outages and ransomware.

MuukTest

Grant in 2019
MuukTest is a software testing platform based in Raleigh, North Carolina, founded in 2019. The company specializes in codeless test automation, allowing software developers to create, execute, and manage automated tests efficiently. By leveraging artificial intelligence, MuukTest enhances testing productivity, reportedly increasing it by up to 26 times. This innovation enables clients to minimize the time spent on manual testing processes and infrastructure management, allowing them to concentrate on more valuable tasks within their software development lifecycle.

Pip & Grow

Grant in 2019
Pip & Grow is a baby product company that produces elegant, eco-conscious products expertly designed to keep their child safe. The company's mission is to keep children safe by creating beautiful, socially, and environmentally responsible products ethically made in the USA. Pip & Grow was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Davidson, North Carolina.

AuthorLoyalty

Grant in 2019
AuthorLoyalty is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) company that provides authors and publishers with tools to calculate royalties from various book retailers worldwide. Founded in 2018 and based in Waxhaw, North Carolina, AuthorLoyalty's software consolidates data from multiple retailers and currencies into a single report, simplifying the management of royalties for authors. In addition to its core royalty calculation services, the company also offers custom book marketing management for select authors, enhancing their ability to promote their works effectively.

PaperMulch

Grant in 2019
PaperMulch is an agriculture company that develops sustainable materials to replace agricultural plastic mulch used in weed suppression. The company provides an all-natural, biodegradable solution to plastic that easily integrates into the soil where it will continue to decompose, essentially eliminating the labor cost and waste of agricultural plastic removal. PaperMulch was founded in 2014 and is based in Asheville, North Carolina.

Venturing Lifestyle Designs

Grant in 2019
Venturing Lifestyle Designs is a consumer company that manufactures women's apparel specializing in clothing for outdoor adventures. The company offers appeals to women, enabling women with clothing that allows them to be more adventurous, athletic, and active. Venturing Lifestyle Designs was founded in 2019 and is based in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Kinly

Grant in 2019
Kinly is a community-led platform that offers wellness and supportive services for families. The platform is creating space, support, and belonging for mothers everywhere. Kinly was founded by Sara Davison and is based in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Venga

Grant in 2019
Venga provides technology to help rock climbing gyms grow memberships, engage climbers, and reduce administrative overhead. The company is based in Durham, North Carolina.

Devil's Foot Beverage Company

Grant in 2019
Devil's Foot Beverage is a craft beverage company based in Asheville that specializes in non-alcoholic ginger beer and sparkling water drinks. The company is committed to using fresh, natural, and locally sourced ingredients, creating products that balance sweetness, citrus, and the natural spice of ginger. This approach provides a flavorful alternative to sugary and artificially flavored beverages. By handcrafting their drinks, Devil's Foot Beverage ensures quality control and the ability to produce seasonal varieties, catering to consumers seeking healthier beverage options. The company is gradually expanding its product availability within the local market.

Descalza

Grant in 2019
Descalza is a fashion label based in Raleigh, North Carolina, known for its unique blend of modern style and ethically sourced Latin American textiles. The brand specializes in handcrafted, made-to-measure clothing that incorporates traditional artisanal fabrics from Latin America. By using fair trade materials, Descalza aims to offer customers a distinctive fashion experience that honors cultural heritage while promoting ethical practices in the fashion industry.

Guerrilla RF

Grant in 2019
Guerrilla RF, Inc. is a fabless semiconductor company based in Greensboro, North Carolina, specializing in the development and manufacture of monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) for the wireless infrastructure market. Founded in 2013, the company offers a diverse portfolio of over 100 high-performance radio frequency and microwave semiconductor devices, including broadband low noise amplifiers, gain blocks, driver amplifiers, mixers, RF switches, digital step attenuators, and linear power amplifiers. Its products are designed to enhance wireless connectivity and are utilized in various applications, such as wireless backhaul, cellular repeaters, enterprise Wi-Fi access points, small cells, and distributed antenna systems. Guerrilla RF initially targeted the Wi-Fi Access Point market, leveraging its expertise in Wi-Fi discrete MMICs to deliver improved performance, range, and coverage in wireless systems.

SaberTooth Solutions

Grant in 2019
SaberTooth Solutions is a manufacturing company that develops advanced, bonding techniques for metals and ceramics. It enables the welding together of dissimilar materials, such as metals and ceramics. This patent-protected, platform technology enables the manufacture of more rugged, longer-lasting cutting tools and hammering tools for industries as diverse construction, demolition, mining, and oil & gas exploration. SaberTooth Solutions was founded in 2009 and is based in Morganton, North Carolina.

Jeddah’s Tea

Grant in 2019
Handcrafted, small-batch prepared iced teas from around the globe; made in Durham, NC.

Bear Fiber

Grant in 2018
Bear Fiber specializes in the production of cottonized hemp fiber aimed at enhancing the supply for technical textiles in North and South Carolina, as well as globally. The company focuses on sustainability and durability by refining American hemp fiber to create a cotton-like product. Bear Fiber engages in blending and spinning yarns, as well as knitting and weaving textiles specifically for the apparel and fashion industry. By evaluating the entire value chain, from raw materials to finished products, Bear Fiber ensures that it offers competitive services to businesses seeking sustainable textile solutions on both wholesale and retail levels.

Phinite

Grant in 2018
Phinite is a company focused on addressing the challenges of manure management in the agricultural sector, particularly for hog farmers in North Carolina. With the increasing difficulty of finding suitable land for sludge application, the company has developed systems to convert animal waste into a renewable, low-carbon fertilizer. This process results in a granular, odorless product that can be easily spread using conventional farming equipment. By transforming manure into a valuable resource, Phinite aims to enhance soil fertility and boost crop yields for farmers, providing a sustainable solution to an ongoing problem in livestock farming.

Vizla

Grant in 2018
Vizla is a software company that accesses construction plans and information for any area on a job site with a simple scan. The company extracts information from the various construction plans, combines it into one simple file, and embeds it into their QR code smart unit sign. Vizla was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.

4Evermore Ventures

Grant in 2018
4Evermore Ventures is a provider of female active wear to improve quality of life, health, and fitness. The company was founded in 2017 and is based in Durham, North Carolina.

Preservation Dyehouse

Grant in 2018
Preservation Dyehouse is a manufacturing company located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, specializing in cloth dyeing services using natural products. The company focuses on sustainable practices by utilizing dyestuffs sourced from sustainably grown and wild collected materials. This approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of plant and protein fibers but also ensures that the dyes are safe for sensitive skin. As a result, customers can confidently purchase products without concerns about allergies or adverse reactions to conventional chemical dyes. Preservation Dyehouse aims to provide high-quality, environmentally friendly dyeing solutions for a variety of textile needs.

Community Expert Solutions

Grant in 2018
Community Expert Solutions is a consulting agency based in Durham, North Carolina, founded in 2017. The agency focuses on addressing health disparities through innovative community engagement strategies for clinical trials and public health campaigns. By leveraging research, social marketing, and crowdsourcing contests, Community Expert Solutions aims to enhance public participation in health initiatives. The company also works to connect uninsured individuals with free and low-cost medications while developing products and services that promote health equity. Through its expertise in qualitative research and technology, Community Expert Solutions enables clients to effectively serve their communities and improve overall health outcomes.

Resistor Brews

Grant in 2018
Resistor Brews is a provider of unique flavors distributed in grocery stores, coffee shops, and restaurants. It is based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Snugwicks

Grant in 2018
Snugwicks is a consumer company that develops performance-based, water-wicking pet gear made with an innovative design to pamper pets. The company was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Iron Station, North Carolina.

Rite of Passage

Grant in 2018
Rite of Passage is a women's clothing brand located in Hendersonville, North Carolina, specializing in high-quality textiles and apparel. The company emphasizes American-made fabrics, utilizing natural yarns and quality cotton to create its collections. By focusing on crafted clothing made from natural fibers, Rite of Passage aims to provide customers with a unique and luxurious experience in women's wear.

VitalFlo

Grant in 2018
VitalFlo Inc. is a digital health company based in Raleigh, North Carolina, established in 2017. It specializes in manufacturing handheld spirometers for asthmatic patients, allowing them to monitor their lung health and medication use. In addition to the spirometers, VitalFlo develops software that connects patients with chronic respiratory conditions to their healthcare providers. The company's remote monitoring system tracks lung function and environmental factors that may trigger asthma attacks, providing actionable insights to clinical teams. This innovative approach aims to reduce emergency room visits by offering timely recommendations to patients, thereby redefining asthma management and enhancing overall care.

Glean

Grant in 2018
Glean is a food and beverage company founded in 2017 and headquartered in Farmville, NC. The company focuses on delivering healthy, fresh, and allergen-free foods to consumers. Glean operates a marketplace that offers a variety of products, including beet powder, pumpkin flour, and sweet potato flour, all made from natural ingredients without added sugars or preservatives. With a mission to reduce farm waste and combat hunger, Glean aims to provide innovative, clean label foods while promoting sustainability through the responsible sourcing of fruits and vegetables.

Liine

Grant in 2018
Liine, LLC is a company that specializes in phone performance management for the healthcare industry, focusing on enhancing patient acquisition for healthcare and dental practices. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, Liine offers an AI-powered platform that automates the capture and analysis of new patient phone calls, web forms, and online bookings without requiring manual data entry. The platform allows practices to track booking statuses, automate lead follow-up, and gain analytical insights to boost patient revenue. Additionally, it features call recording technology, which provides visibility into team and individual phone performance, along with a tailored messaging system to improve marketing efficiency through an interactive training program.

Neomega Nutritionals

Grant in 2018
Neomega Nutritionals is a food company based in Hillsborough, North Carolina, founded by Judit Beres in 2015. The company specializes in developing and marketing culinary oils and food products that prioritize health and sustainability. Notably, Neomega offers avocado culinary oil, which is free of trans fats, genetically modified ingredients, high fructose corn syrup, and MSGs. By focusing on innovative and healthy recipes, Neomega aims to enhance the culinary experience for its customers, promoting a fit and healthy lifestyle through its product offerings.

Coresnatcher

Grant in 2018
Coresnatcher is a fitness startup based in Charlotte, North Carolina, founded by Jacqueline Goldston Moss. The company specializes in developing exercise and physical therapy devices that cater to individuals seeking to maintain their fitness levels. Its primary product focuses on core development and enhancing flexibility, which enables users to improve their overall health and fitness. Through innovative design and functionality, Coresnatcher aims to support customers in achieving their fitness goals.

MicMag by Me

Grant in 2018
MicMag by Me is a retailer based in King, North Carolina, specializing in customizable and personalized upholstered furniture. The company offers heirloom-quality pieces that are both trend-forward and designed for easy assembly, allowing customers to set them up in minutes. With a focus on affordability and local craftsmanship, MicMag by Me provides a unique option for buyers seeking tailored furniture solutions that can be shipped anywhere. Founded by Kerri Hall, the company aims to blend quality with customization in the furniture market.

Devil's Foot Beverage Company

Grant in 2018
Devil's Foot Beverage is a craft beverage company based in Asheville that specializes in non-alcoholic ginger beer and sparkling water drinks. The company is committed to using fresh, natural, and locally sourced ingredients, creating products that balance sweetness, citrus, and the natural spice of ginger. This approach provides a flavorful alternative to sugary and artificially flavored beverages. By handcrafting their drinks, Devil's Foot Beverage ensures quality control and the ability to produce seasonal varieties, catering to consumers seeking healthier beverage options. The company is gradually expanding its product availability within the local market.

No Evil Foods

Grant in 2017
No Evil Foods, LLC specializes in producing and retailing plant-based protein products that emulate the taste and texture of meat. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Weaverville, North Carolina, the company utilizes a blend of beans, wheat berries, and yeast to create its offerings. No Evil Foods is committed to enhancing the food system by providing nutritionally superior meat substitutes optimized for health and digestion, employing fermentation and upcycled ingredients in their production process. The company's products are distributed to hundreds of restaurants, universities, and grocery stores across 12 states, including notable retailers such as Whole Foods Market and Earth Fare. The brand has garnered recognition in various media outlets and awards, reflecting its growing impact in the plant-based food sector.

Swipeby

Grant in 2017
SWIPEBY is a technology company founded in 2017 and based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, that specializes in enhancing customer engagement for local restaurants and businesses through a fully automated curbside service. Its innovative food-ordering app transforms any restaurant into a drive-thru experience, allowing users to schedule pickups conveniently from their vehicles without the need for phone calls or in-person payments. The platform also offers a comprehensive e-commerce solution that integrates various services, including social media management, loyalty programs, and customer arrival management, all powered by AI. By streamlining operations and improving user experience, SWIPEBY aims to drive loyalty and increase sales for its clients in suburban markets.

LoanWell

Grant in 2017
LoanWell, LLC provides a customizable loan origination system designed to streamline the entire loan process, including application intake, underwriting, closing, disbursement, and repayment. Established in 2017 and located in Durham, North Carolina, LoanWell serves community development financial institutions (CDFIs) by automating lending processes to enhance efficiency and deliver affordable capital to individuals and small businesses. The platform allows for secure management of applicant information and required documentation, while offering automated communication to facilitate application completion. By focusing on equitable access to capital, LoanWell aims to support mission-driven lenders in fostering community growth and economic development.

Trio Labs

Grant in 2017
Trio Labs is a digital manufacturing technology company based in Durham, North Carolina, specializing in high-volume precision metal and ceramic 3D printing. Founded in 2015, the company focuses on transforming the manufacturing of precision parts by eliminating tooling costs and enhancing the throughput of established production processes. This innovative technology allows engineers to achieve the precision of traditional systems while producing metals and ceramics at increased speeds and affordability compared to conventional manufacturing methods.

PT Wired

Grant in 2017
PT Wired, Inc. is a company that specializes in developing a software as a service (SaaS) platform tailored for physical therapists. Founded in 2016 and based in Durham, North Carolina, the company's product helps therapists enhance patient care while streamlining their workflow. The platform includes a mobile application that provides patients with instructional videos, notes, and reminders to support their rehabilitation routines. Additionally, it enables therapists to efficiently track patient progress and outcomes, which aids in reducing time spent on documentation. By integrating these features, PT Wired aims to improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of physical therapy practices.

Bloomify

Grant in 2016
Bloomify is an e-commerce company that offers indoor carnivorous plants and orchids. The company's mission is to help people of all colors thumbs enjoy the beauty of live plants without any worries. It is based in Morrisville, North Carolina.

ProAxion

Grant in 2016
ProAxion, Inc. is a manufacturer of cloud-connected sensors aimed at enhancing predictive maintenance for industrial machinery. The company has developed TACTIX, a tool designed to remotely monitor the health of rotating machines, thereby helping to prevent unexpected failures of mission-critical equipment. By utilizing low-power sensors and cloud computing technologies, ProAxion enables industrial facilities to improve their uptime and reliability while optimizing the total cost of operations and maintenance. Founded in 2015 and based in Cary, North Carolina, ProAxion's innovative solutions contribute to data-driven operations, addressing the needs of millions of machines integral to societal functions and advancing the Industrial Internet of Things.

Gryppers

Grant in 2016
Gryppers Inc. is a manufacturer and supplier of specialized sports accessories designed to enhance grip and protect athletes from injuries such as blisters and abrasions. Founded in 2011 and based in Raleigh, North Carolina, the company produces multi-sport finger products that are suitable for various sports, including basketball, golf, jiu-jitsu, football, volleyball, tennis, handball, and rugby. Gryppers aims to improve the performance and longevity of athletes and active individuals by offering high-quality apparel and protective compression wear. The company also operates a storage facility in Miramar, Florida, to support its distribution needs. Through its innovative products, Gryppers focuses on safeguarding athletes' hands while ensuring they maintain their proficiency during physical activities.

Roobrik

Grant in 2016
Roobrik, Inc. is a company that specializes in providing online assessment and decision tools aimed at assisting older adults, their caregivers, and senior care providers in making informed health and care choices. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, Roobrik's tools focus on simplifying the often complex process of later-life decision-making. They help families navigate critical issues such as driving safety, home safety, and managing dementia, ultimately promoting better health and wellness outcomes while also reducing costs associated with long-term care. By prioritizing informed decision-making, Roobrik empowers users to make choices that enhance their quality of life and care.

Encapsio

Grant in 2016
Encapsio is a nanotechnology company that produces encapsulation and delivery systems to protect and control the release of active ingredients in product formulations. It develops and produces silicone microencapsulation systems for the protection and controlled release of active ingredients. The company is based in Durham, North Carolina.

Brand Assurance

Grant in 2015
Brand Assurance is a cloud-based reputation management platform tailored for the multi-family apartment industry. Established in 2015 and headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina, the company offers a software solution that enables businesses to gauge their performance in meeting resident expectations and provides insights for community improvement. The platform facilitates the development of stronger relationships with residents by encouraging customer feedback on review sites and equipping community managers with a dashboard and reporting tools to analyze responses in real time. This integrated approach helps brands enhance their online reputation and achieve significant performance metrics, ultimately contributing to sustained net operating income benefits.

Savii Care

Grant in 2015
Savii Care, established in 2014 and headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, specializes in developing software solutions for private duty home care agencies. Their flagship product, Savii Care, is a web and mobile platform that efficiently manages agency workflows, from referrals to billing and payroll. Additionally, Savii Connect, an app integrated with Savii Care, enables caregivers to manage schedules, document tasks, and access electronic care journals. The company's mission is to equip home care agencies and caregivers with technology that simplifies daily tasks, allowing them to focus on providing quality care.

Redbud Labs

Grant in 2015
Redbud Labs, Inc. specializes in the development and manufacturing of MEMS and microfluidics technologies tailored for the life science industry. The company produces actuated surface-attached posts films, which facilitate the manipulation of fluids, cells, and reagents at the microscale, thereby enhancing mixing efficiency and reducing assay times. Additionally, Redbud Labs is known for its innovative MXR, the first fully modular microfluidic mixer, utilized by leading biotechnology firms to enhance assay performance. The company offers cartridge-based automated sample preparation platforms, which simplify laboratory workflows while maintaining high performance. Founded in 2010 and based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Redbud Labs draws on advanced research from the University of North Carolina to provide solutions that address complex microfluidic challenges in research, drug discovery, and diagnostics.

RevBoss

Grant in 2014
RevBoss, Inc. is a sales development company based in Durham, North Carolina, specializing in on-demand software and services for B2B and SaaS organizations globally. Founded in 2012, the company offers a comprehensive sales engine that automates the prospecting process. This includes sourcing prospects, cleaning data, deploying and testing campaigns, and providing analytics and reporting. RevBoss’s software is designed to assist businesses in building robust sales pipelines and increasing customer acquisition through targeted prospect segments and personalized content. By streamlining outbound sales development, RevBoss enables its clients to enhance their sales effectiveness and close more deals.

MATI Energy

Grant in 2014
MATI Energy is a producer of organic caffeinated energy drinks, established in 2012 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina. The company focuses on providing a refreshing and energizing alternative for health-conscious consumers seeking to enhance their daily performance. MATI Energy's product line features no-spike, no-crash energy drinks that include a variety of canned carbonated mixtures. These beverages are designed to deliver an energy boost while prioritizing taste and healthy ingredients, catering to active individuals who want to achieve their natural potential without compromising their health.

CellBreaker

Grant in 2014
CellBreaker is a web platform that allows users to easily switch cell phone carriers without paying a early termination fee. The company is a consumer justice platform dedicated to empowering users and help save money. It serves two customer segments, consumers stuck in contracts and carriers wishing to convert leads to paying customers. CellBreaker was founded on 2007 and is based in Durham, North Carolina.

EmployUs

Grant in 2014
EmployUs Inc. is a company based in Cary, North Carolina, that specializes in a mobile-first hiring application designed to enhance the recruitment process through employee referrals. Founded in 2014, the platform allows users to refer candidates for job openings directly from their smartphones, facilitating a seamless referral process. Users benefit from cash rewards when their referrals lead to successful hires, creating an incentive for employees to participate in the recruiting efforts. EmployUs aims to empower organizations by leveraging their employees and their networks, ultimately streamlining the hiring process and improving recruitment outcomes.

Canopy Lawn Care

Grant in 2014
Canopy Lawn Care, Inc. is a landscaping company headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, that specializes in providing comprehensive lawn maintenance services to homeowners. Founded in 2014, the company employs a technology-driven approach to enhance customer and employee experiences while streamlining operations. Canopy offers a variety of services, including weed control, fertilization, aeration, over seeding, bed maintenance, pruning, and mosquito management, among others. The company emphasizes environmentally responsible practices and science-based methods to improve soil health, ensuring that clients receive lush and healthy lawns.

Freedom

Grant in 2014
Freedom specializes in providing digital distraction blocking solutions for a range of devices, including Windows and Mac computers, Android phones and tablets, as well as iPhones and iPads. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, the company offers a subscription-based software called Freedom that enables users to create customized blocklists of distracting websites and applications. Since its inception, Freedom has focused on helping individuals enhance productivity by reducing distractions, a mission inspired by the founder's academic research. The software has gained a reputation for its effectiveness, serving over a million users who seek to work in a distraction-free environment. Freedom operates as a subsidiary of Eighty Percent Solutions Corporation.

Revibe

Grant in 2013
Revibe Technologies, Inc. specializes in the development of wearable devices designed to assist individuals facing challenges in focus and concentration, particularly in educational and workplace environments. The company's flagship product, the Revibe Anti-Distraction Wristwear, serves as a reminder wristband that utilizes smart vibration technology and research-based algorithms to help users improve their on-task behavior. By integrating psychological principles with innovative technology, Revibe Technologies aims to enhance learning and productivity for both children and adults. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Wake Forest, North Carolina, Revibe Technologies was previously known as FokusLabs Behavioral Solutions, Inc. Its products provide supportive alternatives for those struggling with attention, ultimately creating more equitable opportunities in education and work settings.

Panaceutics Nutrition

Grant in 2013
Panaceutics Inc. specializes in the formulation, manufacturing, and distribution of personalized nutritional products, focusing on mass customization based on individual genetic and medical profiles. Established in 2013 and headquartered in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, the company employs proprietary robotic technology to create easy-to-swallow fruit purees that combine multiple pills into a single packet. This innovative approach caters to healthcare systems, pharmaceutical companies, and nutritional product manufacturers, enabling them to offer tailored supplementation that meets specific macro nutrient needs. By using automated methods, Panaceutics ensures that consumers receive convenient and safe nutritional solutions embedded in flavored gels and other food bases.

Novocor Medical Systems

Grant in 2013
Novocor Medical Systems, Inc. is a company that develops innovative solutions aimed at enhancing the capabilities of emergency medical service personnel and first responders. Founded in 2013 and based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the company has created HypoCore, a patent-pending rapid chilling device designed to induce therapeutic hypothermia in patients experiencing cardiac arrest, traumatic brain injury, heat stroke, or severe concussions. HypoCore is designed for ease of use, allowing it to be readily stored in ambulances, fire trucks, and helicopters. It operates without the need for external power and is compatible with standard medical equipment, making it a practical tool for first responders to improve patient survival rates in critical situations.

ArchiveSocial

Grant in 2012
ArchiveSocial, Inc. specializes in developing social media archiving and risk management solutions that help organizations protect their online presence. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, the company serves various industries, including government, law enforcement, and financial services. Its software provides features such as authentic capture, continuous archiving, historical records, and advanced search capabilities, allowing clients to automatically capture and securely archive social media content and metadata. This ensures compliance with public records laws and mitigates risks associated with social media activity. ArchiveSocial empowers public entities to engage with their communities while maintaining control over their digital communications.

Motaavi

Grant in 2012
Motaavi is an equity-based crowdfunding portal and exchange for companies seeking to raise up to $1M a year from the public. The portal provides access to liquidity to companies and their investors. It is based in Durham, North Carolina.

Lucerno Dynamics

Grant in 2012
Lucerno Dynamics, LLC is a medical technology company based in Cary, North Carolina, focused on the development and distribution of systems that detect and quantify radiolabeled biomarkers in tissue. Established in 2011, the company offers a range of products, including the Lucerno LD1 system, which helps clinicians assess tumor response early in treatment, and the Lara System, designed to monitor nuclear medicine injections. Lucerno's innovative devices leverage advanced PET crystal technology to provide healthcare providers with reliable information on the quality of nuclear medicine used in disease evaluations. Their solutions have applications in various areas, including quality assurance for clinical PET/CT scans, non-invasive measurement of arterial input function, and monitoring the effectiveness of therapies for superficial tumors, as well as supporting preclinical research in animal studies.

Nirvana Science

Grant in 2012
Nirvana Science, Inc. is a company based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, focused on developing synthetic bacteriochlorins and fluorescent dyes. Established in 2011, it specializes in creating innovative fluorescent dyes with ultra-narrow emissions, designed to enhance the efficiency of fluorescence-based medical diagnostics and imaging systems. These advanced dyes improve multiplexing capabilities, which are increasingly desired by researchers, leading to more accurate data for medical professionals by simplifying detection processes.

InfoSense

Grant in 2011
InfoSense is a technology-driven company established in 2007 as a spin-off from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, focusing on commercializing an innovative acoustic inspection technology developed by Dr. Ivan Howitt. The company specializes in creating tools for rapid assessment of sewer lines, enabling the non-invasive detection of blockages in small-diameter gravity sewers. By employing a patented active transmit and receive method, InfoSense's technology allows for quick inspections, providing blockage assessment in under three minutes at a significantly lower cost than traditional methods. This technology enables wastewater operators to efficiently target pipe cleaning resources, enhancing overall maintenance and operational effectiveness within the wastewater collection industry.

Diabetic Health

Grant in 2011
Diabetic Health, Inc. is a medical device company based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, specializing in the development of sensors and point-of-care devices aimed at managing critical health conditions, particularly diabetes and severe acute diseases like sepsis. Established in 2009 and formerly known as Clinical Sensors, Inc., the company focuses on harnessing the biological activity of nitric oxide to enhance the performance of continuous glucose monitoring sensors and insulin infusion sets. These innovations aim to mitigate the foreign body response and improve patient outcomes by allowing healthcare providers to better control blood glucose levels and reduce the risk of severe complications. Diabetic Health operates as a subsidiary of KNOW Bio, LLC, following its acquisition in December 2019. With significant funding from NIH and state awards, the company continues to advance its technology to support minimally trained clinical staff in critical care environments.

NanoForge

Grant in 2011
NanoForge is a nanotechnology company that manufactures copper nanowires using a proprietary bulk chemical process. The company's unique copper nanowires revolutionize the manufacturing of these products by providing a low-cost alternative to the currently used crystalline Indium-tin-oxide on both glass and flexible plastic substrates. It was founded in 2010 and is based in Durham, North Carolina.

Loyalese

Grant in 2011
Loyalese is an online loyalty platform that connects merchants and consumers. The platform is based in Durham, North Carolina.

Cell Microsystems

Grant in 2011
Cell Microsystems, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, that focuses on developing, manufacturing, and commercializing innovative tools for single-cell biology. Founded in 2010, the company is known for its proprietary CellRaft™ Technology, which allows for the efficient sorting and isolation of single cells under standard culture conditions, preserving their unperturbed phenotypes and high viability. This technology is complemented by an automated imaging platform, enabling real-time selection and tracking of individual cells throughout imaging, collection, and downstream analysis. By facilitating single-cell isolation from small and valuable samples, Cell Microsystems provides scalable solutions that make advanced cell separation technology accessible to laboratories, enhancing the capabilities of researchers in single-cell research and genomics.

BoostSuite

Grant in 2011
BoostSuite Corp specializes in developing website marketing tools aimed at small businesses. Founded in 2011 and based in Durham, North Carolina, the company operates as a subsidiary of Atlantic Business Technologies Inc. BoostSuite provides user-friendly suggestions for optimizing websites, helping small marketers increase their online presence despite limited marketing budgets. The platform also facilitates co-marketing opportunities, allowing users to share content with partner websites, which enhances website traffic and generates new customer leads. This approach enables small business owners and novice marketers to effectively improve their sales leads and revenue through optimized website strategies.

Keona Health

Grant in 2011
Keona Health, Inc. is a healthcare software company based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, established in 2010. It specializes in developing automated patient communication software that enhances interaction between healthcare professionals and patients. The company's flagship product, Health Desk, provides triage and call support solutions for practices and call centers. This software optimizes call workflows through features such as telephone integration, automated routing, and unlimited queues, allowing healthcare facilities to manage patient inquiries more efficiently. By offering e-visits, Keona Health helps hospitals increase patient access while simultaneously reducing call volume, thus improving overall operational effectiveness in healthcare settings.

OtherScreen

Grant in 2011
OtherScreen Inc. is a company based in Charlotte, North Carolina, that specializes in developing a convergence platform that integrates television and internet services. Established in 2010, OtherScreen combines mobile internet, broadcast television, user-generated content, and social gaming to create a unique layer of monetizable consumer entertainment. This innovative approach allows users to surf the web while simultaneously watching TV, enhancing the viewing experience and providing new opportunities for engagement and revenue generation.

BioShape Solutions

Grant in 2010
BioShape Solutions is a medical device company that permits simple and effective local delivery of drugs around surgical implants. The company also provides simple and effective local delivery of therapeutic agents to inhibit and treat active infections around surgical implants. BioShape Solutions is headquartered in RTP, North Carolina.

EZ Food Order

Grant in 2010
EZ Food Order is a web-based application that streamlines the nation’s $175 billion foodservice distribution industry. By allowing foodservice distributors to easily compete for the restaurant business, ezFoodOrder reduces food costs for restaurant operators by 15% on average. It is based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The Coaching Mark

Grant in 2010
The Coaching Mark is a provider of a software-as-a-service platform dedicated to helping youth thrive through athletics. The company is based in Morrisville, North Carolina.
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