Nc idea

NC IDEA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting early-stage, high-growth technology companies in North Carolina. It primarily offers financial assistance through its NC IDEA SEED and NC IDEA MICRO programs. NC IDEA SEED provides $50,000 grants to innovative startups with viable concepts, helping them scale more quickly, while also offering mentorship to mitigate growth risks. Since its inception in 2006, this initiative has granted over $7.2 million to 161 companies, with nearly 70 percent of these businesses still operational today. Collectively, they have secured over $295 million in additional funding and created more than 1,860 jobs. The NC IDEA MICRO program complements this by offering $10,000 grants to early-stage companies seeking to validate and advance their ideas. Through these efforts, NC IDEA plays a crucial role in fostering the growth of technology-driven entrepreneurship in the region.

Amy Bastian

Senior Director

Andrea Cook

Director

Thom Ruhe

President and CEO

Past deals in North Carolina

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.

Mati Inc.

Grant in 2014
Mati Inc. is a company based in Durham, North Carolina, that specializes in the production and sale of energy drinks. Founded in 2012, it offers a unique energy drink brewed from plant-based ingredients, fruit juice concentrates, and water. The flagship product, MATI, is designed to provide a healthier alternative for active and health-conscious consumers seeking to enhance their everyday performance. Mati Inc. distributes its products through various channels, including wholesalers, retail outlets, and online platforms, primarily serving customers in North Carolina and surrounding counties. As of April 2020, Mati Inc. operates as a subsidiary of NOBL Beverages.