Connect · Partners + Community

Accelerate growth. Together.

Corporate partners, service providers, universities, and community builders make NC's startup ecosystem the engine that it is. Pick how you want to plug in.

Three Ways to Engage

Find your fit.

Corporate Partnership

Companies that sponsor founders, host events, and supply talent or services to the ecosystem. Get brand alignment with the next generation of NC innovators.

Trade Partnership

Law firms, accountants, agencies, and service providers who want curated intros to CED-vetted founders looking for the next vendor on their cap table.

Volunteer + Mentor

Founders, operators, and executives who want to give back. Mentor a GRO cohort, judge a pitch, or host a workshop. Time over money, equally valued.

Student Opportunities

The next generation of NC founders.

Students from Duke, UNC, NC State, NCSSM, and more get hands-on experience inside NC's startup ecosystem — through the GRO Incubator Associate program, Venture Connect roles, and CED externships.

Partner Universities

Duke University

UNC Chapel Hill

NC State

NCSSM

NC A&T

Wake Forest

Strength in Numbers

Women-identifying innovators shaping NC's future.

Strength in Numbers brings together female-identifying founders, operators, investors, and partners. Meaningful connections, celebrated progress, and elevated voices driving NC innovation forward.

Learn More →

Mark Your Calendar