Founded Connect

Join us on Founded Connect as we dive into the incredible journey of Sora Union. Co-Founder Sophia Wajnert shares how their professional services company is reshaping remote work by sourcing talent from at-risk communities due to conflict or climate change. Discover how Sora Union is making a positive social and environmental impact while revolutionizing the way we work.

Joining us in the studio are three legal virtuosos from Smith Anderson: Merrill Mason, Mike Saber, and Josh Diver. These seasoned experts have dedicated their careers to assisting startups, venture capital initiatives, and navigating the intricate realm of mergers and acquisitions. Today, they're sharing their wealth of experience to help founders steer clear of the legal traps that often catch the unwary.

In this Founded Connect episode, HR expert Dave Roscoe from Acclaim HR and former Founder and CEO of CarePaths, Sarah Jansen, shed light on the rising risks for small and mid-sized businesses that ignore Human Resources. The Department of Labor's proactive audits are on the rise, with over 2000 new full-time hires and a budget increase of over $5 billion since 2019. Despite this, many businesses remain oblivious to the potential penalties, fines, and lost productivity caused by HR problems. The podcast dispels common HR myths, emphasizing the importance of effective HR management to reduce waste, build better teams, and safeguard businesses from hidden risks.

In this episode of the Founded Connect podcast, our host had the privilege of hosting Kurt Merriweather, CDE®, co-founder of The Diversity Movement. Together, they embark on a deep dive into the often-misunderstood realm of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. Kurt brings his extensive knowledge and experience to the table, challenging misconceptions and uncovering valuable insights for organizations striving to create a more inclusive environment. The conversation explores the profound impact of unconscious bias, dispels myths surrounding DEI initiatives, and offers actionable strategies for fostering a culture of inclusivity.

Join Traci Phillips, renowned coach and author of "Looking In", and Brandon Kashani, Founder and CEO of Trakid, in an insightful conversation about the innate qualities necessary to thrive as a leader in the dynamic world of startups. In this episode of Founded Connect, Traci and Brandon delve deep into the essential traits that set successful startup leaders apart. Drawing from their combined expertise, they explore the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs and discuss how embracing certain innate qualities can make all the difference.

Raleigh Founded's recent partner, Right to Start, is fighting for your right to pursue your dreams, build a business, earn a living. We dive into their efforts to unleash entrepreneurial opportunity for everyone Founded Connect is hosted by JP Maloney, produced by Earfluence, and recorded in-studio at Raleigh Founded.

With everyone working from home, Billy Dickinson saw a problem that he could solve - homes simply didn't have enough privacy for office space. On episode 3 of the NC State Entrepreneurship Series, Billy shares how he got Home Office Solutions off the ground, the impact from pandemic life, and what's ahead for the new company. Founded Connect is hosted by Danielle Mayber, produced by Earfluence, and recorded in-studio at Raleigh Founded.

When Ritika Shamdasani and her sister Niki were in high school, they had a problem - they were going to a traditional Indian wedding, and they couldn't find the right clothing. It wasn't available online, and they had to travel to major south Asian hubs to look for options. So they decided to start a business, kind of a side hustle and resume booster for college. Except that side hustle started growing. As part of episode 2 of the NC State Entrepreneurship Series, Ritika shares the story of how Sani was formed, the partnership with her sister, and what's next for the growing company. Founded Connect is hosted by Danielle Mayber, produced by Earfluence, and recorded in-studio at Raleigh Founded.

You may have seen the recent announcements about 321 Coffee setting up shop at the new Pendo building, or how they're about to open up their first standalone location at 615 Hillsborough Street in Raleigh. They are all over the place and expanding rapidly. But did you know that it all started in co-founder Lindsay Wrege's dorm room? As part of episode 1 of the NC State Entrepreneurship Series, Lindsay shares the origin story of 321 Coffee and its mission to employ adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Founded Connect is hosted by Danielle Mayber, produced by Earfluence, and recorded in-studio at Raleigh Founded.

When Astral Consulting Group founders Chris Andrassay and Alfonso Alburquerque made the move from New York to Raleigh, they had a lot of things on their minds - Will we get business in the Triangle? How do we connect with the local entrepreneurial community? Should we find office space and where? And then of course, they also needed to think about, How do we legally move our company to another state? Today's Spotlight Series is presented by Wyrick Robbins. In addition to Alfonso and Chris, we welcome Chrisopher Poe, attorney at Wyrick Robbins, and Jason Gillikin, CEO of Earfluence. Founded Connect is edited and produced by Earfluence, and recorded in-studio at Raleigh Founded.

When Karly Pavlinac founded WAAM in 2017, she had the hustle, determination, and survival instincts that so many entrepreneurs need to get their companies off the ground. She scrapped and clawed, even sleeping on her parents' couch while getting started. And in 2021, her faith paid off, with a successful exit. On today's Spotlight Series is presented by Wyrick Robbins. In addition to Karly, we welcome Jason Widen, co-founder of Raleigh Founded, Christie Hartinger, attorney at Wyrick Robbins, and Jason Gillikin, CEO of Earfluence. Founded Connect is edited and produced by Earfluence, and recorded in-studio at Raleigh Founded.

On today's Spotlight Series, presented by Wyrick Robbins, we spotlight another member of Raleigh Founded while digging into a specific topic relevant to founders. Today's topic is Growth and Fundraising, two challenges facing so many founders. Today's founder DeShawn Brown has seen growth as CEO of two companies - Lithios Apps and Coworks. And with Coworks, he recently helped raise a cool $1 million. Also in the conversation is Ford Eubanks, corporate attorney at Wyrick Robbins; Jason Gillikin, CEO of Earfluence; and Jess Porta, Executive Director of Raleigh Founded. Founded Connect is edited and produced by Earfluence, and recorded in-studio at Raleigh Founded.

On today's Spotlight Series, presented by Wyrick Robbins, we spotlight another member of Raleigh Founded while digging into a specific topic relevant to founders. Today's topic is Growth and Fundraising, two challenges facing so many founders. Today's founder DeShawn Brown has seen growth as CEO of two companies - Lithios Apps and Coworks. And with Coworks, he recently helped raise a cool $1 million. Also in the conversation is Ford Eubanks, corporate attorney at Wyrick Robbins; Jason Gillikin, CEO of Earfluence; and Jess Porta, Executive Director of Raleigh Founded. Founded Connect is edited and produced by Earfluence, and recorded in-studio at Raleigh Founded.

Welcome to the new Spotlight Series, presented by Wyrick Robbins, where we spotlight a member of Raleigh Founded while digging into a specific topic relevant to founders. Today's topic is Setting Up an LLC, which can be pretty confusing and painful. But it doesn't have to be, and today we're giving you the tips on literally how to start your business. We're joined by Matt Stevens of EyeForty Design; Dan Tracey, corporate attorney at Wyrick Robbins; Jason Gillikin, CEO of Earfluence; and Jess Porta, Executive Director of Raleigh Founded. Founded Connect is edited and produced by Earfluence, and recorded in-studio at Raleigh Founded.

As an employer, can you ask employees if they're vaccinated? Can you ask why not? Can you require vaccinations from everyone? What happens if there's a medical or religious reason not to get vaccinated? Can you require employees to be tested for COVID? If so, who pays for it? What about vendors you work with, can you require them to be vaccinated? Such timely info here from Kyle R. Still from Wyrick Robbins, and thank you to Jason Widen (Raleigh Founded), Courtney Hopper (Hustle + Gather Podcast), and Jason Gillikin (Earfluence) for asking the questions. Founded Connect is brought to you by Raleigh Founded, and is edited by Earfluence.

This week's podcast is bringing some true innovative thinking! Meet Steve Brechbiel, the Regional Director of LifeWork. LifeWork is a high-impact initiative and such an interesting concept and so necessary in the workforce. Co-Founded by the Senior Vice President of Boeing, LifeWork strives to be a collaborative effort in its region with folks exiting or retiring from the corporate workforce who are not quite ready to lay down work. In this episode, Steve explores the “later in life” opportunities in the nonprofit world and other heartfelt endeavors that folks who are not committed to stop working can dive into. This is a phenomenal development and an episode worth your while, especially if you know someone who could benefit from this! Founded Connect is brought to you by Raleigh Founded, and is edited by Earfluence.

Perhaps one of my most interesting interviews yet! Meet Andrew Lerner; a wiz in intellectual property law, biotechnology, and innovation. Andrew is a military veteran, has a fascinating educational history, works with entrepreneurs at Duke University, and is also part of the IP team with our members and fellow B Corp, Rockridge Venture Law. To learn more about Andrew's fascinating story and his passion for entrepreneurship and IP and his journey forth, listen in. Andrew Lerner on LinkedIn Raleigh Founded Podcast editing by Earfluence

This episode introduces you to a leadership coach with a unique background and perspective as an engineer and past science teacher- meet Erin Gallimore! Erin works hand-in-hand to help develop future leaders and employees with real world experience and expertise. Erin is a ball of energy and has great insight and passion in regards to future leaders and workplace culture. Check out this episode and reach out to Erin if your team is in need of an overhaul or you are in need of CE's. Erin Gallimore on Linkedin Raleigh Founded Podcast editing by Earfluence

Meet David Mierke. David comes to Raleigh by way of the midwest, currently employed with Salesforce and also having worked as a Professor- he has a passion for entrepreneurship! In particular, David loves a good accelerator program and recently connected with Raleigh Founded to offer Mentorship and professional guidance. If you're looking to learn more about accelerator programs, or if you're in the early stage seeking some wisdom, check this episode out. Reach out to David! David Mierke on Linkedin Podcast editing by Earfluence

Ben has been immersed in entrepreneurship for decades. Today, Ben joins us to talk about his past success as an entrepreneur as well as his latest venture as the Principal & Owner of ACUO Business Consulting. Ben has a passion for helping entrepreneurs and has nearly 30 years of start-up, scale-up, wind-down, & turn-around experience. Tune in to this episode to hear more about Ben's current endeavor and his past lessons learned as a CEO, a CFO, a COO, and more.

On this episode, we're talking about all the "things" - the internet of things, that is. Meet Rachael Newberry of RiOT! RiOT is the spot for all things "internet of things". They're one of our partners and reside in our Warehouse location right here in Raleigh. If you're looking for an accelerator program that can help you learn more about not only the success of your idea and concept, but also the success and keys to running a business- tune in here to learn more. Never heard of RiOT? Give this episode a listen and learn more Rachael, Tom, and the team and what exactly an accelerator program is.

Meet Will McGuire of Crowdfund NC! During this episode, Will is joined by his colleague Anya Johnson. Will is an exceptional resource in the area for entrepreneurs looking to take a unique route to success with crowd-funding! If you're not sure what crowd-funding is and want to learn more about how you can buy "a piece of the pie"- tune in here!

Today, we are excited to interview one of our newer tenants at our Centennial Location! Meet CJ Leach of Counseling Professionals, LLC. CJ has a passionate and growing team of counseling professionals here in the Raleigh area. While their team has been faced with their own challenges due to the pandemic, CJ outlines other challenges that entrepreneurs face specifically. He talks about the concept of creating a "personal" budget as an entrepreneur and what this looks like for longevity and sustainability in business. If you're looking to learn more, scope out this episode & connect with CJ and his team.

Ever wondered about what exactly "angel investing" is and how it works? Then you don't want to miss this episode with Jan Davis. She is an investor in Triangle Angel Partners and is the immediate past president of its executive committee. Jan has an MBA, is a retired CEO and has a successful history and experience with entrepreneurs, securing funding, angel investing, and more! If you don't find the answers you're looking for by the end of his episode, don't hesitate to reach out to Jan directly.

Meet John Sotomayor, the Founder and Lead Patent Attorney at SotoIP, SotoIP is a Strategic Intellectual Property Advisory and Patent Prosecution firm specializing in serving startup and emerging growth companies as well as investor groups throughout the United States. In addition, we support international startups entering the U.S. National Stage. SotoIP has a tremendous team, exceptional knowledge, and a wide range of information. John's extensive history in the tech world, engineering, and patent examination makes him invaluable. Interested in learning more about patents and if this is the route you should go? Listen now!

Meet Mike Doyle of Drive 80 Studios! Mike has been a long time member of Raleigh Founded and helped us in more ways than we can count. In this episode, Mike explains what Drive 80 Studios is, what animation truly means in business, and encapsulates all that it can accomplish for your business and marketing needs. Not sure exactly where animation comes into play with your brand? Tune in now and find out!

“Meet Wes Johnson of Capital Associates! Wes, a long time member of our community, is now working with start-ups and entrepreneurs in the community to help them expand their space! If you're on the brink of outgrowing Raleigh Founded, check out the real estate advice Wes has to offer about moving forward with this endeavor!”

In this episode of Founded Connect, we interview Adam King of HPG. Adam works as the director of growth and consulting at HPG, and is a great resource for all things accounting. Listen to this episode to hear Adam discuss the relationship between entrepreneurship and accounting.

In this episode of Founded Connect, we interview Christina Marie Noel. Christina is an entrepreneurial force, having built her own marketing-strategy business, and more recently launching her FYSO Accelerator for early stage entrepreneurs. Listen here to learn more about Christina's expertise and her entrepreneurial initiatives.

In this episode of Founded Connect we interview John Samuel. John is an incredibly inspirational person. After learning that he was going blind while in college, John lived and worked all over the world despite his disability. Now he has landed back here in North Carolina where he grew up, and has launched ABLR, a company focused on accessibility and inclusion solutions. Listen here to learn more about John's extraordinary journey and ABLR.

Meet Jim Verdonik of the Innovate Capital Law Clinic located here at our Warehouse location and affiliated with Campbell Law School. Jim and his partner Benji have decades of experience as lawyers and decided to venture out on their own to use their skillset and expertise with startup businesses to help entrepreneurs and current law students alike. Listen on to learn more about the Innovate Capital Law Clinic at Raleigh Founded and to learn more about what they assist our community with and hear some legal FAQ's as it pertains to the entrepreneurial community.

Welcome to Founded Connect! A place where our local resource providers at Raleigh Founded and our members can connect! In these episodes, our RF resource providers here in the Triangle will talk about their services, provide valuable insight, and answer frequently asked questions regarding their area of expertise for the entrepreneurial community. Looking for something specific? Check out each episode description to learn more about the providers and their specialty area! See what makes our community at Raleigh Founded so valuable.