TLDR:
Key Points:
- Wilmington-area startups are seeing investment in connected devices and life sciences.
- The “Coastal Corridor” is connecting Wilmington startups with resources in the Raleigh/Durham area.
As the Wilmington innovation and startup ecosystem evolves, new connections with statewide organizations are benefiting regional startups in connected devices for the emerging life sciences industry. The Coastal Corridor facilitates the flow of resources, ideas, and talent between Wilmington and Raleigh/Durham, elevating Wilmington to the #1 startup ecosystem in just 10 years. Startups in Wilmington have received support and investments from organizations such as First Flight Venture Center, NC IDEA, CED, and NC TECH Association.
UNCW CIE incubator opened doors for Wilmington entrepreneurs to connect with the broader ecosystem in North Carolina. Local startups like OpiAID and Boreas Monitoring Solutions have received grants and support from organizations like NC TECH and NC IDEA. First Flight Venture Center aided OpiAID in winning significant grants, while helping new startups like Nuream and Brilliant Sole with product development in connected devices.
Wilmington startups have presented at events like CED Venture Connect, attracting investors and funding. The Investor BUZZ IN event in Wilmington has seen success in bringing investors to the coast, resulting in investments in local startups. The upcoming Wilmington INVESTOR BUZZ IN event during the Azalea Festival is expected to draw investors and participants for networking and funding opportunities.
Jim Roberts, founder of the Network for Entrepreneurs in Wilmington, has been instrumental in fostering connections and growth in the Wilmington startup ecosystem.
