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Facebook co-founder returns to Carolina roots for CED conference

Facebook co-founder returning to NN.C.

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RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – Chris Hughes just may be the best-known Web 2.0 high tech success story from North Carolina, but one of the founding faces of phenom Facebook isn’t that well known in his home state.

Until later this month, however. That’s when Hughes will be among the speakers at the Council for Entrepreneurial Development’s annual venture conference in Pinehurst on April 22-23.

“Chris is definitely a big deal, and this is great for North Carolina,” said Jud Bowman, a phenom himself who helped build Motricity into a major player in the mobile services space and is now guiding mobile application startup PocketGear.

On Tuesday, Facebook disclosed that its social media membership had hit a remarkable 200 million. And Hughes, who is from Hickory, will share some of his experiences in the Facebook success story as a CED speaker.

“I think it's fantastic that Chris will be keynoting at Venture 2009,” Bowman said.

Jason Caplain, a venture capitalist at Southern Capitol Ventures and a big supporter of the CED event, pointed out that Hughes’ addition makes the CED event’s speaker lineup a strong one.

“I think this is the best speaker lineup we have ever had,” Caplain said.

Among them are: UNC System President Erskine Bowles, Wells Fargo Chief Executive Officer John Stumpf, N.C. State Treasurer Janet Cowell, and John Denniston of Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers.

Entrepreneurs and investors alike will want to hear what Hughes has to say about Facebook, from its humble beginnings as a Website through which Harvard students could meet and network.

Hughes now is an entrepreneur in residence at General Catalyst partners with an emphasis on seeking investments in consumer services, Internet, new media and disruptive technology. He also played a key role as “New Media Strategist” for President Obama’s campaign.

Hughes’ beginning role with Facebook certainly was a humble one.

“Chris first worked as the Facebook spokesperson from his dorm room with Mark Zuckerberg and Dustin Moskovitz,” says Facebook.

The story of his career certainly will be an interesting one to hear.

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