Since the so-called “Great Recession” in 2009, the number of startups across North Carolina has soared in numbers long-time economic developers and investors say they have never seen – nor really expected. But as 2017 draws to a close, are there signs of startup fatigue?

That’s what writers, analysts and investors were asked to explore in a new series, “The State of Startups,” which begins today with the first of a three-part report from TechWire veteran contributor Jason Parker about what’s happening in the Triad.

“State of Startups” is the first major project for a “new” WRAL TechWire that is slowly emerging with a new website set to launch in the near future.

And this series is big because so much continues to happen.

At the heart of all this startup frenzy is the Triangle, which is the epicenter for all things startup – tech, life science, agbio, medical devices, fintech, you name it.

Shannon Cuthrell, an experienced writer will be taking a three-part look at the Triangle. There’s so much happening in the RTP region that the reporting had to be broken into multiple parts.

In fact, there will be more than three stories. Look for multi-story breakdowns of happenings in Raleigh, in the Triangle/Morrisville, in Durham. And we’re not leaving out Cary or Chapel Hill or other communities where startup action is happening.

Parker also is preparing in-depth looks at Wilmington and points east as well as the Charlotte metro area and Asheville/mountains.

Other voices

Other people are contributing to this series, too.

Watch for Q&As and commentary from numerous thought leaders about whether the startup wave has crested – or the tide of new ventures will continue to rise as more companies and entrepreneurs make their own plays for success in the wake of that Great Recession.

Among them:

  • Scot Wingo
  • Joan Siefert Rose
  • Thom Ruhe
  • David Gardner

… just to name a few

Watch for much more over the next weeks.

What do you think? Send your thoughts and comments to: rsmith@wral.com