WRAL Tech Wire

 Groundwork Labs refocuses mission as Triangle Startup Factory nears launch

The environment for new and emerging companies continues to evolve as the collaborative venture of Capitol Broadcasting and NC IDEA drops funding plans. It will focus on mentoring and other services. Meanwhile, the Startup Factory draws over 60 applicants for its first round of funding. TSF has already closed on $5.5 million from an undisclosed California investment group.

Groundwork Labs

 NC IDEA sets office hours for entrepreneurs

The Durham-based economic development firm sets aside two hours of time for discussions and guidance on Friday mornings.

 Five startups receive $192,000 in grants from NC IDEA

Two Chapel Hill, two Charlotte and one Durham ventures win the non-dilutive grants in a competition that drew 175 applicants from across the state.

 NCIDEA getting in on ground floor of more startups with Groundwork Labs

Veteran investor Dave Rizzo says the tech accelerator set to launch next spring won't detract from the economic development group's mission of growing new companies. He also says an angel fund may provide additional support.

 RTP's new tech accelerator aims to spark 'creative cauldron'

John Austin, the veteran software and videogame executive who will run "Groundwork Labs," says an accelerator fills a void in the Triangle's entrepreneurial community for building new companies.

Launchbox is out, Groundwork Labs is in

 NC IDEA, Capitol Broadcasting launch tech startup accelerator

"Groundwork Labs" will be based at the American Underground in Durham. John Austin, who already runs Joystick Labs, will direct the new operation.

 Social media startup Argyle Social lands $1.24M in venture funding

The Durham-based company lands backing from Madison River Ventures, IDEA Fund partners and angel investor Greg Cangialosi.

Argyle Social sample page

 Tech startup StatSheet raises $4M, changes name

The Durham-based company is now called "Automated Insights," reflecting plans to expand its technology beyond sports.

 NC Biotech Center loans $30,000 each to three startups

The "company inception loans" are designed to help new businesses fund non-scientific startup costs.

 Semiconductor firm HexaTech closes on $3.1M, wants another $1.1M

The venture capital backed startup, which has been funded locally by Intersouth Partners and NCIDEA, is commercializing technology developed at NC State.

 NC IDEA awards five tech startups $205,000 in grants

The non-dilutive awards go to Keona Health, Loyalese, NanoForge, OtherScreen and Sarda Technologies. NC IDEA has now poured $2.1 million into new firms since 2006.

 Spring Metrics, a website analytics startup, raises $635,000

LaunchBox Digital, CBC New Media Group, Zelkova Ventures and individuals lead the seed round.

A sample of Spring Metrics analytics

 NC IDEA opens spring round for tech grants, sets webinar

The funding, which can be as much as $50,000, is to help launch emerging ventures in North Carolina.

 NC IDEA awards $200,000 in grants to five startups

Three firms in Durham, one in Cary and one in Raleigh receive funding to help them further develop their businesses and expand hiring.

 Startup Argyle Social lands $325,000 investment

IDEA Fund Partners follows up on $30,000 grant from NC IDEA to lead the round of backing for Argyle, which focuses on social media marketing.

Argyle Social sample page

 iContact’s trail to $40M investment began with IDEA Fund

The RTP-based venture fund was the first to make an outside investment in the e-mail marketing firm.

 NC IDEA accepting applications for fall grant round

Webinar set to help entrepreneurs better understand funding process.

 Five startups receive $190,000 in NC IDEA grants

Four Triangle, one Charlotte early-stage firms land funding with grants ranging from $35,000 to $40,000.

 NC IDEA picks five startups for $200,000 in grants

Software-as-a-service, drug authentication, lab data management, biofuel, spider silk firms receive early-stage funding.

 NC IDEA accepting applications from startups for $50,000 grants