Adam Klein, who runs The American Underground for Capitol Broadcasting, talks about why ExitEvent’s website and “Startup Socials” event program was acquired in a Q&A with WRALTechWire.

  • Why did Capitol make the acquisition?

Capitol made the acquisition because ExitEvent meets a long-identified need in the Triangle: A resource dedicated to delivering all the information startups and investors need to succeed. A resource with an obsessive focus on NC-based startups, opportunities and related topics. A resource to disseminate our region’s success stories around the country and the world. Expect a wide variety of coverage: Breaking news, deep dives, personality profiles — both in prose and video.

  • How does adding social events bolster the American Underground and the Triangle startup community?

Successful entrepreneurial ecosystems are bolstered by accommodating as many connections between the entrepreneurs as possible. We measure the success of past events by the demand we see for additional meetups, social gatherings and conferences — and by the results. The ExitEvent Social isn’t a networking event, it’s a place for entrepreneurs to exchange ideas. As a result, there’s a long anecdotal list of wins that have come out of the ExitEvent Social, everything from hires to partnerships to investment to new customers.

  • What will founder Joe Procopio’s role be if any and why going forward?

Joe’s dedication, intelligence and his entrepreneurial track record make him a key member of our community and a source of continuity for ExitEvent. He’ll continue to lend his distinct voice and insights to ExtiEvent as a member of the board and contribute to the continued growth and success of its mission.

  • Are you hiring someone to coordinate the efforts and if so why?

Yes, and we’re taking very careful consideration to find the right person – one who can carry on the original mission of ExitEvent and also grow it the right way. Joe has stated multiple times that as a working entrepreneur, he’s only been able to focus on ExitEvent in his spare time, and he feels that’s become a limiting factor. Bringing in someone to build ExitEvent in a full-time capacity will produce results immediately.

(Note: Laura Baverman is the editor, as disclosed in the accompanying story.)

  • How will ExitEvent change? Will it be only in Durham or hosted at other venues as Joe did?

ExitEvent will continue to grow in pursuit of being the definitive, go-to resource for entrepreneurs and investors here as well as a portal into our world for people outside the region. ExitEvent’s scope is the entire Triangle, with a keen interest in innovative hot spots around the state and a new emphasis on forging connections with other regions. ExitEvent is not about the American Underground or Durham, it’s about the Triangle and North Carolina living up to and exceeding its enormous potential.

Note: WRALTechWire is owned by Capitol Broadcasting, operating as part of its New Media division.