In an exclusive Q&A, Matt Williamson, CEO of Windsor Circle, talks about what the latest venture capital statistics mean for North Carolina’s startups. BTW, his company is among the successful fund-raisers
North Carolina rose to ninth nationally in the second quarter with 16 deals across the state generating $124 million. Windsor Circle landed $4.1 million.
The Q&A:
- Sixteen deals, $124M – good for ninth nationally and 7th straight quarter over $100M: What’s your analysis of VC in NC, looking good?
I’m proud of what we’re accomplishing in the ecosystem, and I’m enthused by the prospect of commanding even more of those venture dollars in the future.
We have smart, hard-hitting, cost-efficient startups thriving in a tight entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Let’s aim for 5th nationally!
- Three deals in Charlotte, two in the mountains, one in Wilmington: Is NC developing a more diverse startup base?
Perhaps. I do believe that there’s power in a concentrated ecosystem, but am excited for these companies as they scale.
- About half the money goes to biotech with one big bio deal (G!) but PrecisionHawk, nCino, others seem to show strength for software and other technology. Your thoughts?
I like the diversity of our ecosystem.
No doubt that bitotech and pharmaceutical startups can be more resource intensive (especially those who have to run the regulatory gauntlet) but am glad that we have strong universities developing ideas and talent in both areas.
- Several startups secured early-stage funding. Sign of good things to come?
I have to believe that the ecosystem is starting to speak for itself. The country is very aware of what we are all collectively building here as a community that is focused on the startup environment. It’s my hope that we continue to see traction in terms of venture financing and hard charging, risk-taking entrepreneurs using that to scale efficiently.
