Editor’s note: This is the latest in a series of in-depth looks at entrepreneurial hubs across the Triangle region. These are published weekly as part of our Startup Monday lineup.

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PITTSBORO – In an exclusive interview with WRAL Techwire, Kevin Scanlon, CFO of Lee-Moore Capital Company, discusses the newly opened 79°West entrepreneurial hub, a coworking space in Pittsboro with programming from UNC Chapel Hill’s Innovate Carolina

“We think this relational and strategic connection across Orange and Chatham counties will be a key differentiator for our community,” said Scanlon. 

79 West logo

Scanlon also said that one of the goals for the space is to honor Chatham County’s “long history of entrepreneurship.”

“We are keenly focused on supporting a variety of entrepreneurs, not just tech workers,” said Scanlon.

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A lightly edited transcript of the interview with Scanlon appears below.

  • WRAL TechWire (TW): Can you share an update on the project?

Kevin Scanlon (Scanlon): We’ve just opened the doors to our 79°West: Launch Pod (367 Freedom Parkway, Suite 130, Pittsboro, NC 27312), which is adjacent to the larger space that we will call home in Q1 2023 (120 Mosaic Boulevard, Suite 120, Pittsboro, NC 27312). 

Our goal was to show the community what we’re all about before we move to our permanent space through this activation. 

  • TW: What are you seeing in terms of demand?

Scanlon: What I can report is that we have seen a lot of interest for collaborative workspaces from our neighbors in Chatham County over the last several weeks. 

With the interim space, we’re seeing the most interest in our part-time membership, meeting spaces, and drop-in options (day and week passes). We’re also seeing strong interest in our private offices for the larger space, which is set to open in early Q1 2023. 

  • TW: How large is the space? 

Scanlon: The 79°West: Launch Pod is about 3,000 SQFT, but the larger innovation hub will be closer to 20,000 SQFT. Again, that collaborative workspace will be delivered in early Q1 2023. So, things are going to grow quickly for us!

  • TW: What services will you offer? 

Scanlon: We have a great team that will be supporting our members, colleagues, and guests every day along with top-notch amenities. However, I think our innovation programming partnership with UNC-Chapel Hill’s Innovate Carolina is going to be the key catalyst for growing people and companies. They will offer access to leading entrepreneurial voices and research coming out of the university, pitch support, connections to capital, among other resources.

  • TW: Do you have any programs that focus on women entrepreneurs, minority-owned businesses, or veteran-owned businesses?  

Scanlon: We are actively reaching out to local women-, minority- and veteran-owned businesses in hopes of hearing about their needs and ensuring they are aware of the innovation-driven community we are creating at 79°West.

  • TW: How have you received support? From local, state, and/or federal government? From corporations? From grant programs? 

Scanlon: We have not received any financial support to date from government entities or corporations. However, we have been incredibly grateful for the relational support and connections made by many of our friends in the Chatham County area. 

  • TW: Who are the founders and what is their philosophy about helping startups and small/emerging companies to grow? 

Scanlon: 79°West is owned by Lee-Moore Capital Company along with several other investors. One of the principals of the investor group is Kirk Bradley. Kirk is a serial entrepreneur and investor with deep ties to North Carolina. He strategically placed the 79°West Innovation Hub in the heart of the greater Mosaic Development at Chatham Park because he believes in the “maker-culture” of Chatham County. He wants the entrepreneurial spirit to be a part of every aspect of how the community grows. 


Fact Box

Name: 79°West Innovation Hub

Addresses: 

  • 79°West: Launch Pod: 367 Freedom Parkway, Suite 130, Pittsboro, NC 27312
  • Permanent space opening in Q1 2023: 120 Mosaic Boulevard, Suite 120, Pittsboro, NC 27312

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/79westhub/ 

Email: Hello@79westhub.com

Website: www.79westhub.com

Owners: Lee-Moore Capital Company + Investors

Availability: Space opened August 1; learn more about availability at 79westhub.com/membership/ 

Best way to learn more: The website 79westhub.com or @79westhub on social.