startup

NC IDEA WINNER: Akili Software, Streamlining and Digitizing Home Health Care

Posted by Amy Huffman | Jun 9, 2015

It’s been a pretty good week for Michelle Harper and Jana Barile, the co-founders of the private duty health care revolutionizing company, Akili Software and its signature product, Savii Care. In just four days, the Raleigh entrepreneurs learned they won an NC IDEA grant and were one of six companies selected for the SoarTriangle’s deep mentorship program for female-led startups. News of the major achievements made Harper feel as if the,“wind is beneath our sails.” But the wind hasn’t always been at Harper’s back. This is the second time Akili Software applied for the NC IDEA grant—the company made it to the semi-finalist stage in last Fall’s grant cycle, but wasn’t...

First Make it Work, Then Make it Pretty

Posted by Joe Procopio | Oct 1, 2014

Back in the summer of 2012, shortly after I had launched the content side of ExitEvent, I had drinks with Jason Bradicich. Jason is three things. He’s the founder of Adena Studios, a true disciple of excellent design, and a good friend who won’t lie to me. That last part is important. Jason congratulated me on getting the news site launched and for the kudos it was currently receiving, then he said something like: “It’s great and everything but, dude, let me redesign it for you. I’ll do it for free.” I laughed and thanked him for the offer—he’s...

How Spreedly Raised $300K in 10 Days on AngelList

Posted by Joe Procopio | Jun 17, 2013

The last time Spreedly CEO Justin Benson and I spent any significant time together was in the back of Tyler’s in early March talking about the company’s pivot and seed raise over a couple of dark beers. I knew he’d be going out for another round in June, and that we’d touch base then, but I never thought he’d actually get the deal done before we had a chance to talk. As it turns out, Spreedly just closed a $300K round that went from introduction via AngelList to money transfer in 10 days. You should keep in mind that...

The ExitEvent Startup Social

Posted by Joe Procopio | Jun 3, 2012

The ExitEvent Startup Social is a monthly anti-networking event limited to entrepreneurs and investors by invite only (usually 150-250) — with free craft beer supplied by local breweries in some of the most awesome spaces in the Durham, Raleigh, Charlotte, Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough. June 13, 2011“This proves to me, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that the concept worked. If you put just entrepreneurs in a room with no agenda and no thinking or selling required, they will have an awesome time.” From These Nerds Are Self-Cleaning Of note: November 14, 2011 was a joint Social with TechJournal’s...