The message to entrepreneurs both in and out of the Triangle region was made loud and clear this morning: Raleigh wants to help you build your successful business, right here, right now. Enter HUB Raleigh, the just-announced, high-impact startup incubator and co-working space opening in downtown Raleigh on September 15th.
Hub Raleigh Announcement at Brooks Bell, Inc
I was fortunate enough to receive an invitation to the HUB Raleigh announcement this morning from our very innovation-and-entrepreneur-focused City Councilor Mary-Ann Baldwin last night. This is one of the things I love about Raleigh, how approachable some of our city officials are. It’s part of the Raleigh culture.
@maryannbaldwin hey, is this open or by invite? Excited about it!— Manuel Monserrate (@monseman) August 9, 2012
@monseman By invite. But I just invited u!— Mary-Ann Baldwin (@maryannbaldwin) August 9, 2012
City Councilor Mary-Ann Baldwin and Mayor Nancy McFarlane
So, why should we all get excited about ‘another office’ in Raleigh (I actually overheard someone asking this question while I was there)? Because it isn’t just an office, of course. It’s actually ALL of these:
- Entrepreneurial Incubator – A place for ideas, businesses, networks and partnerships to develop, with a distinct focus on high-impact startups
- A modern, inspiring co-working space with flexible options for different size startups: from open work areas to private suites
- Part of a growing international/national/local network of similar co-working incubators called The Hub – connecting the Triangle with the world
- Business collaboration started by successful Triangle Entrepreneurs Brooks Bell and Jesse Lipson (former owner of Sharefile), in collaboration with Christopher Gergen (Bull City Forward) and Jason Widen (local social entrepreneur).
- Event hub for startups and innovation, bringing all aspects of the local entrepreneurship eco-system together
It’s everything that the local InnovateRaleigh movement has been waiting for, ever since they held the Innovation Summit last January. It’s well known among local circles that the Triangle has the resources to become one of the nation’s premiere innovation hubs, but that they’ve always been disconnected. HUB Raleigh aims to be the connector between entrepreneurs, city officials, investors and academia both locally as well as with different similar hubs around the world. That, is big. WORLD big.
Here’s a couple of pictures from this morning’s announcement.
Brooks Bell speaking at the HUB Raleigh announcement
Christopher Gergen speaking at the Hub Raleigh announcement
Jason Widen speaking at the Hub Raleigh announcement
Mary-Ann Baldwin speaking at the Hub Raleigh announcement
Mayor Nancy McFarlane speaking at the HUB Raleigh announcement
HUB Raleigh Team with Raleigh City Officials
I got a chance to tour the facility after the press conference, and am very impressed. It seems they’ve been working hard to not only provide a great environment, but to provide for building a great community, something I’m passionate about. The ultimate success of this region’s efforts around Innovation will depend on this community coming together and collaborating their way to the top. The best part is that not only will this bring people together in our region, but it will also allow them to tap into a much broader international network. The potential is huge. I’m glad to be around these very bright, talented, passionate people to see this entire movement thrive. I hope you will support them too!
HUB Raleigh layout diagram
Open Layout at HUB Raleigh, opening September 15
Click Cafe, featuring free coffee, filtered water, and beer for members
Preview of the HUB Raleigh Open Work Area
