Astronauts and entrepreneurs share something in common: A trust that the experts manning the launching pad won’t execute lift-off until all systems are go. In this feature, discover how The Launch Place is committed making your business’s success out of this world.
What’s an interesting fact about your business most people don’t know?
The staff at The Launch Place is a 100% diverse staff with variances ranging in age, sex and ethnicity. Most people don’t know that in total our staff can speak 5 languages.
What would you like to share about your business or organization with our members?
The Launch Place provides new and early stage business support services and pre-seed and seed investments for technology startups in the Dan River Region of Virginia and North Carolina. As a venture development organization with the purpose to plan, fund, launch and grow businesses, TLP helps companies to get started, or to expand their operations by providing business consulting services, office space, and by investing in them through its investment funds.
Why did you become involved in the SPTC?
The Launch Place wants to be involved in the local tech community and stay up to date with technology trends. SPTC’s involvement in the community and focus on all things related to technology aligns nicely with our mission and interests.
How does being a member of the SPTC help you?
SPTC’s membership has allowed us to meet new people and make connections in the community. It has also allowed us to learn about other members and to share information about what’s happening at The Launch Place, such as our pitch competitions.
What challenges are you facing that the SPTC may be able to assist with?
Everyone across the world is struggling to stay connected with each other. This is also a challenge for us. SPTC helps us stay connected with virtual events and monthly newsletters that includes information regarding what is happening with members and around the community. Please continue organizing these events and publishing the newsletters.
What technology innovation have you uncovered prior, during, or post the COVID-19 pandemic?
Each week we are inspired by entrepreneurs we meet and the companies they are building with very innovative technologies. While we’d love to share more details about the technologies, we’re unable to due to the confidential nature of our work. We can share that we’ve discovered companies working to provide rapid COVID testing.
What positive impact have you witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic?
We’ve witnessed how the startup community has come together from entrepreneurs to investors. Venture development relies heavily on building relationships. The COVID-19 pandemic has halted face-to-face meetings and events where many entrepreneurs and investors meet for the first time, or have weekly meetings to discuss company growth and challenges. Despite the many challenges around COVID-19, this community has pulled together to help each other move forward. Entrepreneurs are known to think ‘outside the box’ and have really shown their creative and innovative talents during this pandemic.
Name one thing tech-related that you have learned in the last month?
We have all became very familiar with ZOOM!
The SPTC Board of Directors are excited to share the good news that’s happening with all of our members. For more information on The Launch Place visit www.thelaunchplace.org or call 434.799.5491.
Want to be featured? Contact Rachel Reynolds at info@sptc-va.org for more information.