Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

From Charlotte, NC:

Looking at franchising opportunities? If so, there’s a new start-up launched in Charlotte that has you covered. It’s name is Franzy.

“After months of development, countless conversations with aspiring entrepreneurs, and a shared vision to transform franchising, my Co-Founder Alex Smereczniak and I are thrilled to announce that Franzy is here,” Chris Wright wrote in a LinkedIn post. In addition to co-founding the company, he serves as its Chief Operating Officer and Chief Product Officer.

Wright explained that Franzy is a platform designed to simplify and democratize franchise discovery. Whether you’re: (1) ready to leave the corporate grind and start your own business, (2) exploring a side hustle or investment opportunities, or (3) looking to expand your business portfolio with the perfect franchise, Franzy is a platform designed to simplify and democratize franchise discovery.

What’s inside Franzy?

1. More than 3,000 franchise profiles to discover and compare;
2. More than 50 actively engaged brands ready to connect with future franchisees; and
3. Tools to simplify the franchise buying journey from discovery to financing.

The site lists franchise opportunities in 10 states but not in Tennessee.

From Raleigh, NC:

The NC TECH Awards were announced live on Wednesday, December 3 at the NC TECH Awards Celebration at the Raleigh Convention Center. The winners were:

• AgTech Company: Plantd Inc.
• BioTech/HealthTech Company: Medicom.
• CleanTech Company: Natrx.
• FinTech/InsurTech: Vantaca.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Tech: SAS.
• Information Technology Services Company: Aligned Technology Group.
• North Carolina Tech Headquartered Company: Relay Inc.
• Software Solutions Company: CData Software.
• Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics: Howso.
• Cybersecurity: Stern Security.
• Digital Transformation: Smarttrak.
• Government: Town of Cary, NC.
• Manufacturing and Supply Chain: TransImpact.
• Tech for Good: Relias.

There were also 10 companies named as “Tech Start-ups to Watch” and eight individuals honored.

Another from Charlotte, NC:

Candice Kelly, a Harvard Extension School graduate with a master’s degree in organizational psychology, has announced plans to launch a 30-day sprint for start-ups.

As reported in Charlotte Inno, it’s called Make It Happen Month. Starting January 2 and ending January 31, it is designed to help entrepreneurs, artists, and changemakers break through barriers and take actionable steps.

The promotional materials describe the event as starting with setting daily goals and actually achieving them. “Local success stories will inspire you. Four live events will energize you. You’ll meet people just like you – full of hope and ready to build. Maybe you’ve got a business idea. Or a piece of art inside you. Or a way to change your community. Whatever it is, it’s time to make it real. No more waiting. No more doubting. Just doing, with a whole community cheering you on. You’ll face fears together. Solve problems together. And celebrate victories, big and small. By February, you won’t just have a project. You’ll have proof that you can create change.”

From Atlanta, GA:

Maija Ehlinger, Editor-in-Chief at Atlanta-based Hypepotamus, posted an interesting and insightful article under the headline “We Asked, They Answered: What Metrics Matter For Start-up Founders?” The input came from:

1. Connor Davidson, General Partner at Atlanta Seed Company;
2. Joe Mancini, Co-Founder and General Partner at Front Porch Venture Partners in Raleigh, NC; and
3. Steve Greenfield, General Partner at Atlanta-based Automotive Ventures.

Their advice:

1. Traction over vanity;
2. Focus on the stage you are in; and
3. Avoid common pitfalls.

The article can be found here.

From New Orleans, LA:

Startup Noir NOLA launched last month with a series of invite-only events that will introduce this initiative into the ecosystem and provide valuable programming for the growth of minority-led start-ups in the Greater New Orleans region. It is an initiative of GNO Inc., an economic development organization focused on the 10 parishes found in Southeast Louisiana.

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