‘Calling All Entrepreneurs’ Draws an Impressive Crowd of Emerging Companies

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK – If “Calling All Entrepreneurs” is any indication of what’s coming in the future, another wave of innovative, trend-setting entrepreneurs is on the horizon.

Jason Caplain, a venture capitalist at Southern Capitol Ventures in Raleigh, and serial entrepreneur Scot Wingo met with a host of startup executives last Friday as part of the “Calling” program.

In fact, Wingo – chief executive officer at ChannelAdvisor – and Caplain had so many requests for “face time” they had to schedule more meetings this week.

“It’s exciting to see a new wave of entrepreneurship hit the triangle inspired by successful internet startups like Flickr, YouTube and Facebook,” Wingo told The Skinny. “Additionally, there are many technologies out now that allow software and internet companies to get much further in implementing their ideas without any or minimal capital which is interesting to see.”

“Calling All Entrepreneurs” is a program launched by Caplain and Southern Capitol to help startups fine tune presentations and business plans. Friday’s session was the third in a series. The meetings included a 10-minute presentation by the entrepreneur and five minutes of Q&A

“I was really impressed by the quality of the companies,” Wingo said. “Most of them were seed or early stage. A few came in and had a strong and fast growing customer base.”

“Calling All Entrepreneurs” is a program launched by Caplain and Southern Capitol to help startups fine tune presentations and business plans. Friday’s session was the third in a series.

Wingo participated as a veteran entrepreneur who has started three companies, sold two, and been through the rigors of raising venture capital. Caplain helps find investments for Southern Capitol, which focuses on early-stage ventures.

The names of entrepreneurs and companies could not be disclosed since the program promises anonymity. But Caplain said the presenters covered a wide range.

“The industries represented mirrored our firm's interests which include software, e-commerce, digital media, healthcare IT and wireless,” he said.

In addition to liking the quality of the firms, Wingo was impressed by the response and the enthusiasm of the presenters.

“We were both pleased by the interest and the outcome for Calling All Entrepreneurs,” Wingo said. “It allowed entrepreneurs to meet, run their idea or company by us and hopefully walk away with a couple of recommendations.”

A total of 17 companies made presentations. But that big number didn’t cover everyone.

“Because we promised to accommodate everyone, we scheduled some calls and meetings this week,” Wingo said.

Because of the strong response, Caplain promised future events.

“Events like this are driven by the entrepreneurs. This past Calling All Entrepreneurs was completely filled and booked up well in advance,” Caplain said. “So, as long as there is interest, we will continue holding it.”