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The Download: Hersh Tapadia, Co-Founder and CEO, Allstacks
Posted Yesterday tl;dr Hersh Tapadia is the CEO of Allstacks, a company that helps product and engineering teams use AI to build software more effectively by creating clear specifications and goals before development begins. He compares old-style coding to flying a plane, where you can adjust course along the way, while AI-driven coding is more like launching a rocket, which requires precise planning from the start. Beyond his work, Hersh values simplicity, local coffee shops and restaurants in Raleigh, and spends much of his time thinking about steering his company—and his family's future—with focus and foresight rather than constant reaction. |
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Meridian’s Josh Kohn on Computer Vision in Real Estate, NFL Connections, Veteran Status, and “Earning the Right to Scale.”
Posted Tuesday tl;dr Meridian Performance Systems started out using computer vision technology to help golfers improve their putting, but the company has since shifted its focus to a much bigger opportunity: helping commercial real estate teams quickly scan and measure properties in about 20 minutes instead of taking weeks using old-fashioned methods. Founder Josh Kohn, a military veteran who also volunteers to help resettle Afghan refugees, explained that his team grew stronger after co-founder Matthias Farley (a former NFL player) joined and helped connect them with real estate clients through his sports network. Looking ahead, Kohn says the company's biggest challenge isn't finding new ideas—since the technology could be used in many industries—but staying disciplined enough to say "no" to distractions and stay focused on solving one specific, important problem really well. |
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Wilmington’s HurriLab is Building an Analysis Layer for Hurricane Decisions
Posted Tuesday tl;dr Wallace Hogsett, a longtime weather expert, started a company called HurriLab to help businesses make better decisions when hurricanes threaten their operations, since sorting through all the available weather data can be overwhelming even for experts. Instead of just giving a storm's path like a TV weather report, HurriLab combines many different data sources to give specific probabilities, like the chance that winds will reach a certain speed in a certain place, so companies such as ports or retailers can decide when to shut down or evacuate. The startup is still new and bootstrapped, but Hogsett hopes to work with several paying customers by next hurricane season as part of what he sees as a larger shift in how weather technology is used. |
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Monday Mix: The Seed Lists’ College Night, LiLa’s Founder to Funder Panel, and More!
Posted Monday tl;dr This Monday Mix highlights tech and startup events happening during the week of October 5th, with host Katelyn noting it's also her birthday! The week kicks off Monday with a Triangle Startup Collective session on AI-powered product discovery, but Thursday is packed with options, including an AI spending discussion in Charlotte, a casual networking event called Brews + Bytes in Raleigh, a founder-investor panel in Durham, and a college student startup night in RTP. Whether you're a student or a seasoned professional, there's something on this week's calendar for you—just don't forget you can also catch all the details through the GrepBeat podcast if you'd rather listen than read! |
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Friday Fix: Our Startups to Watch Recap, Innovate Charlotte and LaunchCLT, Ocean Innovation, and More!
Posted October 2, 2026 tl;dr GrepBeat.com shares a lot of news about startups and technology, and each Friday David Schwartz sums up the week's biggest stories in a podcast called the Friday Fix. This week's recap included highlights from the 2026 Startups to Watch event, a story about ReVeil Media in Charlotte, news that Innovate Charlotte and LaunchCLT are teaming up, and a look back at Wilmington's Ocean Innovation Conference. You can listen to the full podcast episode and subscribe so you never miss an update on startup news in your area. |
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Ocean Innovation Conference Makes the Case for NC’s Blue Economy
Posted October 1, 2026 tl;dr UNC-Wilmington hosted the Ocean Innovation Conference, where experts and entrepreneurs gathered to discuss "blue economy" innovations like underwater robots, smart seawalls, and ocean data tracking. Speakers covered topics ranging from how to grow ocean-tech startups to cybersecurity for ports and ships, while a champion freediver gave an inspiring talk about protecting the ocean through love and connection to nature. The event also featured a startup showcase where four companies pitched cool inventions—including a robotic eel and pollution-fighting fabric—highlighting how North Carolina is becoming a growing hub for ocean-related technology and business. |
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Innovate Charlotte, LaunchCLT Join Forces To Strengthen Charlotte Ecosystem
Posted September 29, 2026 tl;dr Innovate Charlotte and LaunchCLT, two organizations that support entrepreneurs in Charlotte, are officially merging into one combined organization starting October 1st, keeping the Innovate Charlotte name while preserving LaunchCLT as their mentor program's name. Leaders Juan Garzón and Erica Madden will continue guiding the organization together, offering founders a clearer path through various programs—from idea development to connecting with investors—instead of having to navigate two separate groups. The merger reflects a broader belief that startup organizations should collaborate rather than compete, making it easier for entrepreneurs and mentors to find the right support at each stage of their business journey. |
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Relive Your Wedding in VR Using Charlotte’s ReVeil Media
Posted September 29, 2026 tl;dr A Charlotte startup called ReVeil Media has created a way for newlyweds to relive their wedding day using virtual reality, filming the entire event in 360 degrees so couples can look around and notice moments they might have missed, like guests' reactions or special decorations. Founded by Willie Barron and Maddi Lane, the company started as a side project but gained huge attention online, including over a million views on a social media video, which convinced them to turn it into a real business. Beyond just letting couples relive their big day, this VR technology can also help people remember loved ones who have passed away or let future family members experience the wedding as if they were really there. |
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GrepBeat’s 2026 Startups to Watch: Meet This Year’s Honorees
Posted September 28, 2026 tl;dr GrepBeat held its sixth annual "Startups to Watch" event in Durham, North Carolina, where over 100 people gathered to celebrate 11 exciting new tech companies chosen from 87 nominations by a panel of judges. These startups are using cool technology like AI to solve real problems, such as helping beekeepers track biodiversity, making event highlights from speeches, improving healthcare transitions for patients, and even connecting local flower farmers with florists. The event also thanked sponsors, photographers, and caterers who helped make the celebration possible, highlighting how North Carolina's startup community continues to grow and support new business ideas. |
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Monday Mix: Ocean Innovation Conference, NC Climate Week Summit, and More!
Posted September 28, 2026 tl;dr This week's Monday Mix celebrates a successful "Startups to Watch" event and highlights North Carolina Climate Week, which is packed with sustainability-focused activities. Throughout the week, there are several exciting events, including an Ocean Innovation Conference, a startup demo day, and a climate summit. The week wraps up with an exciting "Pitch and Prosper" event where founders compete for a $7,500 prize. |
