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	Friday Fix: Our Startups to Watch Recap, Innovate Charlotte and LaunchCLT, Ocean Innovation, and More! Posted Today 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.
	Ocean Innovation Conference Makes the Case for NC’s Blue Economy Posted Yesterday 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.
	Innovate Charlotte, LaunchCLT Join Forces To Strengthen Charlotte Ecosystem Posted Tuesday 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.
	Relive Your Wedding in VR Using Charlotte’s ReVeil Media Posted Tuesday 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.
	GrepBeat’s 2026 Startups to Watch: Meet This Year’s Honorees Posted Monday 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.
	Monday Mix: Ocean Innovation Conference, NC Climate Week Summit, and More! Posted Monday 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.
	Friday Fix: Our 2026 Startups to Watch, Front Porch Venture’s Survey, and More! Posted September 25, 2026 tl;dr GrepBeat.com is a website that shares news about startups and technology, and every Friday, David Schwartz gives a quick recap of everything they covered that week in case you missed it. This past week, they featured stories on four different companies—CashMap, Monthly, MicroBioCol—and shared results from a survey about startup founders in the Southeast. They also thanked everyone who attended their "Startups to Watch" event, where they celebrated 11 startups chosen for their 2026 class.
	Raleigh’s MicroBioCol Is Making AI More Auditable—and More Eco-Conscious Posted September 24, 2026 tl;dr Patrick Steele, a Raleigh scientist with 15 years in biotech, started a company called MicroBioCol to solve a problem he saw firsthand: AI can speed up work, but strict rules about sensitive information make it hard for companies to actually use it safely. His product, CadeLume, acts like a security checkpoint that sits between a company's AI tools and creates a detailed, tamper-proof record of everything the AI does, including its costs and environmental impact. Steele hopes to expand this technology beyond biotech into other industries like finance and government, while staying true to his goal of using AI to help people rather than replace them.
	Chapel Hill’s Monthly Provides SMBs With Data-Based CFO Services Posted September 24, 2026 tl;dr Sergio Sepulveda noticed that small and medium-sized businesses often lack the advanced financial tools that big companies have, so he teamed up with two colleagues to create Monthly, a smart software platform that acts like an automated financial officer for smaller businesses. Monthly uses AI and data tools to help companies track their finances, compare themselves to others in their industry, and get automated accounting reports, all while making sure the underlying data is accurate and trustworthy. Since launching in 2026 with offices in Chapel Hill and Mexico, the self-funded company has grown to 22 employees and 60 customers, and its founders are now focused on building partnerships to expand their reach across the southern United States.
	Front Porch Venture Partners Releases First-Ever “Southeast Startup Founder Pulse Survey” Posted September 22, 2026 tl;dr A venture capital firm called Front Porch surveyed 72 startup founders across the southeastern United States to learn how they feel about building their companies, raising money, and working with investors. The survey found that founders are very confident about their business growth potential, especially when they already have investor support, but many feel frustrated by slow, unclear, or unfair fundraising processes when trying to secure new investment. Overall, founders appreciate the friendly and helpful attitude of Southeast investors, but they wish the process of pitching and raising money was faster, clearer, and easier to understand.

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