You are in for a real treat today with Erica Madden who is now the Executive of Launch LKN – an initiative started by Mark McDowell and brothers Chris and Jon Boggiano to bring founders, mentors and investors together in Lake Norman area. While new to the Startup and investment world, Erica has spent years working with non-profits who also display a high level of passion and run on a tight budget.
Once it was announced that Launch LKN was getting off the ground, I thought it was important to do a podcast with Erica for several reasons. First, she’s becoming a fantastic resource for entrepreneurs in Lake Norman – and broader Charlotte. Next, Lake Norman looks to have a huge untapped talent pool to help entrepreneurs and investors and I wanted to get Erica’s sense on how it develops. Finally, due to her involvement with Launch LKN she’s started to work with a local Charlotte area startup – meaning local startups are in the market for top talent. Highlighting all three of those while letting you get to know Erica seemed like a win for listeners.
What is Launch LKN (www.launchlkn.org)? Building a community in greater Charlotte and Lake Norman to match the members – founders – with mentors who are serial entrepreneurs and executive leaders.
The ‘hidden talent’ in the Davidson/Lake Norman area is largely untapped. First event was held in late January and more than 60 or 70 people attended and since that time even more people are visiting the website to sign up as mentors or offer to support.
Why is now the time for the Lake Norman community to develop and flex its entrepreneur community?
A very beneficial plug for Start Charlotte (www.startcharlotte.com) – an initiative by Juan Garzon – as the resource or central location for all things startup Charlotte. Listen to Juan’s podcast here on the Charlotte Angel Connection.
What is the future or vision for Launch LKN?
What role is Davidson College having in the startup and entrepreneur scene in Davidson? One big initiative is being led by brothers and serial entrepreneurs Chris and Jon Boggiano. Jon was on Episode 3 of the Charlotte Angel Connection.
What are the similarities between the non-profit space and startups – including Erica’s first introduction to the startup/venture capital space, working with Brandon Shelton of Task Force X (www.tfxcap.com).
An introduction to a young startup in Charlotte – Fit to Rent (www.fit2rent.com) – which is designed to benefit both renters and landlords through an interactive and thought providing course. Be on the lookout for a podcast coming soon with Founder of Fit to Rent, Sean Healy.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | RSS