3 Birds started as a great idea in a San Francisco living room. Several years and thousands of satisfied clients later, we’re proof of how the right team of people can turn a great idea into something more.
Launch Chapel Hill is a start-up accelerator that provides support, tools, and experience to high-potential entrepreneurs at this crucial stage of development. While Launch Chapel Hill is a compact operation compared to those in larger cities, it’s making a big impact here at home—and others are taking notice. The accelerator was recently listed on the UBI Global Index as one of the top 5 university-based accelerator programs across all of North America.
Finding a nest: the birth of Launch Chapel Hill
3 Birds’ support for Launch Chapel Hill came about as part of our larger commitment to the town of Chapel Hill. Our steady growth has provided new opportunities to support this vibrant community, including a presence on the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership through co-founder Len Wohadlo. This unique collaboration between the Town, University, and various downtown organizations is dedicated to enhancing and promoting Chapel Hill’s downtown area.
The Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership served as a founding partner of Launch Chapel Hill, which is how we learned that this new accelerator was looking for a physical location. At the time, we were outgrowing our current space—a success due in part to the outstanding resources and innovators of the Chapel Hill community.
Through an agreement with the Town of Chapel Hill, the former 3 Birds offices became the new home of Launch Chapel Hill and the dozens of highly motivated young entrepreneurs it’s served (we also designed the logo for the new space). In addition, 3 Birds has continued to provide financial and in kind support to the accelerator.
Taking off: Launch Chapel Hill’s visible results in the community
While Launch Chapel Hill is still a young operation, it’s achieved impressive results since welcoming the first group of companies into its 22-week program in January 2013. The accelerator has enrolled a total of 49 companies since “launch.” As of October 2015, 37 of those companies were still in operation. In addition, these companies have collectively employed 94 employees (full and part-time) and raised $3.685 million in total funding (Source: Exit Event).
At 3 Birds, we’ve always risen to the challenge of finding new ways to make a difference in the community. We’re thankful for the opportunities Chapel Hill’s provided, and proud to support Launch Chapel Hill in helping others to find the same.