University of North Carolina at Charlotte

The Charlotte Community Capital Access Investment Initiative (CCCAII) will increase capital access for entrepreneurs who are building innovation-driven, tech-enabled enterprises. The three-year initiative will unlock capital from multiple regional sources, including through the recruitment of 150 potential angel investors from Charlotte’s growing population of high-net-worth individuals. The initiative will leverage Angel Capital Association (ACA) expertise to educate local angel investors on successful engagement with equity investment opportunities. CCCAII will introduce expanded training, coaching, and acceleration services to ensure that 120 emerging entrepreneurs are fully investor-ready. Finally, CCAII will source a $2 million to $5 million equity investment fund to be deployed in the Charlotte region. Through collaboration among multiple partners, CCCAII will engage the full community with special focus on historically underrepresented populations. UNC Charlotte will lead the initiative in partnership with the Angel Capital Association, NC IDEA Foundation, and multiple local organizations with proven expertise in angel capital and support for underrepresented entrepreneurs. The initiative will culminate in a substantial expansion of UNC Charlotte’s pilot investment fund that will fuel the growth and resiliency of tech-based ventures launched from the University and the Charlotte region by diverse entrepreneurs.