Charlotte Angel Connection Episode 117: Juan Garzon, Executive Director of Innovate Charlotte

Today, Juan Garzon jumps back on the Charlotte Angel Connection – his second time and first since his appearance as the 4th guest (listen to Juan’s first podcast here).  Juan is the Executive Director at Innovate Charlotte. Most of us have known Juan, or known of Juan, for nearly a decade now as he has been an integral part of the startup ecosystem.  Between his work over the years with Pitch Breakfast, launching the Start Charlotte newsletter (now Charlotte Inno), or any number of other things Juan has done to help startups over the years, Juan has been a tireless advocate of all things startup related in Charlotte. We wanted to catch up with Juan to discuss his new role as Executive Director at Innovate Charlotte.  We’ve spoken with Walt Frye and Keith Luedeman as they lead the organization in the past and wanted to hear from Juan how it will expand/grow as the ecosystem continues to build up strength and momentum. As you may know or recall, Innovate Charlotte is a nonprofit organization with a mission to enhance, elevate, and accelerate entrepreneurial success in the greater Charlotte region. Their focus is on cultivating an intentionally inclusive and high impact ecosystem that stimulates innovation, economic growth and societal change. Juan explains the VMS and Navigator Program along with other initiatives they offer to the Charlotte’s startup ecosystem.  We discuss the growth of entrepreneurship making Charlotte a destination as well as creating more opportunities for home-grown entrepreneurs. We also dive into how the City of Charlotte is getting involved to help grow entrepreneurship – with a goal of building a more diverse start-up community. Juan shares opportunities for other non-profit organizations. NCIdea, which supports entrepreneurs/mentor programs throughout North Carolina. Pitch Breakfast, which is a platform for companies to practice their pitch, has continued to operate throughout the pandemic and is waiting for guidance and when and how it can get back to being an in person event. At the end of the podcast we talk what it takes to have entrepreneurs stay engaged.  It’s a great podcast.   William Bissett is the owner of and an Investment Advisor Representative of Portus Wealth Advisors, a Registered Investment Adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Opinions expressed on this program do not necessarily reflect those of Portus Wealth Advisors. The topics discussed and opinions given are not intended to address the specific needs of any listener.   Portus Wealth Advisors does not offer legal or tax advice, listeners are encouraged to discuss their financial needs with the appropriate professional regarding your individual circumstance.  Investments described herein may be speculative and may involve a substantial risk of loss. Interests may be offered only to persons who qualify as accredited investors under applicable state and federal regulation or an eligible employee of the management company. There generally is no public market for the Interests. Prospective investors should particularly note that many factors affect performance, including changes in market conditions and interest rates, and other economic, political or financial developments. Past performance is not, and should not be construed as, indicative of future results.