American Underground seeks African-American-led startups

American Underground wants to bring African-American-led startups from across the nation, and possibly the globe, to the Bull City to help them secure funding and explore the systemic biases and challenges they face. They recently announced a program that focuses on supporting black business founders seeking to raise a seed round of capital under $750,000. The Black Founders event is part of the Google for Entrepreneurs Exchange Program, an initiative that seeks to connect startup companies and hubs across the country to share expertise. Eight to 12 founders will be chosen to participate in the program, the deadline to apply is Aug. 23.

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FlexGen Partners with Caterpillar

Durham-based generator efficiency startup FlexGen Power Systems will partner with Caterpillar in a distribution deal.

StartUpBus adds Durham Stop

The StartupBus has added Durham’s American Underground as a stop on its route on the way to the South by Southwest Interactive conference in Austin, Texas. The bus packs "entrepreneurs" – all strangers – who are tasked with conceiving of and planning the launch of a startup over the course of a three-day road trip. Upon arrival, these “buspreneurs” are supposed to ready to launch.

Raleigh Venture Capitalists Collaborate with Durham Startups

Two veteran Raleigh venture capitalists, David Jones and Jason Capalin, partners in Southern Capitol Ventures have launched an effort to raise $25 million for a new seed-stage venture fund that would collaborate with business startup activities in Durham.

CED Unveils Triangle Startup Map

Durham-based Council for Entrepreneurial Development has developed an early version of an online map that tracks the location of more than 1,000 Triangle start-up technology and life science companies.

Durham Chamber Strategist Accepts Role at American Underground

The Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce's Director of Strategic Initiatives, Adam Klein, is leaving the organization to become Chief Strategist for American Underground, a start up incubator located in the American Tobacco Campus. 

ReverbNation to Relocate Near Brightleaf Square

ReverbNation, a Durham-based music industry promotions tool, will move its headquarters from its current space across from Durham Athletic Park to space previously occupied by Ogilvy near Brightleaf Square.

FiveOneNine Games Releases "Political Rampage"

The Durham-based startup FiveOneNine games has released its first game, “Political Rampage,” for Apple Inc.’s iPhone and iPad. In this political game, players debate as if they're on the campaign trail.

Four Durham Start-ups Receive NC IDEA Grants

Four Durham start-ups, Motaavi, ArchiveSocial, Impulsonic and Gema Touch have been awarded NC IDEA grants. NC IDEA provides grants to early stage companies in North Carolina and has awarded $2.5 million in grants to 67 companies statewide.

Durham Companies Named to Council for Entrepreneurial Development's Watch List

Durham-based companies Argyle Social, Automated Insights Inc., EvoApp, PharPoint Research Inc., Relevance Inc., and Zift Solutions Inc were named to the Council for Entrepreneurial Development's 25 North Carolina Companies to Watch list. The list recognizes growth-oriented companies in their second stage of development that demonstrate high performance in their markets, show innovative products or have other unique qualities.

Duke Junior Wins NC Division of Startup Madness

Duke junior Jake Stauch won the $5,000 first prize at Durham's Startup Madness competition in the North Carolina schools category for his neuro-marketing company Neurospire.