STARTUPS PARTNERS

FIR Coaching Sessions

CED Members get exclusive access to 1:1 coaching with our Founders-in-Residence (FIRs)—seasoned entrepreneurs and operators who’ve been in your shoes. Whether you're wrestling with product, fundraising, team dynamics, or regulatory strategy, this is your opportunity to tap into real insight and candid guidance.

Expert Support for Founders, On Demand

These sessions aren’t just another founder resource—they’re your shortcut to sharper thinking and better decisions.

Whether you're hiring, fundraising, launching, or hitting a wall, CED’s Founders-in-Residence (FIRs) are here to help you move faster—with focus. Each FIR brings deep, sector-specific experience and a founder’s mindset. This isn’t vague advice or surface-level coaching—it’s tactical, high-signal support from someone who’s built in your world.

Our FIRs represent some of the Triangle’s most critical innovation sectors—including Biotech, AgTech, MedTech, Advanced Materials, and SaaS—ensuring you can connect with someone who understands the nuances of your space.

What to Expect:

  • A one hour 1:1 coaching session customized to your challenge

  • Direct, experience-backed insight from leaders who’ve scaled in your sector

  • Optional follow-up sessions if more depth is needed

  • Free for CED members, with limited slots released weekly

Meet the Founders-in-Residence

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Tech

CED Tech FIR

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Jed Carlson

Founder and Former CEO, Adwerx
Jed is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience. He co-founded ReverbNation, a platform for independent musicians, and later founded Adwerx, a digital advertising platform for real estate professionals. Under his leadership, Adwerx became one of North Carolina's fastest-growing private companies.

Areas of Expertise:

  • Digital marketing and advertising technologies

  • Product-market fit and customer acquisition

  • Scaling SaaS businesses

  • Startup mentorship and investment

BioTech

CED BioTech FIR

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Schedule a Meeting

Kelli Luginbuhl, PhD

General Manager, Isolere Bio by Donaldson
Biotech | Purification | Scale-Up | Non-Dilutive Funding

Kelli co-founded Isolere Bio, a Duke spinout acquired by Donaldson in 2023. She now leads their viral vector purification platform. Kelli supports biotech founders navigating scientific scale-up, licensing, and acquisition.

Expertise:

  • Bioprocessing & purification

  • Spinning out academic IP

  • Non-dilutive grant strategies

  • Acquisition prep & integration

MedTech

CED MedTech FIR

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Schedule a Meeting

Leah Townsend, PhD

President, Pulvinar Neuro | CSO, EPI
MedTech | Regulatory | Brain Health Tech

Leah has founded and exited multiple MedTech ventures. She now leads R&D at the intersection of mental health and neurotechnology. She brings clarity to regulatory planning, clinical validation, and founder decision-making.

Expertise:

  • FDA pathway development

  • Medical device R&D

  • Clinical trials & go-to-market

  • Neurotech & digital health

AgTech

CED AgTech FIR

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Schedule a Meeting

Giles Shih, PhD

Co-founder, BioResource International
AgTech | Global Expansion | Strategic Partnerships

Giles led BRI from startup to a global ag-biotech company, recently acquired by Novus International. He advises science-driven companies on global commercialization, partnerships, and navigating scaling challenges.

Expertise:

  • AgTech & animal health

  • International operations

  • Scientific product strategy

  • Corporate & JV partnerships

DeepTech & Advanced Materials

CED DeepTech FIR

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Schedule a Meeting

George Wildeman

CEO, SWIR Vision Systems
Deep Tech | Advanced Materials | Commercialization

George leads a deep tech company focused on next-gen imaging systems. With a track record in advanced materials, photonics, and hard-tech startups, he’s a strong sounding board for founders scaling complex products.

Expertise:

  • Commercializing research-heavy tech

  • Hardware & imaging systems

  • IP strategy & pitch refinement

  • Scaling capital-intensive startups