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Chris Heivly is an accomplished executive in the information-technology sector. His career spans a broad range of senior positions in government, at a Fortune 150 global company, and at small, entrepreneurial start-ups. He has operated at the highest levels in companies including R.R. Donnelley, Rand McNally, Accenture and MapQuest. Mr. Heivly has spent the last three years launching a software accelerator in the Raleigh/Durham area called the Triangle Startup Factory . Modeled after similar national programs, this seed investment program is yielding 14 new start-ups per year.


Why Two Founders Are Better Than One

Because if you are a solo founder, you are always the smartest person in the room. As an investor, I want someone in there with you.  Read story

How Starting a Company is Like Climbing Everest

You know what happens to people who try to rush to the top, don't you?  Read story

Big Business Lessons from the Movie Big

Why we should all emulate that 13-year-old boy.  Read story

What an Accelerator Program is Really Looking For

Some teams impress us by coming on strong. Some build their case slowly. But all the teams we invest in have certain things in common.  Read story

Is It Possible to Have Too Many Ideas?

Not if you can develop a good process for managing them.  Read story

No, I Won't Sign Your NDA

I'm in the business of backing great teams, not stealing from them. In other words, you're going to have to trust me.  Read story

But I Have a Family! And a Mercedes!

You're never too old to start a company. But you'll need to show the same commitment, passion, and willingness to sacrifice as any younger entrepreneur.  Read story

They Grow Up So Quickly. Or Else They Fail

There comes a time when a start-up needs to make a conscious effort to mature. Here's how to do it.  Read story

Your Business is Not Your Baby

It's an investment--yours and perhaps others'. When you start thinking that way, you'll have made a crucial shift.  Read story

Entrepreneurial DNA: Either You Have It or You Don't

You're going to need to leap without a net. But not without plenty of data.  Read story

Are You a Painkiller or a Vitamin?

Before you talk to even one customer, know the answer to this crucial question. And prepare accordingly.  Read story