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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.


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