Build Connections. Explore Ideas. Activate Our Triangle Entrepreneur Community.
A new morning series for Triangle entrepreneurs to learn, connect, and grow through interactive talks, networking, and practical insights.
Upcoming: Navigating Transitions & Business Pivots with Brandon Kashani
Tuesday, January 27th, 2025
8:30 - 10:30 AM
Raleigh Founded - North Street
Do you crave a supportive entrepreneurial network, but aren't sure how to get it?
If you’ve ever walked out of a chilly conference center after two-days of listening to informative presentations, panels, and keynotes but where you never figured out how to actually have meaningful conversations with anyone during the ‘networking break’, have lots notes but zero opportunity to process with peers how you might apply it to your situation, and are still feeling disconnected, frustrated, and lonely as an entrepreneur, you’re not alone.
Building connections and community as an entrepreneur is hard. It takes time, attention, and opportunity.
We've created an opportunity for you!
Imagine what it would feel like to be so deep in conversation with a person you just met at an event that you overstay your parking meter, are slightly late to your next meeting, and yet it was totally worth it. You’re able to work through a tricky challenge, feel validated and inspired by the valuable insights you received, and already have a coffee with them scheduled for next week.
Join us to build the supportive community and connections you need to learn, grow, and thrive.
Welcome to the Morning Grind
Build Connection, Gather Community, and Grow
Do you want to start your day with actionable ideas, real conversations, meaningful connections, and a cup of coffee?Join this free morning series helping entrepreneurs, freelancers, founders, and big thinkers in the NC Triangle connect, learn, and grow through interactive talks and facilitated networking.The Morning Grind is an entrepreneurial event series hosted by NC State University, Raleigh Founded, and Daring Studios.The session theme helps organizers design an impactful, interactive, and memorable session so that participants leave feeling connected, energized, and ready to act.
Session Overview
8:30 AM - Arrival & Coffee
Ease into the morning with a beverage, warm hellos, and get ready for the session ahead.8:45 AM - Welcome & Headliner Session
Each session features a headliner, a local entrepreneur, founder, or creative leader, sharing insights on the day’s theme. Expect more than a talk. These sessions are designed to be interactive, sparking conversation and participation.9:15 AM - Facilitated Networking
We’ll shift into structured networking designed to move beyond surface-level chit-chat. Instead of just exchanging business cards, you’ll connect meaningfully around the theme of the day and what matters most in your work10:20 AM - Closing Activity
We’ll close the session sharing insights, takeaways and inspiration to take into your day.
Showing up is the first step. And then the more you contribute the more you get from the experience.
How to Participate
Facilitated networking is guided connection-building. Instead of leaving you to figure it out on your own, the host - Rachel Thompson - provides prompts, activities, or small group formats to help you have conversations with others.
Be Open. Show up with an openness to connect beyond the usual ‘what do you do?’ conversation.
Be Curious. Listen deeply, ask questions, and reflect understanding.
Be Present. Let the pings rest and shift your attention to the moment.
Give. Share generously.
Make Requests. Ask for what you need, be it advice, a chance to just talk, or an introduction
Join us and help create an interactive, meaningful, and fun event.
Introducing Your Hosts
NC State University
NC State's Centennial Campus acts as a catalyst for innovation and a place for community engagement, supporting local entrepreneurs and the programs that bring them together.
Founded Communities
Founded Communities is a coworking space built for you. Work alongside a community of entrepreneurs, innovators, and change-makers. Whether you own a business or work remotely, we have everything you need to make 9-5 the best part of the day.
Daring Studios
Daring Studios is a strategic consultancy and facilitation company supporting solopreneurs, freelancers, and creatives with retreats, summits, and programs.
Are You Ready to Join Us?
Start your morning with connection, ideas, and energy at Morning Grind, our new Triangle entrepreneur series.
Each session blends inspiring talks, interactive mini-sessions, and facilitated networking designed to start collaboration and action.
Lets do this!
© Morning Grind. All rights reserved.
Morning Grind Events
January 2026
Navigating Transitions & Business Pivots with Brandon Kashani
Tuesday, January 27th, 2025 from 8:30 - 10:30 AM
Raleigh Founded - North Street
Brandon Kashani is Founder and CEO of TRAKID, a company revolutionizing the visitor experience for cities, museums, zoos, and more. He has deep expertise in educational experiences, content management, and analytics solutions. Brandon is a Startup advisor and speaker in founder-led sales, early-stage fundraising, and finding product-market fit.
Linkedin
March 2026
Meaningful Networking with Noa Ronen
Tuesday, March 24th, 2025 from 8:30 - 10:30 AM
Raleigh Founded - Centennial Campus
Noa Ronen is the Founder and CEO of Coaching Connection. She is a Master Certified Executive, Team, and Group Coach. She partners with fast-growing teams, companies, communities, and beyond to build peer-based systems that strengthen collaboration, trust, and alignment—at scale. She’s the author of Beyond Leadership: From AwareLess to AwareNess.
Linkedin
Thank you!
We'll be in touch soon.