Hatch Innovation Hub News
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In the Press
Press Release: Hatch Innovation Hub Honors Retiring Board Members
Hatch Innovation Hub is honoring four retiring board members whose leadership has strengthened support for early stage founders across Western North Carolina.
Entrepreneurs-in-Residence: Turning Ideas Into Action at Warren Wilson College
Hatch’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence program brings seasoned founders into schools and communities across WNC. See how Brock Busby’s session at Warren Wilson College inspired students to build purpose-driven enterprises.
Seven Layoffs. Relentless Hustle. How Rob Lingham Built His Way Into AI’s Future
After nearly a decade in recruiting and a relentless drive to improve, Rob Lingham built an AI pitch coach that changed everything—earning him the Best Presenter title at Hatch’s Pitch Party and a job shaping the future of communication tech.
Me2We and the Future of Founding Together
They didn’t win HatchThis—but they found something bigger. Me2We is building an AI-powered app to help entrepreneurs find values-aligned collaborators and end the isolation of building solo. Discover how one moment sparked a movement—and a mission.
Startup Support Where It’s Needed Most: Entrepreneur-in-Residence Program is Empowering Rural Innovation in WNC
Big ideas are blooming in small towns. The Entrepreneur-in-Residence program is bringing expert startup support to rural WNC—one bold founder at a time. Free mentorship, real traction, and a growing network. See how it’s reshaping the region’s entrepreneurial future.
Yue Hillon Joins Hatch Innovation Hub as Newest Board Member
From mentoring student entrepreneurs to strengthening regional partnerships, Yue Hillon brings vision, heart, and deep-rooted dedication to her new role on the Hatch Board—helping shape the future of innovation in Western North Carolina.
Startup Success in 48 Hours: Team UpKeeper
HatchThis, a high-stakes 48-hour startup challenge, kicked off on Friday, March 28th, with 73 participants, including 36 entrepreneurs eager to pitch their business ideas. Among them was Tomer Shvueli, who had no idea what the weekend would bring. After the first round of pitches and a whirlwind of rapid networking, Tomer’s idea—an app to track costly home maintenance and appliance repairs—was selected as one of the top ten to advance.
Hatch AVL Foundation and Venture Asheville Receive $100,000 NC IDEA ECOSYSTEM Grant to Strengthen Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Hatch AVL Foundation and Venture Asheville are thrilled to announce that they have been awarded an NC IDEA ECOSYSTEM grant of $100,000 to further support their mission of empowering entrepreneurs and fostering innovation in Asheville and beyond. The grant comes as part of NC IDEA’s latest funding cycle, which aims to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems across North Carolina.
Optimist Ventures: Entrepreneurs Have A New Path to Sustainable, Scalable Growth in Western North Carolina
Optimist Ventures, launched earlier this year, builds on a decade of success at Venture Asheville to offer a fresh, long-term approach to growing ambitious ventures in Western North Carolina. Designed to support businesses aiming for scalable, community-rooted, and sustainable growth, the program offers a unique 15-week accelerator for early-stage companies based in WNC.
Reflections from the Hurricane Helene Recovery Session
On October 25th, 2024, Hatch, Venture Asheville, and AVL Digital Nomads hosted a heartfelt gathering focused on the recovery efforts for local businesses affected by Hurricane Helene. Over pizza and beer, we welcomed local business owners who shared their experiences and needs in an open forum.
Hatch This: Entrepreneurs and “Wantrepreneurs” Pitch, Plan, and Build a Business in Just 48 Hours
Hatch This is powered by Hatch AVL Foundation, Venture Asheville, and AVL Digital Nomads. The event will be hosted at the Hatch Innovation building at 45 S. French Broad Ave.
Asheville had become a hotbed of innovation but there was something missing: a startup weekend
In 2017, Jon Jones, a prominent entrepreneur and mentor, spearheaded a dynamic startup weekend event in Asheville that brought together a diverse group of innovators, investors, and mentors from all over the region. This startup weekend was a series of intense brainstorming sessions, collaborative discussions, and strategy meetings that left them invigorated and full of new ideas. Although he didn’t know it at the time, that event and the people he met would inspire Hatch This and lead him down the path to becoming a founder and leader of Hatch.
Flipping the Script: Investors Present Directly to Entrepreneurs at Capital Marketplace Event
Entrepreneurs seeking investment opportunities are invited to attend a unique event called “Capital Marketplace,” hosted by Hatch Innovation Hub, Venture Asheville, and Mountain Biz Works, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM at the Hatch Innovation Hub.
Mountain BizWorks Opens a New Office Inside Hatch Innovation Hub
After lots of planning and hard work, we’re thrilled to share the news that Mountain BizWorks has opened a new office inside Hatch Innovation Hub! This is a big step that will offer great support for WNC entrepreneurs. We’re so excited to see this partnership grow stronger and can’t wait to see the magic happen!
Local Funding, Local Success: Backrs and the Pisgah Fund
It’s the goal of so many startups to attract the attention and support of significant investors. A well-timed influx of capital can ensure the success of a young enterprise, and you never know when a golden opportunity might cross your path.
WNC’s first Black-owned game studio, 3D Dojo Studios debuts first original game, DA PAPER BOY
3D Dojo Studios, an independent game development company headquartered in Asheville, NC, is on a mission to reimagine an inclusive and equitable gaming industry by creating access to opportunity for Black and Brown creatives to thrive and be represented in video games.
Hatch Innovation Hub announces Grand Opening of new office space
Hatch Innovation Hub Welcomes New Leaders, Honors Original Board Members
Four Hatch co-founders complete their terms on the organization’s board, new members are now joining.
Coming to life
Local and statewide nonprofits collaborate to build a thriving, homegrown biotechnology sector in Western North Carolina through NC Bioneer.
How Hatch Helped
From Idea to Minimum Viable Product
Structured mentorship and strategy are helping Western North Carolina students turn ideas into real ventures through the EIR program.
From Idea to Action: Rocky Sridhar on Building Approachable Adventures
From Idea to Action: Rocky Sridhar on Building Approachable Adventures When we first met Rakesh “Rocky” Sridhar at Pitchgiving last fall, his idea stood out for how deeply it was shaped by lived experience. Rather than chasing a trend, Rocky is building from...
HatchThis: Where Ideas Collide, Teams Form, and Futures Take Shape
Build a startup in a weekend. HatchThis returns March 27–29, 2026, helping bold ideas find teams, traction and unexpected momentum.
Braving the Chill, Building Community: PitchGiving Recap
From ReMixIt to BridgeMeals, PitchGiving brought bold ideas, community spirit, and fresh energy to Hatch. Catch the highlights from this inspiring night.
Entrepreneurs-in-Residence: Turning Ideas Into Action at Warren Wilson College
Hatch’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence program brings seasoned founders into schools and communities across WNC. See how Brock Busby’s session at Warren Wilson College inspired students to build purpose-driven enterprises.
Mars Hill Pitch Party: Where Ideas Took the Stage
Mars Hill Theatre Brewing buzzed with energy as six bold founders took the stage at our latest Pitch Party. From creative pitches to big wins and new mentorships through Hatch’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence program, this event proved that Mars Hill is ready to build something big.
Innovating Skills for the AI Era: Scott Wolfson’s Journey from TV News to Tech Entrepreneurship
Centaurian AI is rethinking how we learn in the AI era, helping people sharpen how they think, not just what they know. With Hatch's new Entrepreneur-in-Residence program, they are gaining traction and forging local connections.
Seven Layoffs. Relentless Hustle. How Rob Lingham Built His Way Into AI’s Future
After being laid off seven times in eight years, Rob Lingham tapped into grit and curiosity to sharpen his pitch skills. One side project—an AI-powered presentation coach—led to an award-winning demo at Hatch’s Pitch Party, caught a startup’s attention, and launched him into a new role shaping the future of communication tech.
Crafting Comfort: The Journey of Higher Ground Furniture
The story of Higher Ground Furniture: Ben Campbell’s journey from life-changing accident to the cutting edge of furniture design. Along with co-founder Baird Whelan, Ben shares his vision with the world. “Change your chair. Change your life”
Place, People, and Programming: LoLo & Hatch
LoLo: Locals Supporting Locals. Good relationships change everything — especially for a business. Clark Harris knows that first hand. In 2013, Harris and Matthew Simpson co-founded LoLo, a company on a mission to build thriving local communities by empowering local...
Founder Features
How Bridge Meals Is Building a Sustainable Meal Network
Bridge Meals connects donors, restaurants, and neighbors in need, building a sustainable, community powered meal support network.
From Idea to Action: Rocky Sridhar on Building Approachable Adventures
From Idea to Action: Rocky Sridhar on Building Approachable Adventures When we first met Rakesh “Rocky” Sridhar at Pitchgiving last fall, his idea stood out for how deeply it was shaped by lived experience. Rather than chasing a trend, Rocky is building from...
ReMix It: Creative Reuse with Heart
Learn how Amanda Wilde is launching RemixIt, Asheville’s new creative reuse center, with community support, local partnerships, and growing momentum.
Listening to the Market: A Founder’s Story of Growth & Vision
After her inspiring Pitch Party Asheville presentation, Lilly Field shares how Celium evolved by listening to the market and refining its vision.
Louise Bijesse on HR Buddy and the Future of Fractional HR
At Pitch Party Hendersonville, Louise Bijesse earned the Audience Choice Award for HR Buddy, a scalable idea inspired by her work with Uptalent Consulting to make personalized HR support more accessible for small businesses.
Heating Up Innovation: The Story Behind EarthBae’s Founder, John Canter
At Pitch Party Mars Hill, John Canter introduced EarthBae, a heated apparel brand built for comfort across changing climates and everyday life. From CFO to founder, his journey reflects resilience, innovation, and community support.
Innovating Skills for the AI Era: Scott Wolfson’s Journey from TV News to Tech Entrepreneurship
Centaurian AI is rethinking how we learn in the AI era, helping people sharpen how they think, not just what they know. With Hatch's new Entrepreneur-in-Residence program, they are gaining traction and forging local connections.
Pedaling Forward Together: KidCycle Club Sets Off, Empowered by the WNC Community
Entrepreneurship is complex enough without having to do it alone. Emi Kubota is leaning into the transformative impact of community support as she builds KidCycle Club, Asheville’s only camp dedicated to teaching cycling skills to kids.
Fueling Growth with the Hatch Mentoring Services: Inside 18 Chestnuts’ Journey
18 Chestnuts, known for flavorful vegan soups, thrived through the Hatch Pressure Test. Mentored by Hatch, founder Ilona Kossoff found her voice and unlocked the brand’s potential. Now nationwide, its farmer's market roots still define its mission.
Changing the Game of the Gaming Industry: Leroy Jones
Leroy Jones has overcome countless obstacles to launch his community-oriented video game development studio, 3D Dojo Studios. Now, with his debut title in the last phases of development, he's moving his headquarters to Asheville.
Volunteer Features
From Times Square to Giving Back in WNC: Brock Busby Believes Great Products Light People Up
After building tech for giants like Nike and Google, Brock Busby discovered that real success isn’t about scale—it’s about human connection. Now, as a mentor and Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Hatch, he’s helping WNC founders build products that light people up.
Jesse Fripp
In 2020, Jesse Fripp returned to his Asheville roots to drive regional revitalization. At Hatch, he’s been instrumental in fostering community and supporting high-potential founders, joining the Board to leverage his expertise in strategy and capital to build a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Chris Buehler
With multiple successful startup enterprises under his belt and having completed two full terms on the Hatch Innovation Hub Board of Directors, Chris Buehler reflects on his impactful journey at Hatch—cherishing his greatest memories and eagerly contemplating what lies ahead.
Dr. Susan Clark Muntean
Hatch mentor Dr. Susan Clark Muntean is an academic, activist, and advocate for equitable entrepreneurial ecosystems.
