Suggestions
Ted Zoller
Entrepreneur and Expert in Venturing and Education
Ted Zoller is a prominent figure in the field of entrepreneurship, currently serving as the Senior Advisor at the Carolina Angel Network (CAN) and the Executive Director of the network. He is also a T.W. Lewis Distinguished Clinical Scholar and a Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). Zoller has an extensive background in entrepreneurship education, having taught various courses at UNC since 1999, including topics on new ventures and business model development.124
Professional Background
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Education: Zoller holds a PhD from UNC-Chapel Hill, along with master's degrees from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University and the University of Virginia, focusing on entrepreneurship and economic development. He also has a dual bachelor's degree from the College of William & Mary.24
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Roles and Contributions:
- As a senior fellow at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, he engages in strategies to promote entrepreneurship.
- He has played a significant role in developing entrepreneurial ecosystems through initiatives like Launch Chapel Hill, an accelerator program aimed at fostering startup growth.
- Zoller is known for his innovative teaching methods, including the Learn-Launch-Lead pedagogical model, which enhances entrepreneurial education.124
Achievements
Zoller's work has led to significant contributions in venture creation and investment networks, particularly within the UNC community. Under his leadership, CAN has focused on expanding its reach and impact, having facilitated over $26 million in investments for startups connected to UNC since its inception.13 His research interests include entrepreneurial firm performance and social networking within venture deal-making networks.24
Vision for Carolina Angel Network
In his role at CAN, Zoller aims to transform the network into a leading university-based entrepreneurship platform by leveraging UNC's extensive alumni network and fostering relationships that can catalyze investment into promising ventures. He emphasizes building a culture of entrepreneurship that not only supports UNC-affiliated startups but also serves as a model for other universities.15
Zoller's extensive experience and commitment to fostering innovation make him a key figure in advancing entrepreneurship both within academia and the broader business community.
Highlights
Calling all UNC pharma entrepreneurs. My friend Lesa Mitchell at High Alpha Innovation is looking for a leader to tackle the opiod crisis in North Carolina! Spread the word. We NEED to crush this problem in the Tar Heel State!
I'm absolutely bursting with pride! Just got off a plane at RDU to see that UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School alum, friend and founder of Lonerider Brewing Company Sumit Vohra just opened a shiny new Hideout at the airport! I wish him and his team all the success they deserve -- as one of North Carolina's premiere breweries. I can tell the team was ready to pour within a mile from the brewery's original location! #AlesforOutlaws!
