Agenda - 03-13-2012 - 4b - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

21 Research Procedures The research was completed in four phases. In the first phase, the PI identified qualified companies from the regional database and OTD listing that included companies founded by faculty, graduates, current students and staff. The PI acknowledges Professor Feldman for making the data available and Professor Nichola Lowe and RA Daniel Smith for culling out the LTNGCH affiliates. From 140 companies, 33 were not qualified for various reasons. Some were founded by graduates of other UNC campuses or by LJNGCH graduates with no strong affinity to the Triangle area. Another 47 companies were either out of business (25) or acquired (22). The PI did complete an interview with the co-founder of one of the 13 acquired companies still operating in North Carolina. Finally, 18 companies were home based including 9 that were virtual companies. The PI was able to completed telephone interviews or eMail-based surveys with principals in 26 of the 42 qualified independent companies. In addition to company-specific interviews, the PI identified founders who had been involved with multiple startups and could be considered serial entrepreneurs. Six agreed to be interviewed and answered more general questions about real estate preferences and different locations in the Triangle area. Three additional interviews were completed for background information on different spin-offs. Appendix B lists the 42 qualified independent companies and the 26 where principals were interviewed. The six interviewed entrepreneurs are also listed. On the basis of this information, the PI was able to learn about the real estate needs and preferences of these companies. The PI reviewed the information available on the 16 qualified companies that did not participate. Since they were in the same sectors as participating companies, they did not represent a different market segment. The PI was able to examine their locations since their address was in the database. None were in unique locations compared to surveyed companies. Finally, the PI pursued several companies that appeared most interesting wi~h telephone calls and, in two instances for companies in Orange County, visits to their offices. The PI was able to gather enough information to conclude that no critical information was being omitted by their lack of response. In the second phase of the project, the PI analyzed the buildings in which the 42 qualified companies are located. He used Google Earth and the CoStar Group database to examine the physical space virtually. He also visited buildings in Orange County that housed any of these companies. He gathered information on property type (office, industrial or flex), rent, level of finish and typical lease terms. He also interviewed several property managers and tenant reps to gather this information. 18