RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK – Three entrepreneurial focused organizations in the Triangle are teaming up to offer a series of talks designed to help innovators and thinkers develop new ideas in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Leading off is the founder of Fandango.

Called “Luminary Talks,” the three-part series (virtual via Zoom) kicks off June 26. The backers are promising “impactful, authentic conversation, that can provide direction and spark new ideas.”

“Our first talk highlights Alan Cline, Senior Managing Director with Vista Equity Partners, a leading investment firm focused on enterprise software, data, and technology-enabled businesses,” notes UNC Kenan-Flagler Entrepreneurship Center.

Rick Smith, WRAL TechWire’s editor and a cofounder, writes The Skinny.

“Alan Co-Heads the Endeavor Fund, which focuses on mission-critical, high-growth enterprise software businesses with $10 million to $30 million in annual recurring revenue. Alan brings a unique perspective as an investor, but also as the founder of Fandango.”

Working with the center are startup and coworking hubs HQ Raleigh and American Underground.

The Skinny asked American Underground about the series and the purposes of it.

“COVID-19 has impacted everyone in some way, including every person and every organization. Initially, many hoped that this would be a brief interruption of our daily personal and professional lives, with a quick return to the way things were,” Billy Warden tells us on behalf of AU.

“As weeks have turned into months, businesses are still working through how to come back online and our society is dealing with issues related to systemic racism. Many of us are left with unanswered questions about how to navigate in a world that has changed before our eyes in a matter of weeks.

“This Luminary Talks Series brings entrepreneurs, investors, and experts with direct ties and personal investment to the Triangle from across the country to provide insights and advice to our Community of entrepreneurs, leaders, ecosystem partners, and policy makers to help navigate in these uncertain times. These fireside chats with each luminary will include authentic conversation about resilience and survival, and the onward journey about how to prepare for what may be next.”

The Center says the talks are “a collective effort in helping our Triangle Community get through these unprecedented times stronger together.”

Well said.