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They must be headquartered in North Carolina. They need to be a technology company: software, hardware, tech-enabled services, digitally native brands, e-commerce, etc. Have a minimum of $1,000,000/yr ($80k/m) in sales OR 10 people. Or as we say in startup-land, $1m ARR or $80k MRR.
Operate as a technology company, including software, hardware, tech-enabled services, digitally native brands, or e-commerce businessesDemonstrate meaningful scale, defined as at least $1,000,000 in annual recurring revenue (ARR) (approximately $80,000 in monthly recurring revenue, MRR) or a team of 10 or more employees
About
Think of Tweeners as the ‘Goldilocks’ companies in the Triangle: not too small and not too large.
Our Story
In 2015, serial entrepreneur Scot Wingo launched the Triangle Tweener List to spotlight high-growth companies in the Research Triangle Park generating $1M+ in revenue or employing 10+ people.
In 2026, in partnership with , we expanded statewide and became NC Tweener Tweener List, Powered by NC IDEA, bringing our capital, content, and community model to founders across all of North Carolina.
Interested in Investing in Tweeners?
The is a 'rolling fund' that is always open to new accredited investors. The minimum investment is $30,000 (four investments of $7,500 per quarter). Each quarter we invest in 12-18 Tweeners and Pre-Tweeners. The goal of the fund is to act as an index fund for NC Tweener companies.
What is a Tweener?
What’s a Tweener? It’s a fun story! Tune into the first episode of for an inside look at how the name came to be.
Think of Tweeners as the ‘Goldilocks’ companies in the Triangle: not too small and not too large. These are our future breakouts, big fund-raisers, acquisition targets and (fingers crossed) IPOs.
NC Tweeners have the following criteria:
Once a company is over $80m/yr in revenue or 500 employees they ‘graduate’ off the list.
Tweeners are also great for folks moving to the area to target for their first Triangle gig, or if you are at a big company locally and want to try something more entrepreneurial. Check out a Tweener today!
North Carolina Tweener List Eligibility
Companies selected for the NC Tweener List must be headquartered in, and conduct a majority of their corporate operations within, the State of North Carolina. All publicly facing materials including website, social media, and other marketing channels should clearly identify the business as a North Carolina company.
In addition, eligible companies must meet the following criteria:
These requirements ensure the North Carolina Tweener List reflects high-growth, innovation-driven companies building and scaling within the state.
Check out the whole Tweener Ecosystem:
NC Tweener Fund
About
In 2015, Triangle-based serial entrepreneur, Scot Wingo started the Triangle Tweener List focused on Triangle companies with over 10 people or $1m/yr in revenues. After 7 years of data, we realized that this cohort of companies had very few closures, but also captured the Triangle's biggest and best exits. In 2022, we launched the Triangle Tweener Fund to invest in Triangle Tweener companies using an index strategy.
Website
View NC Tweener Fund's Website
Tweener List
About
This list features details on over 250 curated startups in North Carolina that are referred to as Tweeners.
Website
View Tweener List's Website
Tweener Times
About
The Tweener Times is a free/paid Substack newsletter designed for entrepreneurs. With the tagline "Builders Helping Builders," each issue offers in-depth articles on key topics that matter most to local founders, including Go-to-Market (GTM) strategies, AI-driven growth strategies, Product-Led-Growth (PLG), talent acquisition, and a calendar of events. Each weekly issue is packed with both strategic and tactical insights that help founders stay informed and connected.
Website
View Tweener Times's Website
Tweener Talks
About
A podcast for builders by builders. We explore the startup journey and stories with nc founders, from the idea to the exit and everything in between. Hosted by serial entrepreneur and founder of the Fund Scot Wingo.
Website
View Tweener Talks's Website
Tweener Madness
About
Tweener Madness, shines a bright spotlight on the amazing NCstartup ecosystem. The contest involves 8 startups who will compete for the $25k investment prize and 21 selection committee members that are local institutional or angel investors.
Website
View Tweener Madness's Website
Triangle Tweener Community Hub
About
Your go-to resource for navigating the Triangle’s startup landscape. Explore curated opportunities to support every step of your entrepreneurial journey.
Website
View Triangle Tweener Community Hub's Website
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