What we do

The First Flight Venture Center (FFVC) is a technology incubator located in the heart of Research Triangle Park. The incubator was established in 1991 specifically to serve the initial needs of entrepreneurs and early stage companies in the Research Triangle area. FFVC offers 16,000 square feet of leasable office and laboratory space for up to 25 emerging technology companies.

The First Flight Venture Center has more than 14 years experience in successfully launching new businesses in North Carolina. This success lies in FFVC’s turnkey approach—the ability to enable tenant businesses to reduce both their initial capitalization requirements and their annual operation costs by providing affordable space with flexible leases, shared business services, technology support services, and management guidance and counseling.

FFVC strives to produce companies that graduate from the facility as financially viable and freestanding businesses. These incubator graduates migrate into the mainstream of the business community, creating jobs and commercializing important new technologies that contribute to a stronger North Carolina economy.

History
FFVC represents a significant asset in the overall entrepreneurial development and economic diversification of the rapidly growing Research Triangle Park. Since opening in 1992, FFVC has evolved into a flagship business incubator, serving as model program for other small business incubators across the state. Global interest in the Research Triangle Park incubator is demonstrated by the roster of international visitors to the Center each year, including entrepreneurs, economic developers, and government officials.

Mission

The mission of the First Flight Venture Center is to increase the number of technology companies originating in or relocating to North Carolina.

Why RTP?

The Research Triangle Park (RTP) is a public/private, planned research park, created in 1959 by leaders from business academia and industry. RTP is a hub of economic development and scientific advancement, effectively balancing human needs and humanities with economic opportunities. It is home to almost 100 major research and development organizations. Approximately 38,500 people work in RTP daily and near 99% of those employees work for research and development related organizations. About 50% of the employees in RTP work for multinational corporations.

People throughout the nation are attracted to the Research Triangle in search of an affordable cost of living, excellent educational resources, abundant natural resources and an environment that supports business growth and development. The Research Triangle area has generated a fast-growing entrepreneurial economy that fuels economic growth throughout North Carolina.

For more information about the resources and companies in the Research Triangle Park, please visit www.rtp.org.