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The startup scene in United States
Winston-Salem’s Innovation Quarter describes its development as a partnership involving the city, Forsyth County, North Carolina state government, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, and Wexford Science & Technology. The district reports more than 330 acres and 1.7 million square feet of completed mixed-use space since 2012. These are district-level descriptions, not measures of the entire city. [90032, 90033]
About
Winston-Salem’s Innovation Quarter describes its development as a partnership involving the city, Forsyth County, North Carolina state government, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, and Wexford Science & Technology. The district reports more than 330 acres and 1.7 million square feet of completed mixed-use space since 2012. These are district-level descriptions, not measures of the entire city. [90032, 90033]
Innovation Quarter profiles describe several companies with Winston-Salem ties: Elemance, which the district says started there in 2014 and is headquartered in Winston-Salem; BMI OrganBank, which the district says is headquartered in Winston-Salem and develops organ-preservation technologies; and KeraVet Bio, which the district describes as a local startup spin-off with Winston-Salem headquarters and an available prescription product. [90034, 90035, 90036]
Winston Starts displays an application link, but the captured information does not establish current cohort availability. BioNest Fund was launched by Greater Winston-Salem Inc. and Whitaker Park Development Authority on September 9, 2025; its published information describes a contact route for prospective applicants but does not confirm whether funding is currently available. [90037, 90040]
Startup ecosystem standing
Where Winston-Salem ranks
| Ranking | Edition | Position | Since last edition | Trust | What it measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Global Startup Ecosystem Index (cities) | 2025 | #406 | No prior edition | B | Ecosystem, Activity, Finance, Business Climate |
15 organizations with a profile
Who's based in Winston-Salem
Investors 9
Investor
InvestorPatient capital for strong-performing businesses.
InvestorInvesting in the future of Aerospace and Defense technologies.
The 3 most prominent of 9. Browse all investors
Accelerators 4
AcceleratorEmpowering early-stage startups through investment and mentorship.
AcceleratorEmpowering startups for scalable growth.
AcceleratorAccelerating startups and fostering innovation.
The 3 most prominent of 4. Browse all accelerators
Incubators 2
IncubatorTransforming ideas into investable companies.
IncubatorTurning artists into entrepreneurs.
Pick what describes you
Your way in
Raising in Winston-Salem
Investors based here, and the programs that take teams at your stage.
Get investor introsFinding startups in Winston-Salem
Accelerators and incubators here see the earliest teams first.
Get startups that fitScouting in Winston-Salem
Campuses and communities are where teams form before anyone funds them.
Start scoutingFrom public sources
What the sources say about Winston-Salem
Greater Winston-Salem Inc. directs prospective applicants to its information email.
Source: BioNest Fund Seeks to Accelerate Life Sciences Development in Winston-SalemBioNest requires local real estate and hiring commitments from applicants.
Source: BioNest Fund Seeks to Accelerate Life Sciences Development in Winston-SalemGreater Winston-Salem's 2025 release describes BioNest's intended eligible firms and contact route; the source does not confirm funds remain available today.
Source: BioNest Fund Seeks to Accelerate Life Sciences Development in Winston-SalemWSPR reported more than $3 million invested in local startups since its July 2021 launch.
Source: WSPR Fund official websiteCN-Seamless committed to putting its manufacturing facility in Winston-Salem.
Source: WSPR Fund official websiteWSPR says it invested $410,000 in portable metal-cutter startup CN-Seamless.
Source: WSPR Fund official website
Questions about Winston-Salem
How does Winston-Salem rank as a startup ecosystem?
Its best position is #406 in StartupBlink Index (cities) (2025).
How many startup investors are based in Winston-Salem?
9 investors based in Winston-Salem have a profile here, including Five Points Capital, Reynolda Equity Partners and AERO X VENTURES. The real number is higher.
Are there accelerators or incubators in Winston-Salem?
Yes. Winston-Salem has 4 accelerators and 2 incubators on record, including New Ventures Startup Accelerator and First Launch Studio.
Geographic proximity
Nearby cities to Winston-Salem
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