Cupid Wears a Business Suit: How This CED Leader is Sparking Startup Magic
They say the best matchmakers have an eye for potential and a heart for connection. This Valentine's Day, we celebrate Preet Mankad, whose matchmaking skills extend far beyond the RTP – she's the architect of entrepreneurial love stories at the Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED). As Programs & Community Manager in the Triangle region, Mankad doesn't just connect hearts; she connects dreams, matching passionate founders with the mentors, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive. Her talent for fostering these vital connections embodies the spirit of innovation and community that makes the Triangle's startup ecosystem unique.
"What makes our ecosystem special is the genuine willingness of people to share their knowledge and expertise."
-Preet Mankad
From Psychology to Startup Ecosystem Builder
Mankad's journey to becoming a pivotal figure in Raleigh's entrepreneurial landscape began in Australia, where she studied psychology. What started as a summer internship in Raleigh transformed into an eight-year journey of building, connecting, and nurturing the local startup community. This transition highlights an often-overlooked truth in entrepreneurship: the most impactful roles don't always belong to founders, but to the community builders who create the conditions for collective success.
At CED, Mankad has found her sweet spot at the intersection of program development and community building. Her work with the Grow agtech incubator exemplifies her approach to ecosystem development – creating structured programs that foster deep connections between founders and experienced mentors. "What makes our ecosystem special," Mankad notes, "is the genuine willingness of people to share their knowledge and expertise."
The Power of Authentic Leadership
What sets Mankad apart is her self-awareness and embrace of her authentic role in the ecosystem. Rather than aspiring to be a visionary founder, she has found her calling as an operator – someone who excels at building systems and standardizing operations to bring big ideas to life. This authenticity extends to her personal life, where she finds balance and fulfillment in unexpected places: tending to her garden, caring for animals, and creating through crochet.
Supporting Women in Entrepreneurship
Mankad's perspective on supporting women entrepreneurs is particularly relevant as we work to create more inclusive startup ecosystems. She emphasizes the critical importance of community and camaraderie, creating spaces where women can be their authentic selves while building their ventures. This approach aligns perfectly with the mission of institutions like Meredith College, which aims to empower the next generation of women leaders and entrepreneurs.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Mankad sees tremendous opportunity for connecting students with impact-driven companies in the Triangle. Through initiatives like CED's Venture Connect event and focused programs for founders, she's working to create more pathways for entrepreneurs to engage with and succeed in the startup ecosystem.
The Impact of Community Builders
Mankad's work reminds us that entrepreneurial ecosystems thrive not just on big ideas and bold founders, but on the dedicated community builders who create the infrastructure for success. Her journey from international student to ecosystem leader demonstrates the power of finding and embracing one's authentic role in the entrepreneurial community.
For students and aspiring entrepreneurs at Meredith College and beyond, Mankad's story offers an important lesson: there are many ways to make an impact in the entrepreneurial world. Whether as a founder, operator, or community builder, the key is to find your authentic path and use your unique strengths to lift others as you climb.
As we look to the future of entrepreneurship in the Triangle, leaders like Preet Mankad give us reason for optimism. Through her work at CED and her commitment to supporting entrepreneurs, she's helping to build a more inclusive, collaborative, and vibrant startup ecosystem – one connection at a time.