Launch Chapel Hill’s New Executive Director: Ian Baltutis

We are thrilled to share some exciting updates about Launch Chapel Hill. First and foremost, we want to express our profound gratitude to Tim Flood, who’s been serving as interim director for Launch. Tim not only rose to the challenge of this vital leadership role - including Launch’s move to the Innovate Carolina Junction, but he also continues to consistently contribute his energy and expertise to the Launch community. We are delighted that Tim can now focus exclusively on the accelerator, a vital component of Launch.

We are pleased to announce Ian Baltutis as Launch’s new executive director. Ian brings a lot of great experience to the role: a seasoned entrepreneur in multiple ventures, Ian served for three terms as mayor of Burlington, NC, and knows how to forge innovative and collaborative paths toward success. Ian—who is simultaneously finishing his master’s degree in City and Regional Planning at UNC—will focus primarily on strategy and expanding Launch Chapel Hill’s entrepreneurial ecosystem development. His unique blend of skills and experiences will undoubtedly enhance Launch’s continued impact in Chapel Hill, Orange County, and across the state.

Launch Chapel Hill has always played a significant role in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in the region and state. We eagerly anticipate the continued positive impact that both Tim and Ian will have on Launch and the broader innovation and entrepreneurship communities.

Sincerely,
The Launch Chapel Hill Board