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120. That’s how many new jobs Raleigh’s Levitate plans to add in the next year, growing its team to nearly 300. The AI-focused firm, founded by Jesse Lipson, just closed a $16 million funding round and opened a major Toronto operation, fueling IPO and acquisition speculation. (Triangle Business Journal)
Open
Ralliant Corp. has officially opened its new Raleigh headquarters, bringing about 150 employees into permanent offices in North Hills. The move marks a milestone in Ralliant’s first year as an independent, publicly traded company, with average salaries nearly 2 ½ times Wake County’s average. The company plans to continue investing in tech innovation and talent locally. (Business NC)
Development
Highline Glenwood is rising in downtown Raleigh, topping two floors on its way to 37 stories — making it the city’s tallest residential tower with 306 luxury units. Nearby, Oldham and Worth nears completion, and dozens more apartments and condos are planned, reshaping Raleigh’s skyline. (Triangle Business Journal)
Real Estate
Person Street Partners spent $26.5 million on 50 off-campus homes near NC State — 202 beds across six acres now called Redfield Village. With 95% occupancy, mostly student renters, and homes built between 2018 and 2025 inside Raleigh’s Beltline, the portfolio shows the strength of university-driven housing demand. (Triangle Business Journal)
Pitch
Speaking of the Wolfpack... NC State founders have until Tuesday, March 31 to apply for the Andrews Launch Accelerator, a program turning student and alumni ventures into reality. Selected finalists pitch in Raleigh in April, with the cohort kicking off in May and Demo Day set for August 18.
Job
Shaw University is hiring a Director of Communications & Marketing to lead marketing, PR, and digital strategy, shape the university’s brand, and oversee campaigns and media. Candidates should have over seven years of experience, ideally in higher education, and a strong track record managing communications across multiple channels.
Tech
Natelli Investments has withdrawn its proposed New Hill data center, and the Apex Town Council is considering a one-year moratorium on new data centers. The pause will allow the town to study community and environmental impacts and craft regulations, signaling careful oversight for future industrial development in the area. (INDYWeek)
Thought Leadership
Thom Ruhe marks 10 years as president and CEO of NC IDEA, overseeing dramatic growth in state startup funding. Recent moves include bringing RIoT programs in-house and expanding the Triangle Tweener Fund, strengthening support for entrepreneurs and high-impact companies across NC. Dive into the full interview. (WRAL)
Network
Own a small business in the Triangle? Apply for the City of Raleigh’s free Raleigh Business Bootcamp, an eight-week program for small, growing, and emerging businesses. Learn marketing, customer acquisition, project estimation, and how to apply for city contracts — while networking with other entrepreneurs. Sessions run April 8 through May 27 (English) and April 9 through May 28 (Spanish).
Biz
GE Aerospace is investing another $20 million in its Durham facility to expand airplane engine assembly with upgraded systems and specialized tools. Part of a $160 million statewide and $1 billion nationwide investment, the company plans to add 5,000 US jobs, boosting NC’s role in aviation. (CBS17)
Sports
Calling all sports creatives. The Carolina Sports Creative Summit hits the Lenovo Center on Thursday, March 26 from 5 to 9 p.m., bringing together pros from college and pro teams to talk design, photography, video, and storytelling in sports. Expect real-world insights, big creative energy, and plenty of networking with local creatives. Did I mention it’s free? Reserve your spot.
Civic
Raleigh is considering scaling back free downtown garage parking from two hours to one and raising street rates to $2.50 to help cover a projected $24 million system cost. The city will review potential impacts on businesses and employee parking fees. (The News & Observer)
Thought Leadership
Nominations are open for Triangle Business Journal’s 2026 awards programs, from Women in Business to 40 Under 40 and Fast 50. These programs spotlight the Triangle’s top companies and leaders, offering recognition, networking, and profile-raising opportunities. Deadlines and details vary by award, so check TBJ’s site to make sure your nominations hit the mark.
Events
Agenda
Editor’s Picks
Business of Women | Thursday, March 19 | 12-1:15 p.m. | Prestonwood Country Club | $45+ | Join Jessica Myers, Founder of Be YOU Bloom®, to learn how visualization can help you break patterns, build confidence, and turn goals into reality.
Coffee and Conversations: Water and Waste Services | Friday, March 20 | 9-10 a.m. | A Place at the Table | Free | Cat here, Raleigh’s Water and Waste Services was one of my favorites to learn about in Raleigh Neighborhood College, and now you can join Coffee and Conversations to listen, share, and learn for yourself.
Barbie’s Dream Team is making history; nominate local women doing the same. | Post by Barbie + Mattel
March is Women’s History Month, and Mattel just released its first Barbie Dream Team of global female role models (iconic, we know).
Speaking of iconic… who’s a woman in Raleigh’s business community making waves right now? Think founders, CEOs, innovators, entrepreneurs, or anyone leading with impact — big or small. Nominate local women shaping the region’s future for a chance to be spotlighted in the newsletter this month.
Listed
Retail, for lease
3801 Western Blvd. | 7,130 sqft | $35.50 sqft/yr | Multitenant retail building inside the beltline near NC State’s South Campus and downtown, with a modern glass storefront, private outdoor patio, strong visibility, and ample surface parking.
Office/retail, for lease
530 Hillsborough St. | 10,121 sqft | $25-$29.50 sqft/yr | This creative space in historic Glenwood South has 14-ft ceilings, excellent corner visibility, building signage, rare on-site parking, and walkable access to restaurants and shops.
Office, for lease
1801 Varsity Dr. | 121,792 sqft | $39.50 sqft/yr | Four-story building on NC State’s Centennial Campus with customizable space, designed for productivity and wellness, featuring conference rooms, fitness area, lounges, outdoor patio, and walkable access to dining and retail.
1000 SOCIAL at The Exchange | 2,451-29,624 sqft | Inquire for rates | Raleigh’s newest Midtown mixed-use tower with Class A offices, move-in-ready spec suites, ground-floor retail like Peregrine and Mezcalito, world-class amenities, and access to greenway trails and greenspace.
5613 Duraleigh Rd., Ste. 151 | ~2,214 sqft | $21 sqft (NNN) | This former medical space features five offices, a conference room, reception, break area, two restrooms, new carpeting and paint, signage, ample parking, and washer/dryer connections.
You know a nonprofit doing big things in Raleigh? The Great Raleigh Cleanup is helping keep the City of Oaks clean through regular litter pickups. If your business wants to do some good this spring, consider an employee cleanup or becoming a corporate partner. Flying solo? Check out the upcoming cleanup calendar — I promise, you won’t regret getting your hands dirty.
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