​Bootstrapped, mission-driven, profitable, and still standing. After a decade in edtech, there is more than one way to build a meaningful company.

​In this workshop, get the behind-the-scenes story of how Laura Tierney built a sustainable, cash-flow-positive product business entirely without venture capital—not because they couldn’t raise it, but because they chose a different path. Scaling from a solo founder to a small but mighty team, Laura will share the messy reality of bootstrapping and staying relentlessly close to the students, educators, and families they serve.

​Expect an honest, practical breakdown of what it takes to grow for the long haul, including:

• ​The VC Tradeoffs: The real cost (and massive benefits) of saying “no” to venture capital.

• ​Lean Hiring Strategies: How to sequence roles across engineering, product, and design, plus when to lean on generalists versus specialists.

• ​The Messy Middle: The times that felt agonizingly slow, the decisions that failed, and the course corrections that kept the business alive and thriving.

​Who should attend: Founders weighing their funding options, and anyone trying to build a durable, user-centered, and profitable company.

​Speaker

​Laura Tierney

​Laura Tierney is the Founder and CEO of The Social Institute, a product-led edtech company helping students navigate technology (from A.I. to social media) in positive, high-character ways. A Duke alum and former Division I athlete, Laura brings a competitive spirit and team-first mindset to everything she builds. Over the past decade, she has grown the company without venture capital, scaling from a solo founder to a small but mighty product team while staying relentlessly close to students, educators, and families. A creative at heart and an operator by necessity, Laura is passionate about building durable, user-centered products — and companies that are built to last.

​Location

​​Fullsteam ATC

​​320 Blackwell St #101, Durham, NC 27701

​Parking

​Free parking is available at the American Tobacco Campus North Deck, courtesy of CBC Real Estate.

• ​Map to: 305 W Pettigrew St, Durham, NC 27701

• ​Use the 2nd floor and above. (Please do not park on first floor.)

​​QUESTIONS?

​​This session is part of Raleigh-Durham Startup Week. Click here to learn more about the event, plus get answers to your FAQs.

​​TRACK SUPPORTER

​​Thank you to Pendo for supporting the Product & Design Track at #RDSW26!