​Ready to build a consumer business that actually gets noticed? Join Alphonzo “Phonz” Terrell—Durham native, SPILL co-founder, and the mind behind a social platform that’s both successful and culturally relevant—for a candid conversation on what it really takes to break through the noise. Phonz has done what most founders only dream of: launched a viral app, landed on Fast Company’s Most Innovative list, and turned layoffs into a launchpad. He’ll share hard-won lessons from the front lines of tech, from raising millions to wrangling enterprise deals with Netflix and Paramount+.

​Speakers

​Alphonzo (Phonz) Terrell

​Born in Durham with family roots in the Triangle stretching back hundreds of years, Alphonzo "Phonz" Terrell is bringing world-class tech innovation back home. As Co-Founder and CEO of SPILL—the largest social media platform serving multicultural fandoms with over 500,000 downloads—Phonz has built what others thought impossible: a profitable, culturally-grounded social platform that hit #1 in the Apple App Store.

​A Columbia University graduate, Phonz previously led Twitter's global social and editorial strategy, increasing engagement by over 50% and winning Best Overall Social Presence at the 2022 Webby Awards. His career spans award-winning creative leadership at HBO, Showtime, and Sony Music, earning Cannes Lions, Clios, and multiple Webby Awards along the way.

​After being laid off during Twitter's 2022 acquisition, Phonz co-founded SPILL, which has since been named to Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies and CNN Business Risk Takers alongside Sam Altman and Lina Khan. The seed-stage company has raised over $6M from tier-one VCs including MaC VC, Graylock, Bessemer, and Kapor Capital, plus strategic investors like Kerry Washington, and secured enterprise partnerships with Netflix, Paramount+, and CBS.

​Now, Phonz is returning to his roots in Durham to support and inspire the next generation of Triangle entrepreneurs.

​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!