Technology and life science incubator First Flight Venture Center has named technology industry veteran Andrew Schwab its new president.
Schwab had been serving as the interim president of the Research Triangle Park, North Carolina-based incubator since Executive Director John Draper died last summer. Schwab has more than 20 years experience working in several Triangle-based software startups. He has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Duke University and a doctorate in electrical engineering from the University of Virginia. First Flight Chairman of the Board Terry Kane said in a prepared statement that Schwab’s extensive management and operational skills made him ideal for the position.
“During his time at First Flight, he has worked to help build and support FFVC’s expansion into the life science arena and support emerging technology companies,” he said. “These are critical missions for the state of North Carolina.”
First Flight was established in 1991 to serve the needs of entrepreneurs and early stage companies in the Research Triangle. The company offers leasable office and laboratory space for technology and life science companies. Currently 39 companies operate from First Flight’s RTP facility. First Flight has hosted more than 200 companies that the incubator calculates have had a cumulative economic impact topping $800 million.
