There are some new (but familiar) faces in town: After 14 years, Raleigh Founded’s founding group is winding down operations at the end of October and "passing the torch" to Lotos Ventures, which will continue the mission of Founded Communities.

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Lauren Romer and Jess Porta may be familiar names, having both made their impact on Founded in their own right, serving consecutive terms as Executive Director over the past eight years. Now, they’re working together to launch Lotos Ventures, a new entrepreneurial endeavor creating places where people can connect, find their community, and feel at home. 

It makes sense that Founded Communities, with its North Street, Downtown Cary, and Centennial campus locations, would fit right into Lotos Ventures' new, independently operating portfolio. After all, its cofounders have spent so much time growing the Founded community and growing as individuals right alongside it.

When Jess first encountered Founded, she was a young freelancer seeking community, working part-time at the front desk at their old home in the Warehouse District before eventually moving into the Director role. Since then, she’s worked on a team based out of Founded.

“When I finally left, I joined a startup that was a tenant of Raleigh Founded. So, I’ve really been around the community in every aspect over the past 12 years, and this just feels like such a natural place for me.”

For Lauren, who stepped away from the Executive Director role in early 2026, Founded Communities has been an integral part of her story.

"When I started at Founded in 2018, I never could have imagined that I’d eventually become Executive Director, start my own business, and then have the opportunity to come back in this capacity," says Lauren. "Founded has given me so much, and getting to pour back into it now feels incredibly special.”

After 14 years, the current owners of Raleigh Founded and Cary Founded, Jason Widen, Christopher Gergen, Jes Lipson and Brooks Bell, will cease operations at the end of October.  They are grateful to everyone who has helped shape Founded over the years and wish Jess and Lauren well in their independent endeavor.

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With gratitude,
The Founded Team

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