Chapel Hill lands wireless connectivity, smart tech company that grew out of UNC
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- IotaComm relocates corporate headquarters to downtown Chapel Hill in 2025.
- Move supports IotaComm’s expansion of smart tech and wireless data services.
- New site boosts access to UNC talent, research and innovation partnerships.
A company that grew out of a UNC startup hub is moving its wireless communications and data services back to downtown Chapel Hill.
IotaComm Inc. will relocate its corporate headquarters from Allentown, Pennsylvania, to the top floor of 200 W. Franklin St. The building, which was previously home to the tech company Google, was erected in 1993 with basketball legend Michael Jordan’s 23 restaurant occupying the ground floor.
The location is just a block from UNC’s campus and within walking distance of two future wet lab and office buildings approved for Chapel Hill’s future downtown innovation district. It’s also a short walk from the Innovate Carolina Junction, a startup hub and co-working space on East Franklin Street that serves students, faculty and the community.
IotaComm Chairman and CEO Terrence DeFranco established the company at the Junction, making a full circle with the latest move back to Chapel Hill.
“We’re thrilled IotaComm is calling Chapel Hill home,” David Putnam, the town’s economic development director, said in a news release about the move. “Once again, Chapel Hill stands out among competitive regional and national candidates as an ideal home base, offering instant access to top talent and research.”
The company combines secure, carrier-grade connectivity and smart infrastructure applications to create sustainable environments and provide efficient communications to buildings and cities, the release said.
The company’s existing business sectors focus on hospitality, education and manufacturing, according to the company’s website. The Chapel Hill headquarters marks a “major milestone in IotaComm’s mission to build the next nationwide wireless carrier purpose-built for the Internet of Things,” according to a company news release.
The move will also allow the company to expand its LoRaWAN® network and the commercialization of Delphi360TM, providing real-time information about energy use, air quality and building performance, the release said.
Chapel Hill is the right place to grow the business nationwide, said DeFranco, who has a bachelor’s degree in economics from UNC-Chapel Hill and a master’s degree in business administration from UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School.
IotaComm continues to collaborate with research and business leaders in the Triangle region, DeFranco said, including the Ackerman Center for Excellence in Sustainability at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School.
“By establishing our headquarters in Chapel Hill, we’re aligning our growth trajectory with a world-class talent pool, a thriving innovation ecosystem, and a community that shares our values around sustainability, technology, and education,” he said.
Other business news
Market and Moss, located at 700 Market St. in Southern Village, has closed after five years. Owner Annie Johnston will continue to operate the popular coffee and gelato shop, La Vita Dolce, just a few doors away.
“This community has given us so much and we are deeply grateful to have felt a part of so many lives,” Market and Moss staff posted on Facebook. “Everywhere we look in this space we are filled with memories of shared meals, laughter, stories, and celebrations.”
It was the second restaurant closing announced this month. Elements, an Asian fusion restaurant in the East 54 development, closed June 21 after over 13 years in business.
