A software-as-a-service startup that aims to disrupt traditional career coaching revealed today that Charlotte will be the first city where it launches a physical hub.
The 2.0 Collective provides tools for professionals to elevate their careers while maintaining a 9-to-5 or startup job. The company, founded in 2020, utilizes a software tool that matches individuals with career growth and networking opportunities based on each professional’s preferences and values.
People interested in the service are required to subscribe to secure access to its resources. Membership can be purchased in monthly and annual packages at $95 and $1,020, respectively, in addition to other options.
The startup’s career management tool also features a resource database linked to a professional’s preferences. That provides members with resources and opportunities to aid them in making informed decisions throughout their career. As part of the membership, individuals are paired with a career strategist who can help with job transitions or hardships. The strategist is also available to simply listen to a member’s ideas or help them maneuver office politics.
The startup operates on a hyper-localized model with a digital footprint already in Philadelphia and New York City. Charlotte is its first physical hub. Staff will operate out of the Tabbris coworking space in South End.
“The market of career coaching today is too expensive, not done well, and we're just not taught general career navigation and advancement in school,” said Garrett Evans, chief operating officer at The 2.0 Collective. “Everybody is working towards the next version of themselves, or their 2.0. We provide our members with the tools to crush roadblocks and conquer opportunities. It’s what drives us every single day.”
The 2.0 Collective will launch its offerings during its Collective Drive: Charlotte event. The after-hours series will be held Nov. 6-11.
The weeklong event will be held at Brewers at 4001 Yancey in lower South End, Heist Brewery in NoDa and four other spots still to be revealed. The locations are sponsored by companies investing in talent and professional advancement, and want to further Charlotte’s growth, The Collective 2.0 says.
Alex Elich-Burr, chief communications officer, said Collective Drive will help broadcast the following message to ambitious professionals here: “We know you’ve got the drive, and we’ve brought the team to help you seize it.”
Attendees will have access at the event to coworking spaces, coworking groups for remote workers and connections to jump-start their ideas and career goals.
The 2.0 Collective says by showcasing local leaders, providing career tools and supporting talent, the event will propel its mission of driving Charlotte’s advancement and innovation.
“Through Collective Drive, we are democratizing career advancement and introducing The 2.0 Collective to Charlotte,” said Lynn Luong, CEO and former Truist Financial Corp. (NYSE: TFC) innovation leader. “After three years of asking the question of, ‘Why did you move to Charlotte?,’ I started asking, ‘Why stay?’ The top answer is Charlotte’s potential. But, Charlotteans, including myself and several others that we’ll have on stage, are worried about waiting 10 years for it to disrupt and be what we need. So, we got to work and chose Charlotte as our first city — for its potential and for the ambition that is waiting to be tapped into.”
Luong and Evans have raised funding through outreach for the startup's first launch. The money will be used to accelerate platform development, on-board talent and to expand the company in more cities next year, The 2.0 Collective says.
