Episode 15: Taking the Founders’ Pledge, With Charles Gaddy

On the Season 2 finale of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we’re joined by NC State alumnus, supporter and entrepreneur Charles Gaddy to discuss his recent Founders’ Pledge, a new way donors can help Wolfpack entrepreneurs-in-training Think and Do. Gaddy chose to give back to his alma mater in this deeply meaningful and impactful way following the recent sale of a company he cofounded with fellow university donor Bill Spruill, and now he hopes to inspire others to follow his example. Gaddy graduated from NC State in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in computer programming. After his wide-ranging college experience, he followed a unique career path, quickly rising through the tech world and eventually cofounding Global Data Consortium (GDC) with Spruill in 2011. They sold the company in 2022, which gave them the means to greatly expand their philanthropic efforts — including Gaddy’s ability to fund his Founders’ Pledge. He thus became the first Wolfpack entrepreneur to ever complete his or her pledge, helping inspire others to reach their respective entrepreneurial goals and fulfill their pledges as well. Transcript available here.