The American Underground (AU)

The American Underground (AU) has provided workspace, resources, and a vibrant community to startups and entrepreneurs since 2010. First located in an underused basement in the historic American Tobacco Campus — hence the name American Underground — the AU now has several locations in downtown Durham and houses hundreds of startup members.

Inspired by Durham’s century-old entrepreneurial legacy, the AU is building the counter-story to Silicon Valley — a diverse startup scene that is rich in innovative ideas and deep with civic engagement.

At the AU, we believe that startups increase and diversify economic opportunity, but require cultivation. Through a connected community, flexible workspace, and curated content that taps the region’s ecosystem of experts, the American Underground is the Triangle’s front door to the resources that startups, their founders and employees need.