From Coworking to Co-warehousing: Why Jason Widen is Opening Blue Co. to Every Investor
Jan 30 2026 20:42
For the past 13 years, Jason Widen has been a cornerstone of the North Carolina entrepreneurial scene. As a co-founder of Raleigh Founded, he had a front-row seat to the transformation of a simple idea into a thriving community that redefined how people work together.
But as the landscape of entrepreneurship evolved, Jason noticed a shift. While tech startups and freelancers had found their home, a massive group of entrepreneurs was being left behind: the makers, the e-commerce giants-in-the-making, and the service-based businesses. They didn't just need a desk and Wi-Fi; they needed loading docks, climate-controlled storage, and a logistics network, all without losing the collaborative spirit that makes a business thrive.
That observation and Jason's experience looking for storage for his biohazard remediation company led to Blue Co Warehousing.
The Evolution of Community
In 2023, Jason stepped away from his day-to-day role at Raleigh Founded to fill that market gap. He launched the Blue Co pilot location with a mission to provide a dedicated space where physical-product businesses could operate, grow, and scale under one roof.
The success of that pilot wasn't just about the square footage; it was about the "community-first" leadership Jason is known for. As Raleigh Founded’s Lauren Romer noted:
"Jason has always led with community first. From the earliest days of Raleigh Founded, his commitment wasn’t just about building space. It was about creating a place where people genuinely support one another and grow together. That commitment has shaped his leadership and continues to show up in everything he builds."
Now, Jason’s preparing to take that proven model across the Carolinas, with aggressive plans to expand into Durham, Fuquay-Varina, South Charlotte, and Charleston.
Why Investment Crowdfunding?
As Blue Co. looks to scale into the dominant co-warehousing network in the region, while Jason can and has accessed angel and VC capital, his desire is to open access for everyone who's been part of his journey.
He has long been an advocate for this model because it levels the playing field. It moves beyond "pre-purchasing a product" and offers a true stake in the business. It gives the community, the very people who have shaped his journey, the opportunity to share in the risks and rewards of building Blue Co. together.
Blue Co.’s customers have the opportunity to own a part of the spaces helping fuel their growth.
Similarly, others have the opportunity to invest in the future Blue Co. is providing for small businesses.
Blue Co. is Live on Wefunder
Today marks a major milestone in Jason’s career and the life of his new company: The Blue Co. equity crowdfunding campaign is officially live to the public on Wefunder.
This isn't just about building warehouses; it’s about building an ecosystem for the "real-world" economy. Anyone investing is helping Jason and his team provide flexible space and shared resources to the next generation of regional brands.
What opportunities do you have to participate?
- Investor: Become a stakeholder in Blue Co.. You share in both the potential risks and rewards of investing alongside institutional capital.
- Advocate: Help spread the word. A share or a comment on social media helps reach the entrepreneurs who need this space to survive and thrive.
- Confirm: If you previously reserved a spot in the early phase, ensure your investment is fully confirmed on your Wefunder profile.
This journey started with Jason’s belief that we are stronger when we grow together. Now, he’s opened the opportunity for you to be part of the next chapter.
