Last week, SC Launch Inc., the investment affiliate of the South Carolina Research Authority, brought together founders from across the Midlands for a series of workshops and one-on-one sessions designed to strengthen early-stage companies. The program focused on key areas of startup success, including investment fundraising, capital planning, and financial frameworks to support sustainable growth.
Matt Bell, Executive Director of SC Launch Inc., said, “This is part of SC Launch Inc.’s larger initiative of being a true capital partner to founders in South Carolina.”
The first workshop, hosted at the Boyd Innovation Center powered by GrowCo., welcomed more than 35 local early-stage startups, while the second session was held at SCRA’s USC/Columbia Innovation Center in partnership with University of South Carolina’s Office of Economic Engagement. Each program began with ecosystem-building discussions and transitioned into deep-dive workshops, culminating in personalized one-on-one meetings that gave founders direct access to tailored guidance and support.
Sam Herskovitz, Executive Director of Boyd Innovation Center, powered by GrowCo., said, “We’re here to help founders build scalable startups in Columbia, and collaborative workshops like this one are exactly what the startup community needs to grow stronger together.”
This initiative highlights SC Launch Inc.’s ongoing commitment to fueling South Carolina’s innovation economy—not only through direct investment in high-growth companies but also by equipping founders with the tools, connections, and knowledge they need to scale successfully.
