Venture Carolina launches 2023 Palmetto Venture Fellowship
June 9, 2023
Venture Carolina, a nonprofit dedicated to bridging the funding gap between investors and entrepreneurs has once again partnered with the South Carolina Department of Commerce’s Office of Innovation, VentureSouth, and the South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority (JEDA) to launch the 2023 Palmetto Venture Fellows hip, a program designed to create more local accredited investors and expand risk-capital accessibility for early-stage startups in South Carolina.
“The caliber of the 2023 class proves that South Carolina can assemble a group of business leaders that would rival any state in the country,” said Venture Carolina Executive Director Charlie Banks. “It is even more exciting that these individuals represent a tangible building block for the sustainability of South Carolina’s innovation economy. I was truly blown away at the combined talent and energy during our first gathering.”
Thomas Rhodes, President of The Rhodes Companies stated, “South Carolina has great potential to be a destination for entrepreneurs and growth capital. This cohort brings together a diverse group of people, all of whom are committed to our state and region. I am fortunate to be included.”
John Brice, Managing Partner of Poseidon Capital Ventures stated, “The program has already exceeded my expectations, even as an experienced venture investor. The community aspect coupled with the expert education provided by the facilitators is a unique opportunity and great add to any prospective venture investors and community builders across South Carolina.”
Rozalynn Goodwin, VP of the SC Hospital Association and successful entrepreneur stated, “It’s an honor to participate in this cohort of the Palmetto Venture Fellowship. I am excited about all we are learning and the relationships we are building to move South Carolina’s economy forward through innovation.”
The 2023 class of the Palmetto Venture Fellows was selected by a committee of business leaders and investors throughout South Carolina, in addition to nominations from the 2022 class of Palmetto Venture Fellows. The full class listing can be found at www.venturecarolina.org/palmetto-venture-fellowship-class-of-2023.
For more information about the Fellowship and its curriculum, visit https://www.venturecarolina.org/palmetto-venture-fellowship.
About Venture Carolina
Venture Carolina is a South Carolina based non-profit organization that uses comprehensive educational resources to teach entrepreneurs how best to position their companies for early-stage funding, and to guide investors on how to make disciplined angel investment decisions. The result is an environment within the Southeast that successfully bridges the critical funding gap that exists between entrepreneurs and investors. To learn more about Venture Carolina and our partners, please visit www.venturecarolina.org.
About S.C. Department of Commerce
As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. S.C. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Samsung, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. S.C. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. With a strong international footprint, the Palmetto State has consistently been among the top in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign direct investment on a per capita basis – recognized by multiple economic development publications for its pro-business climate. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.
About VentureSouth
VentureSouth, with nearly 500 members, has invested over $73 million in 98 early-stage companies in the Southeast and is consistently recognized by the Angel Capital Association as one of the top 10 angel groups in North America.
About JEDA
For more than 38 years, JEDA has promoted the business and economic welfare of South Carolina by assisting in the financing of public and private projects throughout the Palmetto State. JEDA serves as a statewide conduit issuer of special obligation revenue bonds and acts on behalf of the borrower to access financial markets and capital. Since its creation in 1983, JEDA has facilitated the issuanc of 620 bonds for over $14.5 billion and resulting in the creation and retention of more than 310,331 jobs.
