VentureSouth

VentureSouth is a venture capital firm based in Greenville, South Carolina, specializing in startup and early-stage investments. Established in 2014, the firm primarily focuses on manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare sectors within the Southeastern United States, particularly in the Carolinas and neighboring states. VentureSouth typically invests between $0.25 million and $2 million for a preferred equity stake ranging from 15% to 35%. The firm aims for investments that have the potential to achieve a 50% annualized rate of return over a 3-5 year horizon. Unlike many investors, VentureSouth does not engage in common equity or debt investments, and it rarely considers convertible debt.

Charlie Banks

Managing Director

Paul Clark

Managing Director

Matt Dunbar

Managing Director

Dawson Racek

Analyst

Past deals in South Carolina

Zylö Therapeutics

Series B in 2022
Zylö Therapeutics offers an innovative sustained-release drug-delivery system that was developed by Joel Friedman MD PhD, Adam Friedman MD FAAD, and Andrew Draganski PhD. The delivery system uses patented hydrogel-derived nanoparticles, called Nanopods™, to deliver—in a sustained and controlled manner—notoriously hard-to-deliver therapeutic agents through topical administration. The company was founded in 2017 and based in Greenville, South Carolina.

Sprockets

Series A in 2022
Sprockets specializes in developing software solutions for franchises that streamline the hiring process by assessing potential candidates based on the traits of a company’s top-performing employees. Founded in 2013 and based in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, Sprockets' technology enables businesses to evaluate applicants quickly, eliminating uncertainty and reducing the costs associated with high turnover. By utilizing an applicant matching system, Sprockets helps human resources and hiring managers identify candidates that align closely with the desired profile, ensuring a more efficient and effective recruitment process.

Case Status

Series A in 2022
Case Status, Inc. designs and develops a cloud-based client engagement tool for the legal services industry. It develops an application that provides solutions, including track and measure client happiness, send updates to clients, and communicate with clients. Case Status, Inc. was founded in 2017 and is based in Birmingham, Alabama with additional offices in Charleston, South Carolina.

6AM City

Series A in 2021
6AM is developing a scalable network of hyper local media properties driven by a core daily newsletter product. 6AM is built to engage local communities by creating new ways to consume, participate, and share local content. Through our conversational tone, editorial filter, and participatory approach, we aim to build communities driven by conversation, designed for maximum engagement.

Sprockets

Seed Round in 2021
Sprockets specializes in developing software solutions for franchises that streamline the hiring process by assessing potential candidates based on the traits of a company’s top-performing employees. Founded in 2013 and based in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, Sprockets' technology enables businesses to evaluate applicants quickly, eliminating uncertainty and reducing the costs associated with high turnover. By utilizing an applicant matching system, Sprockets helps human resources and hiring managers identify candidates that align closely with the desired profile, ensuring a more efficient and effective recruitment process.

PunchListUSA

Funding Round in 2020
PunchList was founded by a contractor and a real estate agent to solve a consistent pain point in the real estate transaction: completing inspection repairs fast, with quality, and with consistency from job to job. Building from their early success in their home base of Charleston, SC, their growing team of licensed contractors and support specialists now help thousands of agents and their clients across the US.

6AM City

Seed Round in 2020
6AM is developing a scalable network of hyper local media properties driven by a core daily newsletter product. 6AM is built to engage local communities by creating new ways to consume, participate, and share local content. Through our conversational tone, editorial filter, and participatory approach, we aim to build communities driven by conversation, designed for maximum engagement.

PunchListUSA

Seed Round in 2019
PunchList was founded by a contractor and a real estate agent to solve a consistent pain point in the real estate transaction: completing inspection repairs fast, with quality, and with consistency from job to job. Building from their early success in their home base of Charleston, SC, their growing team of licensed contractors and support specialists now help thousands of agents and their clients across the US.

Friyay.io

Seed Round in 2019
Friyay.io is the next-generation collaboration platform for remote and flexible teams. Friyay turns remote working into an engaging social experience, with flexible, customizable tools, integrated information management, and real-time collaboration - all in one platform.

Friyay.io

Seed Round in 2019
Friyay.io is the next-generation collaboration platform for remote and flexible teams. Friyay turns remote working into an engaging social experience, with flexible, customizable tools, integrated information management, and real-time collaboration - all in one platform.

6AM City

Convertible Note in 2019
6AM is developing a scalable network of hyper local media properties driven by a core daily newsletter product. 6AM is built to engage local communities by creating new ways to consume, participate, and share local content. Through our conversational tone, editorial filter, and participatory approach, we aim to build communities driven by conversation, designed for maximum engagement.

Zylö Therapeutics

Series A in 2019
Zylö Therapeutics offers an innovative sustained-release drug-delivery system that was developed by Joel Friedman MD PhD, Adam Friedman MD FAAD, and Andrew Draganski PhD. The delivery system uses patented hydrogel-derived nanoparticles, called Nanopods™, to deliver—in a sustained and controlled manner—notoriously hard-to-deliver therapeutic agents through topical administration. The company was founded in 2017 and based in Greenville, South Carolina.

Treis Blockchain

Convertible Note in 2019
Treis Blockchain, providing distributed blockchain verification services and solutions consulting. The company processes digital currency and other blockchain transactions. It data mines cryptocurrency, preventing cyberattacks in the financial and retail industries. Michael Bolick established the company in Greer, South Carolina in 2017.

Zylö Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2019
Zylö Therapeutics offers an innovative sustained-release drug-delivery system that was developed by Joel Friedman MD PhD, Adam Friedman MD FAAD, and Andrew Draganski PhD. The delivery system uses patented hydrogel-derived nanoparticles, called Nanopods™, to deliver—in a sustained and controlled manner—notoriously hard-to-deliver therapeutic agents through topical administration. The company was founded in 2017 and based in Greenville, South Carolina.

Kiyatec

Series B in 2019
Kiyatec, LLC specializes in developing advanced 3D cell-based assays aimed at enhancing preclinical drug discovery and clinical therapy applications. The company’s innovative 3DKUBE technology platform facilitates the creation of perfused 3D cell-based models that simulate complex human biology, allowing for more accurate predictions of drug toxicity and efficacy. Kiyatec conducts both standard and custom cell-based assays for biopharmaceutical clients, and it is involved in research initiatives funded by the National Cancer Institute, focusing on cancer types such as breast cancer, glioblastoma, and lung cancer. Its services include drug response profiling using patients' own living tumor cells, which help in identifying effective treatments. Additionally, Kiyatec provides tools for researchers and clinicians to advance the development of medical devices, therapeutic drugs, and tissue implants. Founded in 2005 and based in Greenville, South Carolina, Kiyatec aims to improve patient outcomes by facilitating more personalized approaches to cancer treatment.

Sprockets

Seed Round in 2018
Sprockets specializes in developing software solutions for franchises that streamline the hiring process by assessing potential candidates based on the traits of a company’s top-performing employees. Founded in 2013 and based in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, Sprockets' technology enables businesses to evaluate applicants quickly, eliminating uncertainty and reducing the costs associated with high turnover. By utilizing an applicant matching system, Sprockets helps human resources and hiring managers identify candidates that align closely with the desired profile, ensuring a more efficient and effective recruitment process.

Sharpen

Seed Round in 2018
Resiliency Technologies, Inc. develops Sharpen, a technology and analytics platform that tracks the behavior of individual users and groups to create targeted recommendations using real time analytics. The company's platform provides educational resources that addresses the root causes of stress, depression, obesity, and other mental health disorders. The company was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Proterra

Series G in 2018
Proterra Inc. designs and manufactures zero-emission electric buses, specializing in heavy-duty vehicles that enable fleet operators to reduce operating costs and eliminate fossil fuel dependency. The company’s product lineup includes 35-foot and 40-foot Catalyst transit vehicles, which are built to meet the diverse mileage needs of urban and regional routes on a single charge. Proterra also provides a range of services, including pre-delivery consultations, training programs, mid-life inspections, and battery management services. Their offerings extend to energy services such as fleet planning, charging infrastructure, and telematics. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Burlingame, California, Proterra has additional offices in South Carolina and California, and its products are designed, engineered, and manufactured in the United States. By helping customers transition to battery-electric transit solutions, Proterra has contributed to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption.

6AM City

Debt Financing in 2018
6AM is developing a scalable network of hyper local media properties driven by a core daily newsletter product. 6AM is built to engage local communities by creating new ways to consume, participate, and share local content. Through our conversational tone, editorial filter, and participatory approach, we aim to build communities driven by conversation, designed for maximum engagement.

Cirtemo

Venture Round in 2018
Cirtemo specializes in the development of advanced optical filter technology aimed at enhancing chemical detection capabilities. The company's innovative multivariate optical elements utilize microscopic sensors to provide increased sensitivity and specificity in analyte detection, surpassing the limitations of traditional narrow band pass filters. By partnering with Optical Filter Manufacturers and Optical Component and System Manufacturers, Cirtemo enables these partners to offer differentiated products while maintaining a strong intellectual property position. This collaboration empowers clients to address new applications in chemical measurement that were previously unattainable, ultimately improving detection limits and minimizing crosstalk in their analytical processes.

Atlas Organics

Series A in 2018
Atlas Organics Inc. specializes in organics recycling, focusing on the collection and processing of food and yard waste to create organic garden products. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the company operates in various regions, including San Antonio, Texas, and parts of South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Atlas Organics collaborates with municipalities and serves a diverse clientele, including grocery stores, hospitals, schools, and restaurants, to promote sustainability and divert compostable waste from landfills. By facilitating the transformation of food waste into valuable compost, the company supports agricultural and landscaping applications, contributing to healthier soil and promoting the “table to farm” movement.

CharlestonPharma,LLC

Seed Round in 2018
CharlestonPharma, LLC focuses on developing therapeutic products for cancer patients and healthcare providers. It is developing human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to the cell surface receptor, nucleolin. The company has worldwide license for the method of production of the mAbs and use of the anti-nucleolin antibodies to treat cancer patients. CharlestonPharma was incorporated in 2010 is based in Charleston, South Carolina.

Kiyatec

Convertible Note in 2017
Kiyatec, LLC specializes in developing advanced 3D cell-based assays aimed at enhancing preclinical drug discovery and clinical therapy applications. The company’s innovative 3DKUBE technology platform facilitates the creation of perfused 3D cell-based models that simulate complex human biology, allowing for more accurate predictions of drug toxicity and efficacy. Kiyatec conducts both standard and custom cell-based assays for biopharmaceutical clients, and it is involved in research initiatives funded by the National Cancer Institute, focusing on cancer types such as breast cancer, glioblastoma, and lung cancer. Its services include drug response profiling using patients' own living tumor cells, which help in identifying effective treatments. Additionally, Kiyatec provides tools for researchers and clinicians to advance the development of medical devices, therapeutic drugs, and tissue implants. Founded in 2005 and based in Greenville, South Carolina, Kiyatec aims to improve patient outcomes by facilitating more personalized approaches to cancer treatment.

6AM City

Debt Financing in 2017
6AM is developing a scalable network of hyper local media properties driven by a core daily newsletter product. 6AM is built to engage local communities by creating new ways to consume, participate, and share local content. Through our conversational tone, editorial filter, and participatory approach, we aim to build communities driven by conversation, designed for maximum engagement.

PharmRight

Convertible Note in 2017
PharmRight Corporation, founded in 2013 and based in Charleston, South Carolina, designs and develops medical devices aimed at improving medication adherence at home. The company offers Livi, an automated pill dispenser that simplifies the management of multiple medications for patients while providing essential support for their caregivers. Livi assists users in adhering to their medication schedules, making it easier for both patients and caregivers to navigate the complexities of prescribed and non-prescribed medications. Through its innovative solutions, PharmRight seeks to enhance the quality of care and promote better health outcomes for individuals managing their medication regimens.

Proterra

Series F in 2017
Proterra Inc. designs and manufactures zero-emission electric buses, specializing in heavy-duty vehicles that enable fleet operators to reduce operating costs and eliminate fossil fuel dependency. The company’s product lineup includes 35-foot and 40-foot Catalyst transit vehicles, which are built to meet the diverse mileage needs of urban and regional routes on a single charge. Proterra also provides a range of services, including pre-delivery consultations, training programs, mid-life inspections, and battery management services. Their offerings extend to energy services such as fleet planning, charging infrastructure, and telematics. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Burlingame, California, Proterra has additional offices in South Carolina and California, and its products are designed, engineered, and manufactured in the United States. By helping customers transition to battery-electric transit solutions, Proterra has contributed to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption.

CharlestonPharma,LLC

Seed Round in 2017
CharlestonPharma, LLC focuses on developing therapeutic products for cancer patients and healthcare providers. It is developing human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to the cell surface receptor, nucleolin. The company has worldwide license for the method of production of the mAbs and use of the anti-nucleolin antibodies to treat cancer patients. CharlestonPharma was incorporated in 2010 is based in Charleston, South Carolina.

Proterra

Series E in 2017
Proterra Inc. designs and manufactures zero-emission electric buses, specializing in heavy-duty vehicles that enable fleet operators to reduce operating costs and eliminate fossil fuel dependency. The company’s product lineup includes 35-foot and 40-foot Catalyst transit vehicles, which are built to meet the diverse mileage needs of urban and regional routes on a single charge. Proterra also provides a range of services, including pre-delivery consultations, training programs, mid-life inspections, and battery management services. Their offerings extend to energy services such as fleet planning, charging infrastructure, and telematics. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Burlingame, California, Proterra has additional offices in South Carolina and California, and its products are designed, engineered, and manufactured in the United States. By helping customers transition to battery-electric transit solutions, Proterra has contributed to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption.

Atlas Organics

Convertible Note in 2017
Atlas Organics Inc. specializes in organics recycling, focusing on the collection and processing of food and yard waste to create organic garden products. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the company operates in various regions, including San Antonio, Texas, and parts of South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Atlas Organics collaborates with municipalities and serves a diverse clientele, including grocery stores, hospitals, schools, and restaurants, to promote sustainability and divert compostable waste from landfills. By facilitating the transformation of food waste into valuable compost, the company supports agricultural and landscaping applications, contributing to healthier soil and promoting the “table to farm” movement.

PharmRight

Convertible Note in 2016
PharmRight Corporation, founded in 2013 and based in Charleston, South Carolina, designs and develops medical devices aimed at improving medication adherence at home. The company offers Livi, an automated pill dispenser that simplifies the management of multiple medications for patients while providing essential support for their caregivers. Livi assists users in adhering to their medication schedules, making it easier for both patients and caregivers to navigate the complexities of prescribed and non-prescribed medications. Through its innovative solutions, PharmRight seeks to enhance the quality of care and promote better health outcomes for individuals managing their medication regimens.

PharmRight

Convertible Note in 2016
PharmRight Corporation, founded in 2013 and based in Charleston, South Carolina, designs and develops medical devices aimed at improving medication adherence at home. The company offers Livi, an automated pill dispenser that simplifies the management of multiple medications for patients while providing essential support for their caregivers. Livi assists users in adhering to their medication schedules, making it easier for both patients and caregivers to navigate the complexities of prescribed and non-prescribed medications. Through its innovative solutions, PharmRight seeks to enhance the quality of care and promote better health outcomes for individuals managing their medication regimens.

Booster TV, Inc.

Seed Round in 2016
Booster TV is a free mobile app that combines live video with transactions. It helps e-commerce sellers establish better relationships and sell more products.

Kiyatec

Series B in 2015
Kiyatec, LLC specializes in developing advanced 3D cell-based assays aimed at enhancing preclinical drug discovery and clinical therapy applications. The company’s innovative 3DKUBE technology platform facilitates the creation of perfused 3D cell-based models that simulate complex human biology, allowing for more accurate predictions of drug toxicity and efficacy. Kiyatec conducts both standard and custom cell-based assays for biopharmaceutical clients, and it is involved in research initiatives funded by the National Cancer Institute, focusing on cancer types such as breast cancer, glioblastoma, and lung cancer. Its services include drug response profiling using patients' own living tumor cells, which help in identifying effective treatments. Additionally, Kiyatec provides tools for researchers and clinicians to advance the development of medical devices, therapeutic drugs, and tissue implants. Founded in 2005 and based in Greenville, South Carolina, Kiyatec aims to improve patient outcomes by facilitating more personalized approaches to cancer treatment.

Servosity

Convertible Note in 2015
Servosity, Inc. provides IT backup and disaster recovery services for MSPs and IT resellers. It offers VMware disaster recovery, Hyper-V disaster recovery, officially supported platforms, Web portal and open API, infrastructure and security, and 24 x 7 x 365 support services. The company was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina.

Atlas Organics

Seed Round in 2015
Atlas Organics Inc. specializes in organics recycling, focusing on the collection and processing of food and yard waste to create organic garden products. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the company operates in various regions, including San Antonio, Texas, and parts of South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Atlas Organics collaborates with municipalities and serves a diverse clientele, including grocery stores, hospitals, schools, and restaurants, to promote sustainability and divert compostable waste from landfills. By facilitating the transformation of food waste into valuable compost, the company supports agricultural and landscaping applications, contributing to healthier soil and promoting the “table to farm” movement.

GrowJourney

Convertible Note in 2015
GrowJourney, LLC sells organic seeds online. It also offers organic gardening educational resources online. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in Greenville, South Carolina.

Lien Nation

Convertible Note in 2015
Provider of an online platform intended to identify and purchase real property at tax lien auctions. The company's platform transform raw data into meaningful information by leveraging the taxable value, discovering property zoning insights, compare property square footage and more, enabling companies to recover unpaid taxes while providing attractive returns for investors.

PharmRight

Series A in 2015
PharmRight Corporation, founded in 2013 and based in Charleston, South Carolina, designs and develops medical devices aimed at improving medication adherence at home. The company offers Livi, an automated pill dispenser that simplifies the management of multiple medications for patients while providing essential support for their caregivers. Livi assists users in adhering to their medication schedules, making it easier for both patients and caregivers to navigate the complexities of prescribed and non-prescribed medications. Through its innovative solutions, PharmRight seeks to enhance the quality of care and promote better health outcomes for individuals managing their medication regimens.

Proterra

Series D in 2015
Proterra Inc. designs and manufactures zero-emission electric buses, specializing in heavy-duty vehicles that enable fleet operators to reduce operating costs and eliminate fossil fuel dependency. The company’s product lineup includes 35-foot and 40-foot Catalyst transit vehicles, which are built to meet the diverse mileage needs of urban and regional routes on a single charge. Proterra also provides a range of services, including pre-delivery consultations, training programs, mid-life inspections, and battery management services. Their offerings extend to energy services such as fleet planning, charging infrastructure, and telematics. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Burlingame, California, Proterra has additional offices in South Carolina and California, and its products are designed, engineered, and manufactured in the United States. By helping customers transition to battery-electric transit solutions, Proterra has contributed to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption.

ActivEd

Seed Round in 2015
ActivEd, Inc. provides Walkabouts, which are online lessons that help teachers, school systems, and parents bring educational standards to life in fun and interactive ways to customers in the United States. Its Walkabouts transform math, language, and literacy concepts into short and movement-rich educational activities for before school and afterschool programs, as well as elementary classes. The company was incorporated in 2011 and is based in Greenville, South Carolina.

CharlestonPharma,LLC

Seed Round in 2015
CharlestonPharma, LLC focuses on developing therapeutic products for cancer patients and healthcare providers. It is developing human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to the cell surface receptor, nucleolin. The company has worldwide license for the method of production of the mAbs and use of the anti-nucleolin antibodies to treat cancer patients. CharlestonPharma was incorporated in 2010 is based in Charleston, South Carolina.

The Iron Yard

Convertible Note in 2014
The Iron Yard LLC is a technology accelerator that focuses on seed and startup investments, particularly in software and software/hardware combination companies across various sectors, including healthcare, biotech, energy, and mobile technology. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, with an additional office in Las Vegas, Nevada, The Iron Yard offers three programs: edu tech, open tech, and green tech. The accelerator operates a three-month program, accepting ten companies per cohort and providing an initial investment of $20,000, with the potential for further funding up to $1 million for selected companies. The firm typically takes a six percent equity stake and prefers to invest in teams of two or more founders. Additionally, The Iron Yard Academy trains aspiring developers through intensive courses designed to equip them with the skills needed for a career in programming while fostering a community that supports collaboration and mentorship.

Kiyatec

Convertible Note in 2014
Kiyatec, LLC specializes in developing advanced 3D cell-based assays aimed at enhancing preclinical drug discovery and clinical therapy applications. The company’s innovative 3DKUBE technology platform facilitates the creation of perfused 3D cell-based models that simulate complex human biology, allowing for more accurate predictions of drug toxicity and efficacy. Kiyatec conducts both standard and custom cell-based assays for biopharmaceutical clients, and it is involved in research initiatives funded by the National Cancer Institute, focusing on cancer types such as breast cancer, glioblastoma, and lung cancer. Its services include drug response profiling using patients' own living tumor cells, which help in identifying effective treatments. Additionally, Kiyatec provides tools for researchers and clinicians to advance the development of medical devices, therapeutic drugs, and tissue implants. Founded in 2005 and based in Greenville, South Carolina, Kiyatec aims to improve patient outcomes by facilitating more personalized approaches to cancer treatment.

PharmRight

Seed Round in 2014
PharmRight Corporation, founded in 2013 and based in Charleston, South Carolina, designs and develops medical devices aimed at improving medication adherence at home. The company offers Livi, an automated pill dispenser that simplifies the management of multiple medications for patients while providing essential support for their caregivers. Livi assists users in adhering to their medication schedules, making it easier for both patients and caregivers to navigate the complexities of prescribed and non-prescribed medications. Through its innovative solutions, PharmRight seeks to enhance the quality of care and promote better health outcomes for individuals managing their medication regimens.

Kiyatec

Series A in 2014
Kiyatec, LLC specializes in developing advanced 3D cell-based assays aimed at enhancing preclinical drug discovery and clinical therapy applications. The company’s innovative 3DKUBE technology platform facilitates the creation of perfused 3D cell-based models that simulate complex human biology, allowing for more accurate predictions of drug toxicity and efficacy. Kiyatec conducts both standard and custom cell-based assays for biopharmaceutical clients, and it is involved in research initiatives funded by the National Cancer Institute, focusing on cancer types such as breast cancer, glioblastoma, and lung cancer. Its services include drug response profiling using patients' own living tumor cells, which help in identifying effective treatments. Additionally, Kiyatec provides tools for researchers and clinicians to advance the development of medical devices, therapeutic drugs, and tissue implants. Founded in 2005 and based in Greenville, South Carolina, Kiyatec aims to improve patient outcomes by facilitating more personalized approaches to cancer treatment.

Pandoodle

Series A in 2014
Pandoodle Corp. specializes in video and imaging solutions that enhance the value of advertising. The company provides a Software-as-a-Service platform known as Dolo, which automates the analysis and dynamic insertion of branded content into videos and photos. This technology enables advertisers and publishers to achieve personalized branding in real-time, thereby increasing the effectiveness of their marketing efforts. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Lexington, South Carolina, Pandoodle also has offices in major locations such as Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, New York, and Columbia. The company's innovative approach combines machine learning with deep analytics, allowing content owners to seamlessly integrate brand placements within their media. Through its platform, Pandoodle aims to revolutionize brand messaging and elevate the monetization potential for media and content publishers.

The Iron Yard

Series A in 2014
The Iron Yard LLC is a technology accelerator that focuses on seed and startup investments, particularly in software and software/hardware combination companies across various sectors, including healthcare, biotech, energy, and mobile technology. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, with an additional office in Las Vegas, Nevada, The Iron Yard offers three programs: edu tech, open tech, and green tech. The accelerator operates a three-month program, accepting ten companies per cohort and providing an initial investment of $20,000, with the potential for further funding up to $1 million for selected companies. The firm typically takes a six percent equity stake and prefers to invest in teams of two or more founders. Additionally, The Iron Yard Academy trains aspiring developers through intensive courses designed to equip them with the skills needed for a career in programming while fostering a community that supports collaboration and mentorship.

Proterra

Series C in 2013
Proterra Inc. designs and manufactures zero-emission electric buses, specializing in heavy-duty vehicles that enable fleet operators to reduce operating costs and eliminate fossil fuel dependency. The company’s product lineup includes 35-foot and 40-foot Catalyst transit vehicles, which are built to meet the diverse mileage needs of urban and regional routes on a single charge. Proterra also provides a range of services, including pre-delivery consultations, training programs, mid-life inspections, and battery management services. Their offerings extend to energy services such as fleet planning, charging infrastructure, and telematics. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Burlingame, California, Proterra has additional offices in South Carolina and California, and its products are designed, engineered, and manufactured in the United States. By helping customers transition to battery-electric transit solutions, Proterra has contributed to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption.

Kiyatec

Convertible Note in 2013
Kiyatec, LLC specializes in developing advanced 3D cell-based assays aimed at enhancing preclinical drug discovery and clinical therapy applications. The company’s innovative 3DKUBE technology platform facilitates the creation of perfused 3D cell-based models that simulate complex human biology, allowing for more accurate predictions of drug toxicity and efficacy. Kiyatec conducts both standard and custom cell-based assays for biopharmaceutical clients, and it is involved in research initiatives funded by the National Cancer Institute, focusing on cancer types such as breast cancer, glioblastoma, and lung cancer. Its services include drug response profiling using patients' own living tumor cells, which help in identifying effective treatments. Additionally, Kiyatec provides tools for researchers and clinicians to advance the development of medical devices, therapeutic drugs, and tissue implants. Founded in 2005 and based in Greenville, South Carolina, Kiyatec aims to improve patient outcomes by facilitating more personalized approaches to cancer treatment.

Selah Genomics

Seed Round in 2013
Selah Genomics Inc. is a clinical diagnostic specialist based in Greenville, South Carolina, that provides advanced molecular and genomic diagnostic services to healthcare providers and the pharmaceutical industry in the United States. Founded in 2006 and originally known as Lab21 Inc., the company focuses on enhancing diagnostic testing services particularly in women's health and personalized cancer treatment. Its offerings include molecular diagnostic testing, assay validation, and genomic profiling, which assist clinicians in treating and monitoring patients. Selah Genomics specializes in various areas such as next-generation sequencing, companion diagnostics, RNA sequencing, targeted sequencing, and bioinformatics. The company's services are designed to support early-stage drug development, clinical trials, and regulatory processes, thereby contributing to improved patient outcomes.

Pandoodle

Series A in 2013
Pandoodle Corp. specializes in video and imaging solutions that enhance the value of advertising. The company provides a Software-as-a-Service platform known as Dolo, which automates the analysis and dynamic insertion of branded content into videos and photos. This technology enables advertisers and publishers to achieve personalized branding in real-time, thereby increasing the effectiveness of their marketing efforts. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Lexington, South Carolina, Pandoodle also has offices in major locations such as Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, New York, and Columbia. The company's innovative approach combines machine learning with deep analytics, allowing content owners to seamlessly integrate brand placements within their media. Through its platform, Pandoodle aims to revolutionize brand messaging and elevate the monetization potential for media and content publishers.

CharlestonPharma,LLC

Seed Round in 2013
CharlestonPharma, LLC focuses on developing therapeutic products for cancer patients and healthcare providers. It is developing human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to the cell surface receptor, nucleolin. The company has worldwide license for the method of production of the mAbs and use of the anti-nucleolin antibodies to treat cancer patients. CharlestonPharma was incorporated in 2010 is based in Charleston, South Carolina.

Proterra

Series B in 2012
Proterra Inc. designs and manufactures zero-emission electric buses, specializing in heavy-duty vehicles that enable fleet operators to reduce operating costs and eliminate fossil fuel dependency. The company’s product lineup includes 35-foot and 40-foot Catalyst transit vehicles, which are built to meet the diverse mileage needs of urban and regional routes on a single charge. Proterra also provides a range of services, including pre-delivery consultations, training programs, mid-life inspections, and battery management services. Their offerings extend to energy services such as fleet planning, charging infrastructure, and telematics. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Burlingame, California, Proterra has additional offices in South Carolina and California, and its products are designed, engineered, and manufactured in the United States. By helping customers transition to battery-electric transit solutions, Proterra has contributed to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption.

Cirtemo

Series A in 2012
Cirtemo specializes in the development of advanced optical filter technology aimed at enhancing chemical detection capabilities. The company's innovative multivariate optical elements utilize microscopic sensors to provide increased sensitivity and specificity in analyte detection, surpassing the limitations of traditional narrow band pass filters. By partnering with Optical Filter Manufacturers and Optical Component and System Manufacturers, Cirtemo enables these partners to offer differentiated products while maintaining a strong intellectual property position. This collaboration empowers clients to address new applications in chemical measurement that were previously unattainable, ultimately improving detection limits and minimizing crosstalk in their analytical processes.

RidePost

Convertible Note in 2012
RidePost was built by, with and for universities. RidePostU is a private network built to help manage transportation needs for universities of all sizes. Our private network and commuter solutions add value while reducing the administrative burden required by other options. RidePost is a powerful way to reduce the cost of travel while increasing access to transportation for your faculty, staff and student population.

Kiyatec

Series A in 2012
Kiyatec, LLC specializes in developing advanced 3D cell-based assays aimed at enhancing preclinical drug discovery and clinical therapy applications. The company’s innovative 3DKUBE technology platform facilitates the creation of perfused 3D cell-based models that simulate complex human biology, allowing for more accurate predictions of drug toxicity and efficacy. Kiyatec conducts both standard and custom cell-based assays for biopharmaceutical clients, and it is involved in research initiatives funded by the National Cancer Institute, focusing on cancer types such as breast cancer, glioblastoma, and lung cancer. Its services include drug response profiling using patients' own living tumor cells, which help in identifying effective treatments. Additionally, Kiyatec provides tools for researchers and clinicians to advance the development of medical devices, therapeutic drugs, and tissue implants. Founded in 2005 and based in Greenville, South Carolina, Kiyatec aims to improve patient outcomes by facilitating more personalized approaches to cancer treatment.

Proterra

Convertible Note in 2011
Proterra Inc. designs and manufactures zero-emission electric buses, specializing in heavy-duty vehicles that enable fleet operators to reduce operating costs and eliminate fossil fuel dependency. The company’s product lineup includes 35-foot and 40-foot Catalyst transit vehicles, which are built to meet the diverse mileage needs of urban and regional routes on a single charge. Proterra also provides a range of services, including pre-delivery consultations, training programs, mid-life inspections, and battery management services. Their offerings extend to energy services such as fleet planning, charging infrastructure, and telematics. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Burlingame, California, Proterra has additional offices in South Carolina and California, and its products are designed, engineered, and manufactured in the United States. By helping customers transition to battery-electric transit solutions, Proterra has contributed to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption.

Sabal Medical

Convertible Note in 2010
Sabal Medical is a healthcare platform that connects nurses and pharmacists together. Sabal Medical was founded in 2006 by William Park and David Duranceau and is based in Scranton. It was acquired by Swisslog in 2011.