Created to facilitate applied research, product development and commercialization programs, and to strengthen South Carolina's Knowledge Economy by creating high wage-earning jobs. SC Launch provides entrepreneurs with key tools for success to help build technology startups, jobs and equity in the future for South Carolina. SC Launch provides access to business, academic and economic development entities through the SC Launch Resource Network. SC Launch is a collaboration among SCRA and South Carolina's university research foundations: Clemson University, the University of South Carolina and the Medical University of South Carolina.

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.

Duke Energy is a major electric power holding company based in the United States, providing electric and natural gas services to approximately 7.5 million customers across six states, including Ohio and Kentucky. The company operates through two primary segments: Electric Utilities and Infrastructure, and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure. It generates electricity from a diverse mix of sources, including coal, nuclear, hydroelectric, solar, and natural gas, and boasts an electric generating capacity of about 35,000 megawatts in the Carolinas and the Midwest. In addition to electricity, Duke Energy also offers natural gas transportation and distribution services. The company is committed to sustainability and community support, further evidenced by its philanthropic efforts through the Duke Energy Foundation, which focuses on enhancing community vitality and promoting climate resilience. Founded in 1837 and headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Duke Energy continues to play a significant role in the energy sector.

Good Growth Capital (GGC) is an early stage venture capital firm known for its exceptional expertise in finding, cultivating and assessing complex science and deep-tech start-ups. The team of five Managing Partners are experienced operators having been entrepreneurs starting 18 companies. The team’s strong capacity for understanding early stage science and technology investments enables GGC to invest well at an earlier stage than most venture capital firms, giving priority access to high-performing investment opportunities. GGC invests in seed stage and Series A deals through the General Fund family and in pre-seed and seed stage companies through the Infinite Corridor Fund, which primarily targets MIT-affiliated and transformative science start-ups. GGC is majority women- and minority-owned and is uniquely positioned geographically in both the Southeast and New England.

Techstars Central LLC, founded in 2006 and based in Boulder, Colorado, operates as a startup accelerator and venture capital firm focused on supporting early-stage technology-oriented companies. It specializes in a mentorship-driven accelerator program, selecting ten startups each summer to participate in a three-month incubation period, offering funding of $120,000 in exchange for equity. Techstars invests primarily in sectors such as fintech, artificial intelligence, blockchain, augmented reality, and IoT, while avoiding investments in medical devices, healthcare technology, and local service-oriented businesses. In addition to its primary accelerator, Techstars has various specialized programs, including those focused on music, retail, mobility, and social impact, with global reach extending to regions such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The firm prefers taking minority stakes, typically between six and ten percent, without seeking board representation or investor rights. Techstars has built a robust network of entrepreneurs, mentors, and corporate partners to foster innovation and growth within its portfolio, which includes over 1,000 companies with a significant collective market capitalization.

Alerion Ventures is an evergreen venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments in scalable startups.

Francisco Partners Management, L.P. is a prominent private equity firm based in San Francisco, specializing in investments in technology and technology-enabled businesses. Founded in 1999, the firm has approximately $7 billion in capital under management and focuses on partnering with companies undergoing significant strategic, technological, or operational changes. Francisco Partners targets control investments in private and public companies, with transaction values ranging from $30 million to $2 billion. Its investment strategy includes a variety of approaches such as buyouts, growth equity financing, and divestitures, primarily in sectors like software, healthcare technology, financial technology, and communications. The firm typically seeks to acquire majority stakes and often secures a seat on the Board of Directors of its portfolio companies. With a strong presence in North America, Western Europe, and Israel, Francisco Partners aims to identify opportunities that may arise from industry consolidation or companies at inflection points in their growth trajectory.

Azalea Capital is a private equity firm based in Greenville, South Carolina, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in investing in lower middle-market companies, focusing on management buyouts, recapitalizations, divestitures, and growth capital investments. It targets firms with annual revenues between $10 million and $100 million and EBITDA ranging from $1 million to $10 million. Azalea Capital primarily invests in sectors such as business services, industrial services, manufacturing, healthcare, consumer products, and aerospace, with a particular emphasis on companies located in the Southeastern United States. The firm seeks to acquire both majority and minority stakes and typically prefers to hold a board position in its portfolio companies. Azalea Capital invests in privately held operating companies through common and preferred equity, and it also engages in add-on investments without a minimum size requirement.

Carousel Capital is a private investment firm based in North Carolina, founded in 1996, that specializes in mid-market investments in the Southeastern United States. The firm focuses on three primary sectors: business services, consumer products and services, and healthcare services. Carousel Capital partners with management teams to build companies that aspire to achieve national and global presence. The firm is supported by a diverse investor base, which includes institutional investors and over one hundred current and former corporate Chief Executive Officers. These executives contribute by identifying investment opportunities and offering strategic guidance. Carousel Capital typically targets investments in businesses generating at least three million in EBITDA, with an investment horizon of three to five years.

WJ Partners is a private investment firm based in Spartanburg, South Carolina, founded in 2008. The firm is dedicated to growing companies and creating long-term value through its investments, which are made exclusively using its own capital. This approach allows WJ Partners to engage in each opportunity as a long-term collaboration, free from the pressures of a mandated exit timeline. The firm focuses on strengthening the management of its portfolio companies by providing essential financial, strategic, and operational expertise. WJ Partners primarily invests in sectors such as business and professional services, consumer products and services, specialty finance, and industrial services, utilizing strategies like buyouts, management buyouts, add-ons, recapitalization, and growth capital.

Noro-Moseley Partners is a private equity and venture capital firm founded in 1983 and based in Atlanta, Georgia, with an additional office in Alpharetta. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, primarily in the technology and healthcare sectors, with a strong focus on companies located in the Southeastern United States. Noro-Moseley Partners has invested in over 160 start-ups and early-growth-stage companies, particularly in areas such as internet security, cloud services, healthcare infrastructure, and business process outsourcing. The firm typically invests between $6 million and $10 million in companies with revenues ranging from $2 million to $20 million and aims to take a board seat in its portfolio companies. Noro-Moseley Partners emphasizes sectors like technology, healthcare, and financial services, actively participating in opportunities that align with its expertise while avoiding pure drug development ventures.

Third Prime Capital is a New York-based venture capital firm established in 2016, with an additional office in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. The firm focuses on investing in seed and early-stage companies, primarily in the consumer, real estate services, and media sectors. Its investment range typically falls between $250,000 and $3 million, targeting private companies. Third Prime aims to support exceptional entrepreneurs in building transformative businesses through its diversified investment strategy.

Intersouth Partners is a venture capital firm based in Durham, North Carolina, specializing in seed and early-stage investments primarily within the technology and life sciences sectors. Established in 1985, the firm has invested in over 100 private companies and manages $780 million across seven limited partnerships, making it one of the largest venture capital funds in the Southeast. Intersouth focuses on technology areas such as software, semiconductors, digital media, clean technology, and security, while in life sciences, it targets medical devices, biopharmaceuticals, and agricultural biotechnology. The firm typically leads or co-leads investment rounds, making initial equity investments ranging from $0.5 million to $8 million, with an average total investment of $12 million per company over multiple financing rounds. It seeks to take a board seat in its portfolio companies and aims for exits within two to six years. Intersouth does not invest in industries such as airline, apparel, or real estate, and primarily focuses on companies located in the Southeast corridor from Baltimore to Florida.

Meritus Ventures, L.P. is a venture capital firm focused on investing in private, expansion-stage companies primarily located in rural areas of Central and Southern Appalachia, including states such as Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, and parts of Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. Established in 2006 and headquartered in London, Kentucky, with an office in Knoxville, Tennessee, the firm specializes in equity investments, particularly in manufacturing, technology, and software sectors, while maintaining a broad industry focus. Meritus Ventures typically invests between $250,000 and $2.5 million in each company, often in multiple funding rounds, and prefers equity investments in preferred stocks. The firm seeks to hold investments for three to five years, with exit strategies including sales, mergers, management buyouts, or initial public offerings. In addition to financial backing, Meritus Ventures offers operational assistance and active board participation, often funded through grants from the USDA or SBA.

Capital A Partners is a venture capital and private equity firm that focuses on providing growth capital and debt funding to early-stage, post-revenue businesses and small, profitable companies. Established in 2013 and headquartered in New York, the firm invests primarily in sectors such as technology, healthcare, consumer goods, materials technologies, and cleantech. Its investment strategy spans the southeastern and East Coast regions of the United States, as well as Latin America and Nordic countries. With additional offices in Charleston, South Carolina; Silicon Valley, California; Stockholm, Sweden; and Berlin, Germany, Capital A Partners aims to support innovative ventures that demonstrate strong growth potential.

NMT Capital is a venture capital firm based in Norwell, Massachusetts, with additional offices in Greenville, South Carolina and Luxembourg. Founded in 2004, the firm specializes in early, mid, and late venture investments, focusing primarily on information technology, medical technology, and life sciences. Its investment areas include medical devices, diagnostics, advanced materials, biotechnology, specialty pharmaceuticals, and drug discovery tools. NMT Capital seeks to invest in companies across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, particularly those looking to expand or attract investment in their regions. The firm generally prefers to take the lead in its portfolio investments and leverages its extensive industry experience to consult for global investment banks, assisting in the evaluation and sourcing of private medical companies seeking growth capital or strategic partnerships.

SPP Management Services, LLC is a private equity firm specializing in buyouts, growth capital, industry consolidations, and recapitalization transactions. It prefers to invest in lower middle market, later stage, and mature companies. It does not invest in startups, early stage companies, and turnaround transactions. The firm also does not invest in real estate, retail, and technology sectors. It typically invests in growth equity, management buyouts, recapitalizations, industry consolidations, family succession, corporate divestitures including acquisition in partnership with an executive or management team of non-strategic divisions or subsidiaries of larger corporations, and mature transactions. The firm also invests in balance sheet recapitalizations of overleveraged and financially distressed companies. It primarily invests in consumer products, business services, distribution, and light manufacturing industries with a focus on commercial security, business and outsourced services, environmental services, laboratory products, transportation and logistics, test and measurement, natural gas pipelines, industrial coatings, specialty chemicals, marine cargo services, long-distance specialized freight trucking, welding repair, steam, gas, and hydraulic turbines, remediation services, commercial surveillance and alarm monitoring and maintenance, waste water treatment, natural gas transmission, oil and gas storage and transportation, trading companies and distributors, electric power transmission and control, materials, chemicals, construction materials, containers and packaging, metals and mining, industrials, capital goods, building products, construction and engineering, electrical equipment, commercial and professional services, consumer discretionary, automobiles and components, food products, food safety, beverages, electronic equipment and instruments, electrical components and equipment, and education services. The firm invests in companies based in the Eastern half of the United States and Canada, focusing on South, Southeast, Midatlantic, Northeast, Great Lakes, Southwest, Midwest, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Delaware, Texas, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York, and New Jersey. It typically invests between $5 million and $40 million in companies with revenues between $10 million and $100 million having enterprise value between $15 million and $100 million and EBITDA between $4 million and $15 million. The firm typically seeks to acquire majority interest and can consider minority investments. It seeks board representation in the portfolio companies. SPP Management Services, LLC was founded in 2006 and is based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Leonard Green & Partners is a private equity investment firm established in 1989 and headquartered in Los Angeles. The firm specializes in partnering with experienced management teams and founders to invest in market-leading companies across various sectors. Since its inception, Leonard Green & Partners has raised over $40 billion in committed capital and has invested in more than 90 companies through a range of strategies, including traditional buyouts, going-private transactions, recapitalizations, and growth equity. In 2019, the firm raised its eighth flagship fund, Green Equity Investors VIII, L.P., with commitments totaling $12 billion, alongside a dedicated middle-market fund, Jade Equity Investors, L.P., which secured $2.75 billion in commitments.

Gold Ridge is a private equity and investment firm with offices in Connecticut and Charleston, South Carolina. They are focused on investments in micro cap companies with positive cash flow, valuations typically less than $10 million, and primarily located on the East Coast. They provide funding for acquisitions, growth capital and ownership changes. They partner with managers and owners who have significant resources committed to their businesses. Their investments are primarily in the form of convertible securities or debt with warrants.

Banyan Mezzanine Fund, L.P. is a private equity firm established in 2002, focused on providing mezzanine capital to smaller middle-market companies, primarily in the Southeastern United States, with a concentration on Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. The firm specializes in mezzanine, buyout, and recapitalization investments, typically targeting companies with annual sales between $5 million and $100 million and EBITDA ranging from $1.5 million to $10 million. Banyan invests between $0.5 million and $8 million in equity and $3 million to $8 million in subordinated debt, often structured with attached warrants for common equity. The firm does not engage in investments related to startups, turnarounds, real estate development, oil and gas operations, or direct lending. Banyan seeks to partner with companies that have seasoned management teams in growing industries, using its capital to support growth, acquisitions, and management buyouts while providing additional strategic management advisory services.

Summit Partners, founded in 1984, is a global alternative investment firm managing more than $9.5 billion across growth equity, fixed income, and public equity opportunities. The firm has invested in over 460 companies primarily in technology, healthcare, and life sciences, facilitating more than 140 public offerings and 180 strategic mergers and sales. Summit Partners focuses on rapidly growing companies with established business models and strong revenue and earnings growth. Its investment range typically spans from $10 million to over $500 million, allowing for substantial capital deployment in individual companies. The firm enhances the value of its portfolio through infrastructure development, executive recruitment, and strategic advisory services. With offices in Boston, Menlo Park, and London, Summit employs over 90 investment professionals dedicated to various sectors, including business services, consumer products, and media.

Enhanced Capital Partners, founded in 1999 and headquartered in New York, is a national investment firm that specializes in equity and debt investments in small and mid-sized companies across the United States. With over $400 million under management, the firm employs a flexible investment strategy aimed at promoting the growth and expansion of businesses. Enhanced Capital focuses on various sectors, including healthcare technology and technology, media, and telecommunications. As a subsidiary of P10 Holdings, it seeks to maximize the growth potential of companies poised for rapid development through its practical investment approach.

Piedmont Angel Network LLC is a venture capital firm based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, that specializes in investing in seed and early-stage companies with high growth potential. Since its founding in 2001, the firm has focused on sectors such as life sciences, software, technology, and advanced materials. Piedmont Angel Network typically invests between $250,000 and $350,000 in companies with enterprise values ranging from $1 million to $5 million and aims for firms that can achieve annual revenues of $50 million to $100 million. While it primarily targets opportunities within North Carolina, the firm is open to evaluating prospects in neighboring states such as South Carolina and Virginia. Piedmont Angel Network often collaborates with other angel investors, investment networks, and venture firms, participating in funding rounds as either a lead or follow-on investor. The firm seeks to exit its investments within three to five years through the sale of the portfolio companies. Since its inception, it has invested in 23 companies, demonstrating its commitment to fostering growth in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

AstraZeneca is a global biopharmaceutical company that specializes in the discovery, development, manufacturing, and marketing of prescription medicines. Founded in 1999 through a merger between Astra of Sweden and Zeneca Group of the United Kingdom, the company focuses on a range of therapeutic areas including oncology, cardiovascular, renal, metabolic diseases, respiratory, autoimmunity, infection, neuroscience, and gastroenterology. AstraZeneca's extensive portfolio includes well-known brands such as Imfinzi, Lynparza, and Tagrisso, among others. The company operates internationally, with a significant portion of its sales coming from markets outside the United States, although the U.S. remains a key market. AstraZeneca Pharma India Limited, a subsidiary based in Bengaluru, manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products primarily in India, emphasizing areas like cardiovascular health, oncology, and respiratory diseases. Through continuous research and innovation, AstraZeneca aims to improve patient outcomes and enhance the quality of life for individuals worldwide.

SAGE Business Advisors, LLC is a venture capital, and private equity firm specializing in seed and early stage financing. The firm provides accounting, financial, and other management services to portfolio companies. The firm prefer invest in Mid-South region, and United States. The firm was formerly known as Addison Capital Advisors. SAGE Business Advisors, LLC is based in Memphis, Tennessee.

Meritage Homes Corporation is a homebuilder based in Scottsdale, Arizona, founded in 1985. The company specializes in designing and constructing single-family homes across various markets in the United States, including Texas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. Meritage operates through two primary segments: Homebuilding and Financial Services. It focuses on acquiring and developing land, constructing homes for first-time buyers and those looking to upgrade, and also offers luxury homes under the Monterey Homes brand. Additionally, the company provides title insurance and settlement services to its homebuyers. Meritage Homes is notable for its commitment to energy efficiency, being the first major homebuilder to ensure that all its homes are 100% ENERGY STAR certified, which significantly reduces utility costs for residents. With over 90,000 homes built, the company emphasizes creating well-designed, energy-efficient communities that cater to diverse lifestyles.

Farmington Capital Partners is a private equity and venture capital firm focused on growth capital investments in the financial services sector, particularly in insurance, risk management, banking, and capital markets. Established in 2007 by John Clinton, who has extensive experience in insurance private equity, the firm aims to support innovative and emerging growth companies at various stages, from seed to middle market. Farmington Capital typically invests between $5 million and $25 million in companies generating revenues of $2 million to $30 million, often co-investing with other investors in larger transactions. The firm seeks board representation in its portfolio companies to provide strategic guidance. In addition to its investment activities, Farmington Capital offers advisory services through FC Partners, leveraging the collective experience of its team to assist management teams and entrepreneurs in navigating the complexities of the insurance and financial services industries. The firm operates from its headquarters in Hartford, Connecticut, with additional offices in Charleston, South Carolina, and New York, New York.

Route 2 Capital Partners is a private equity firm based in Greenville, South Carolina, with an additional office in Charleston. Founded in 2016, the firm focuses on equity and debt investments in lower middle market companies, primarily located in the southern United States. Route 2 Capital Partners specializes in acquisitions, buyouts, growth capital, and recapitalization, targeting sectors such as business services, healthcare services, niche manufacturing, and specialty distribution. The firm typically invests between $3 million and $5 million in companies that have an EBITDA ranging from $2 million to $10 million and annual revenues of at least $10 million.

Greystar, established in 1993 and headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, is a prominent real estate firm specializing in multifamily residential properties. The company integrates management, development, and investment practices at both national and local levels, which has contributed to its significant growth and reputation in the industry. Greystar operates across multiple regions, including North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, focusing on equity and debt investments. Additionally, it manages various value-added funds aimed at enhancing real estate assets in specific markets, including those in Asia, Australia, and Europe. The firm is recognized for its commitment to employing top professionals in the multifamily sector, further solidifying its status as a trusted leader in the real estate market.

CataCap Management is a Copenhagen-based private equity firm established in 2011, focusing on investments in small and medium-sized companies throughout Denmark. The firm adopts a proactive and hands-on approach to managing its portfolio, aiming to enhance both the speed and sustainability of business transformations. CataCap's strategy is designed to create long-term value for all stakeholders while delivering stable excess returns for its investors.

Novant Health is a non-profit integrated healthcare system founded in 1997, operating throughout North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina. It encompasses a network of physician practices, outpatient centers, and hospitals, including facilities such as Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem. The organization offers a comprehensive range of services, including emergency care, medical and surgical services, rehabilitation, and behavioral health support. Notable centers of excellence within the system include the Heart & Vascular Institute, Derrick L. Davis Cancer Center, and the Maya Angelou Women's Health & Wellness Center. Novant Health aims to deliver a superior healthcare experience by utilizing advanced technology and fostering personal connections, making healthcare more accessible and understandable for patients and their families.

Liberty Hall Capital Partners, L.P. is a private equity firm established in 2011 and based in Charleston, South Carolina. The firm specializes in investments within the global aerospace and defense sectors, focusing on businesses such as suppliers, aircraft financiers, airlines, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul services. Liberty Hall targets both minority and majority ownership positions and typically invests over $2 billion in equity capital. The firm aims to leverage its extensive operational and investment experience to partner with management teams and entrepreneurs, developing long-term strategic plans to enhance business performance through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. With a strong emphasis on the aerospace and defense industries, Liberty Hall seeks to achieve superior risk-adjusted returns by investing in attractive market segments.

Murphree Investments III is a venture capital fund managed by Murphree Venture Partners, based in Houston, Texas. The fund focuses on investing in medium-sized companies across various sectors, including software, commercial services, e-commerce, technology, media, telecommunications, and 3D printing. As of May 2018, the firm has been in the process of winding down its operations.

SunTx Fulcrum Fund is a private equity buyout fund managed by SunTx Capital Partners, a Dallas-based firm established in 2001. The fund focuses on investments in middle-market companies across various sectors, including commercial products and services, industrial services, and 3D printing. SunTx Capital Partners aims to partner with business owners, providing capital and expertise to help these companies reach their full potential. With a reputation for navigating complex scenarios, the firm seeks to create value in businesses located throughout the United States, including regions such as the Southeast, Midwest, and West Coast.

Valor Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2015 and based in Atlanta, Georgia, that focuses on investing in early-stage and startup companies led by female founders. The firm primarily targets sectors such as consumer technology, software, fintech, platform software, and healthcare technology. Valor Ventures aims to invest in companies with a minimum revenue of $250,000, typically committing between $1 million and $2 million per investment. With a specific interest in supporting underrepresented founders, over 70% of its portfolio is composed of companies led by diverse entrepreneurs. The firm concentrates its investments outside Silicon Valley, with a focus on regions including the East Coast, Southeast, and Atlanta. Additionally, Valor Ventures hosts Startup Runway, the largest pitch event for underrepresented founders in the United States, further demonstrating its commitment to fostering diversity in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The Duke Endowment is an independent non-profit private foundation based in Charlotte, North Carolina, established in 1924 by industrialist James B. Duke. Its mission is to enhance the well-being of individuals and strengthen communities in North Carolina and South Carolina by providing support in four primary areas: higher education, health care, children's welfare, and spiritual life. The foundation focuses on nurturing children, promoting health and education, and enriching the spiritual lives of the people it serves. The assets of The Duke Endowment are managed by an executive team dedicated to fulfilling its philanthropic objectives.

Huntington National Bank, a subsidiary of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated, is a regional financial institution based in Columbus, Ohio, founded in 1866. It offers a comprehensive range of banking services, catering to individuals, families, small and middle-market businesses, and not-for-profit organizations. Personal banking services include checking and savings accounts, credit cards, home equity loans, mortgages, and investment products. Business banking services encompass solutions for small businesses, commercial banking, treasury management, and government banking. The bank also provides mortgage banking services, wealth management, trust services, and equipment leasing. With a focus on customer convenience, Huntington operates over 700 branches and more than 1,400 ATMs across six Midwestern states, emphasizing digital banking through online and mobile platforms. Its diverse offerings are designed to meet the financial needs of its clients while enhancing their banking experience.

Coppermine Capital, LLC is a private equity firm based in Concord, Massachusetts, with additional offices in New York and Chesapeake. The firm specializes in investing in small to mid-sized companies, particularly focusing on buyouts involving retiring owners, management buyouts, generational transfers in family businesses, and corporate divestitures. It targets sectors such as healthcare services, business services, food and beverage, niche manufacturing, and impact investments. Coppermine Capital typically makes equity investments ranging from $5 million to $75 million in companies with revenues between $3 million and $150 million, total enterprise values from $10 million to $150 million, and EBITDA between $2 million and $15 million, preferring companies with an EBITDA margin of 15 percent or more. Founded in 2002, the firm aims to acquire control positions and primarily invests from personal capital and balance sheet investments.

Providing loans to entrepreneurial companies in the Region of Southern outlying areas.

Aldrich Capital Partners is a Virginia-based private equity firm founded in 1999, focusing on investments in financial services, life sciences, healthcare, business services, and technology-related companies across the United States. The firm was established by seasoned investors and entrepreneurs committed to supporting private, entrepreneur-run companies in achieving their growth objectives. Aldrich Capital Partners leverages its extensive resources, knowledge, and network to assist these companies, with a proven track record of facilitating successful Initial Public Offerings and acquisitions. The firm's principals, who have collectively managed over $1 billion in technology investments in the past decade, actively engage with portfolio companies, providing strategic guidance and operational support. Their expertise spans various sectors, including software, cloud services, fintech, and healthcare IT, enabling them to effectively partner with owner-operators and entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses and help them realize their liquidity goals.

Morgenthau Venture Partners is sponsoring its inaugural venture capital fund, the Accelerator Fund. The Accelerator Fund will make equity investments in a diversified portfolio of growing technology driven privately held companies with $2 million to $30 million in revenues. The Fund will focus its investment activities towards those emerging technology industries including, software, IT infrastructure and consumer and business services. Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the Accelerator Fund will pursue investments primarily in the Southeastern United States (Florida, Georgia, Alabama and the Carolinas) with particular emphasis on the most underserved market, Florida. The Fund derives a significant competitive advantage from being one of the few indigenous venture capital funds located in Florida. The benefit of proximity is an absolute necessity to ensure ongoing and rigorous monitoring of the Fund's portfolio.

Bowside Capital, founded in 2009 and headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, is a private investment firm focused on the North American private equity small buyout market. The firm manages private equity funds aimed at making primary commitments to U.S. private equity funds with capital commitments of $150 million or less that engage in control buyouts. Additionally, Bowside Capital makes direct investments by co-investing with these small buyout funds and independent sponsors, as well as pursuing secondary purchases of limited partner interests in funds that align with its investment criteria. The firm has a particular interest in sectors such as e-commerce and technology, media, and telecommunications.

The Inception Micro Angel Fund is an investment firm located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, focusing on early-stage, seed, and angel investments in various sectors, including life sciences, biotechnology, medical devices, diagnostics, therapeutics, and technology. The firm primarily operates in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, with selective investments in Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. Typically, it invests between $25,000 and $250,000 per company and engages in co-investments with other venture capital funds, angel groups, or Super Angels. The Inception Micro Angel Fund aims to take an active role in its portfolio companies by seeking board seats or observer rights, while also making add-on investments in emerging and high-growth companies.

SilverMill invests in companies that provide materials, equipment and services used in research and production applications for bioengineering/biotechnology, food safety, in vitro diagnostics and related technologies. At SilverMill, we combine assets, strengths and shared visions with our transaction and operational expertise to expand the capabilities of these businesses and accelerate growth. SilverMill delivers trustworthy and forward-thinking industry expertise. We are a highly focused, seasoned management team skilled at partnering with business owners to create seamless ownership transitions, develop new opportunities for existing employees and support growth through strategic investments and greater scale. How we work >

King Street Capital Management, L.P. is a privately owned hedge fund based in New York, established in 1995. The firm specializes in managing pooled investment vehicles and focuses on global public equity and fixed income markets. King Street invests in a variety of assets, including distressed companies, equity, bonds, foreign exchange, warrants, and options. The firm employs rigorous fundamental analysis combined with tactical trading strategies to identify complex and misunderstood investment opportunities. It leverages both in-house research and external sources to enhance its investment decisions. King Street is particularly adept in areas such as credit, restructurings, and event-driven situations, allowing it to capitalize on unique market insights.

Synovus Financial Corp. is a financial services company headquartered in Columbus, Georgia, with approximately $29 billion in assets. It operates through Synovus Bank, which offers a wide range of banking products and services, including commercial and retail banking, investment, and mortgage solutions. The bank provides corporate banking services such as business banking, financing, international services, and treasury management, as well as personal banking services that include checking and savings accounts, loans, and online banking. In addition to traditional banking services, Synovus offers wealth management, trust services, and various financial planning options. With a network of 253 branches and 335 ATMs across Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee, Synovus is dedicated to serving its local communities. Founded in 1888, the company has received recognition for its reputation and commitment to customer service.

Stanton Road Capital is a Los Angeles-based investment management firm focused on select commercial real estate and private equity strategies. SRC is an entrepreneurial investor that brings a disciplined, institutional approach to underwriting, structuring, and managing its investments. They focus on underserved segments of the middle-market and aim to create lasting value for their private and institutional capital partners.

Wilmington Investor Network is a venture capital and angel investment firm founded in 2004, based in Wilmington, North Carolina. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on companies within the technology, biotechnology, and medical device sectors. It primarily seeks to support businesses located in eastern North and South Carolina. Wilmington Investor Network typically invests between $0.2 million and $0.5 million in individual investment rounds, aiming to foster innovation and growth in its targeted industries.

Basware Oyj is a provider of networked purchase-to-pay solutions and e-invoicing services, operating both in Finland and internationally. Founded in 1985 and headquartered in Espoo, Finland, the company specializes in cloud-based technology that allows organizations to gain complete visibility over their spending through comprehensive data capture. Its offerings include analytics, travel and expense management, sourcing, e-procurement solutions, and services for accounts receivable and payable. Additionally, Basware provides financing options such as early payment discounts and payment solutions. The company serves a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, energy, public sector, manufacturing, retail, logistics, finance, and telecommunications, assisting clients in streamlining invoice processing and mitigating financial risks via automation and efficient operations.

Greenwood Capital Associates, Inc. is a privately owned investment manager based in Greenwood, South Carolina, with an additional office in Greenville, South Carolina. Established in 1983, the firm primarily serves individual clients, including high net worth individuals, pension plans, charitable organizations, and government entities. It manages a variety of client-focused portfolios, including equity, fixed income, and balanced funds, while also launching and managing mutual funds in these categories. Greenwood Capital invests in the U.S. public equity and fixed income markets, focusing on large-cap stocks and investment-grade corporate bonds, as well as government and tax-free municipal bonds. The firm's investment approach incorporates fundamental, technical, and cyclical analysis, reflecting a holistic understanding of market trends and economic conditions to meet the needs of its clients.