Duke Energy is a leading U.S. energy company providing electric and gas services to approximately 7.9 million customers across six states. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the company owns and operates diverse power generation assets, including renewable energy sources, with a focus on sustainability and community vitality.

Established in 2006, SC Launch is a non-profit corporation affiliated with South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA). It facilitates applied research, product development, and commercialization programs. SC Launch provides loans, investments, and resources to selected South Carolina-based companies participating in its program, aiming to create high-wage jobs and foster technology startups.

VentureSouth is a venture capital firm based in Greenville, South Carolina, specializing in startup and early-stage investments. The firm focuses primarily on manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare sectors, targeting opportunities in the Southeastern United States, particularly the Carolinas and surrounding areas. Since its founding, VentureSouth has developed a network of over 550 investors through various angel investment groups, making it one of the largest organizations of its kind in the country. The firm typically invests between $0.25 million and $2 million for a preferred equity stake of 15% to 35%, aiming for companies that can potentially deliver a 50% annualized rate of return within a 3-5 year timeframe. VentureSouth does not engage in common equity or debt investments, and it rarely invests in convertible debt.

Tencarva Machinery is a prominent distributor of process equipment and services, catering to industrial and municipal clients across the Southeast United States since 1978. The company specializes in providing a wide range of pumping systems, fluid handling systems, air handling equipment, and liquid process equipment tailored for various industries, including chemical, citrus, paper, textile, and power. In addition to its diverse product offerings, Tencarva also operates repair centers and field service teams capable of servicing most types of rotating process equipment. This comprehensive approach ensures that clients receive reliable and cost-effective solutions that meet their specific application needs.

Upstate Carolina Angel Network is an angel investor network based in Greenville, South Carolina, established in 2008. It comprises accredited investors who provide capital and mentorship to startup and early-stage, high-growth businesses in South Carolina and the Southeast.

Founded in 2015, Good Growth Capital is a majority women-owned venture capital firm that invests in early-stage companies focused on life sciences, green tech, hard science, and data science. The firm specializes in technology commercialization, sourcing and assessing transformative companies to generate exceptional returns.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) leads initiatives in food, agriculture, natural resources, and rural development. It aims to expand markets for agricultural products globally, foster alternative markets domestically, improve rural infrastructure, enhance food safety, promote nutrition education, and manage public lands collaboratively.

Third Prime is a venture capital firm founded in 2016 and headquartered in New York. It focuses on early-stage investments in seed and startup companies, primarily in business-to-business and financial services, while also engaging with consumers, real estate services, and media sectors. The firm typically writes early capital rounds ranging from roughly 250000 to 3000000 and has assets under management exceeding 500000000. It maintains an additional office in the Southeast, reflecting a broader market footprint beyond its New York base.

Meritus Ventures is a venture capital firm based in London, Kentucky. It makes equity investments in expansion-stage private companies, with a focus on rural areas of central and southern Appalachia. The firm targets opportunities in information technology, industrials, and technology, media, and telecommunications sectors, and its activity spans across Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Appalachian counties in Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. It may provide operational support to portfolio companies.

Nexus Medical Partners is a private equity firm focused on investing in the medical technology and life sciences sectors. With offices located in Massachusetts and South Carolina, the firm also maintains affiliates in major cities such as San Francisco, London, Munich, Geneva, and Tokyo. Nexus Medical Partners aims to provide not only financial support but also strategic assistance to its portfolio companies, helping them to grow and succeed in the global market.

Capital A Partners is a venture capital and private equity firm that specializes in providing growth capital, acceleration equity, and debt funding to early-stage post-revenue ventures and small profitable operating companies. Founded in August 2013 and headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, with additional offices in New York, Silicon Valley, Stockholm, and Berlin, the firm focuses on sectors such as technology, consumer products, healthcare, materials technologies, and cleantech. Capital A Partners primarily targets investments in the southeastern and East Coast regions of the United States, as well as in Latin America and Nordic-based companies.

Azalea Capital, established in 1995, is a Greenville, South Carolina-based private equity firm. It focuses on investing equity capital in lower middle-market companies across the Southeastern U.S., with annual revenues ranging from $10 million to $100 million. The firm specializes in facilitating management buyouts, business recapitalizations, and growth plans, targeting investments in sectors such as business services, industrial, consumer goods, and healthcare.

Prisma Health is the largest not-for-profit health organization in South Carolina, providing care to over 1.2 million patients each year. With a workforce of 32,000 team members, Prisma Health operates a network of acute care and specialty medical facilities. The organization offers a range of services, including nursing, treatment, and surgical procedures, while also engaging in clinical research and the training of medical professionals. This commitment to enhancing clinical quality enables Prisma Health to effectively support the health and well-being of individuals and families across the region.

Munich Re Ventures, established in 2015, is the venture capital arm of Munich Re, a global leader in reinsurance and insurance-related risk solutions. Based in San Francisco with additional offices in Germany, the firm invests in innovative startups transforming the future of risk and risk transfer. Munich Re Ventures focuses on stage-agnostic investments, with a preference for early stage and growth capital, across sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital health, insurtech, IoT, and climate tech. The firm collaborates closely with Munich Re's global businesses to fund and partner with emerging companies developing new technologies and business models, while also considering strategic interests and geographic limitations.

Autotech Ventures, established in 2013 and based in Menlo Park, California, is a venture capital firm managing over $400 million. It invests in early-stage startups operating in the ground transportation industry, focusing on connected, autonomous, shared, and electrified vehicles, as well as related mobility services. The firm provides portfolio companies with capital, industry connections, market intelligence, talent recruitment support, and fundraising assistance. By bridging the gap between innovative startups and established corporations, Autotech Ventures aims to shape the future of transportation.

SECU Foundation is a charitable organization funded by the contributions of SECU members, to help identify and address community issues and promote local and community development in North Carolina primarily through high-impact projects in the areas of education, housing, healthcare, and human services.

Hudson Automotive Group is a family-owned and operated motor vehicle dealership company based in Madisonville, Kentucky. Established in 1955, it operates multiple locations across Kentucky, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee, including cities such as Cleveland, Kingsport, Morristown, Johnson City, Charleston, North Charleston, and Gastonia. The company specializes in the sale of new and used vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and trucks, and provides reliable auto services from various manufacturers. In addition to vehicle sales, Hudson Automotive offers auto loans and OEM parts, addressing a wide range of automotive needs for its customers. As a subsidiary of Watermark Auto Group, Hudson Automotive continues to uphold its commitment to customer service and quality.

leading global alternative asset manager

American Electric Power Company, Inc. is a major electric public utility holding company based in Columbus, Ohio, that engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity across 11 states, serving over 5 million customers. The company operates through various segments, including Vertically Integrated Utilities and Transmission and Distribution Utilities. American Electric Power generates electricity from a diverse mix of sources, including coal, natural gas, nuclear, and renewable energy such as wind and solar. It also supplies wholesale electricity to other utilities, rural cooperatives, and municipalities. In addition to its core electric services, the company maintains a substantial infrastructure, including railcars and barges for coal transport, and actively invests in renewable energy initiatives to enhance its energy portfolio and minimize environmental impact. Founded in 1906, American Electric Power emphasizes reliability and sustainability in its operations and community engagement.

Wilmington Investor Network is a venture capital firm based in Wilmington, North Carolina, founded in 2004. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage companies, particularly in the technology, biotechnology, and medical device sectors. It primarily focuses on businesses located in eastern North and South Carolina, aiming to support local innovation and growth. Wilmington Investor Network typically invests between $0.2 million and $0.5 million in individual investment rounds, leveraging the collective resources and expertise of its network of angel investors to foster the development of promising startups in its target industries.

Synovus Financial is a Columbus, Georgia-based financial services company serving as the bank holding company for Synovus Bank. It operates through three segments, Community Banking, Wholesale Banking, and Financial Management Services, and offers a broad range of financial products and services including commercial and retail banking, treasury and payment solutions, asset management, trust and estate services, investment banking and brokerage, wealth management, private banking, and international banking. The company provides mortgage and consumer lending, deposits, card services, and digital banking, supported by a network of branches and ATMs across several southeastern states. It also delivers capital markets and advisory services, fiduciary solutions, and cash flow management for businesses, aligning financial capabilities with the needs of individuals and institutions it serves.

Park Sterling Bank is a financial institution focused on delivering personalized banking solutions to customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, and north Georgia. Founded by experienced bankers, the bank aims to address the needs of individuals and businesses by offering a range of services, including savings accounts, online banking, mortgages, business checking, treasury management, and wealth management. Its clientele primarily consists of small and mid-sized businesses, real estate owners, developers, builders, professionals, and consumers. Park Sterling Bank is dedicated to providing tailored financial products that support the goals of its customers, emphasizing a more comfortable and approachable banking experience.

Founded in 2017, Route 2 Capital Partners is a private equity firm specializing in acquisitions and growth capital for lower middle market companies. Based primarily in the southern United States, they invest between $3 million to $5 million in businesses with EBITDA of $2 million to $10 million and annual revenues of at least $10 million. The firm focuses on sectors such as business services, healthcare services, niche manufacturing, and specialty distributions.

Basware is a provider of procure-to-pay and e-invoicing solutions, focused on delivering comprehensive spend visibility through complete data capture. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Fort Mill, South Carolina, the company offers a cloud-based platform that automates financial processes, allowing organizations to manage their spending effectively while mitigating financial risk and lowering operational costs. Its advanced accounts payable automation and invoicing services streamline complex invoice processes for finance leaders in global enterprises. By offering features such as touchless invoice processing, smart coding, and e-procurement, Basware enhances operational efficiency and ensures compliance with regulatory changes, ultimately reducing errors and risks for its clients.

HealthCor Management, established in 2005, is a New York-based, employee-owned investment management firm. It offers services to a diverse range of clients, including investment companies, pension funds, and sovereign wealth funds. The firm specializes in global healthcare and life sciences, investing in public equities and providing growth equity to private companies. HealthCor employs a combination of bottom-up fundamental and top-down analysis, supplemented by external research, to make informed investment decisions. With approximately $365 million in capital commitments, the firm aims to deliver quality returns to its clients.

Liberty Hall Capital Partners, established in 2011, is a private equity firm headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina. It specializes in global investments within the aerospace and defense sectors, focusing on add-on acquisitions and buyouts. The firm targets various segments, including aerospace suppliers, financiers, airlines, maintenance, repair, and overhaul businesses, and other service providers. Liberty Hall seeks to take control or significant minority positions in these companies, investing over $200 million in equity capital. It supports its portfolio companies through strategic investments and acquisitions, leveraging its deep industry experience to build better businesses and generate superior risk-adjusted returns.

SixAxis, LLC is a manufacturer of safety products focused on enhancing worker safety and productivity across various industries. The company produces mobile work platforms, loading platforms, and gangways designed for truck, railcar, and industrial safety applications, marketed under its ErectaStep, RollaStep, and YellowGate brands. Additionally, SixAxis develops sales resource planning software under the Atlatl Software brand. By specializing in innovative designs for stairs, fall protection, and bulk loading solutions, SixAxis aims to mitigate workplace injuries while promoting operational efficiency. The company is headquartered in Andrews, South Carolina, and was co-founded by Rob Honeycutt and Fred Harmon.

Founded in 2014, Clover Health is a healthcare company specializing in Medicare Advantage plans for seniors. It operates a Preferred Provider Organization platform that uses analytics and care management to improve member health and reduce avoidable spending.

Truliant Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, established in 1952. It serves over 200,000 members through 31 Member Financial Centers located in the Carolinas and Virginia. Truliant offers a range of financial services, including personal and corporate banking tailored to small and middle-market companies. The credit union caters to various industries, such as leisure facilities, real estate, and media services, emphasizing its commitment to supporting the financial needs of its member-owners.

Postmates Inc. is an on-demand food and grocery delivery platform based in San Francisco, California. Founded in 2011, the company connects customers with local couriers to facilitate the delivery of products from a wide range of stores and restaurants across the United States. With access to over 600,000 merchants, including exclusive offerings, Postmates enables users to discover, order, and track groceries, alcohol, and meals with ease. The platform is particularly prominent in Los Angeles and covers 80% of U.S. households, serving customers in all 50 states. Additionally, Postmates offers a subscription service, Postmates Unlimited, which provides free delivery from all participating merchants, enhancing the convenience of its service.

Founded in 2017, IAG Capital Partners is a venture capital firm based in Charleston, South Carolina. It invests in seed to series C rounds across various stages and structures.

WideOpenWest, operating as WOW!, is a broadband services provider that caters to residential, business, and wholesale customers across the Midwest and Southeast United States. Founded in 1996, the company offers a comprehensive suite of services, including high-speed internet, data, voice, cloud, and cable television. WOW! serves approximately 3.2 million home and business customers, providing them with advanced technologies such as digital cable, HDTV, DVRs, and fiber-based services. The company is committed to delivering quality, affordable services and maintaining a customer-centric culture, as reflected in its five core values. WOW! is privately owned by Avista Capital Partners and is headquartered in Denver, Colorado.

SouthStar Capital, LLC is a financial services company based in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, specializing in alternative lending products. Founded in 2008, the company provides custom financing solutions aimed at addressing the cash flow challenges faced by businesses across various industries. Its offerings include accounts receivable financing, asset-based lending, equipment leasing, purchase order financing, government contract financing, and invoice factoring. SouthStar Capital serves a diverse clientele, including sectors such as apparel, electronics, clean technology, food and beverage distribution, manufacturing, and professional services. In September 2011, the company changed its name from HomeCoast Capital, reflecting its broader focus on providing tailored financial solutions for businesses in the United States.

Healthcare Venture Partners is a venture capital firm established in 2019 and located in Charleston, South Carolina. It focuses on investing in mid-to-later-stage companies within the healthcare and life sciences sectors. The firm aims to support innovative ventures that contribute to advancements in healthcare, leveraging its expertise to identify promising opportunities in these critical industries.

Parkland is an independent supplier and marketer of fuel and petroleum products, operating primarily in Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean. Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, the company offers a range of refined fuels, lubricants, and related products to motorists, businesses, and wholesale customers. Its operations include a retail network of over 1,070 gas stations in Canada, as well as commercial fuel services that provide bulk fuel, propane, and heating oil. Parkland also manages fuel supply through strategic contracts and partnerships with refiners, utilizing various distribution methods and storage facilities. The company emphasizes providing locally relevant fuel brands and convenience store offerings tailored to the communities it serves.

Ameris Bank is a commercial bank headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, established in 1971. It operates as a full-service financial institution, offering a comprehensive range of banking and mortgage services across Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee. With nearly $7 billion in assets, Ameris Bank has demonstrated consistent growth over more than two decades and has maintained profitability for over 16 consecutive quarters. The bank serves small to middle-market companies and individual customers, providing products such as mortgage and refinancing services, treasury support, and various investment and savings options. Ameris Bank caters to diverse sectors, including insurance, software, retail, chemicals, healthcare, energy, and transportation.

YETI Coolers, LLC specializes in manufacturing and marketing high-quality portable coolers and outdoor products designed for outdoor enthusiasts. Founded in 2006 and based in Austin, Texas, the company offers a diverse range of products, including hard and soft coolers, drinkware, bags, chairs, and apparel, as well as customized items featuring collegiate and corporate logos. YETI's products are tailored for various outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, camping, and tailgating. The company serves customers through its retail store in Texas, a network of dealers across the United States and internationally, and an online platform. YETI Coolers has manufacturing facilities in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and South Carolina, along with locations in the Philippines and China. Known for their durability and performance, YETI products are built to withstand rugged conditions and keep ice for extended periods, catering to the needs of outdoor adventurers.

Brinker International, Inc. operates casual dining restaurants, primarily under the brands Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy. Chili's is known for its bar and grill offerings, featuring a menu that includes signature items such as slow-smoked baby back ribs, craft burgers, fajitas, and tableside guacamole. Maggiano's specializes in Italian cuisine, offering a diverse menu that includes appetizers, chicken, seafood, veal, prime steaks, and desserts. As of June 2013, Brinker International's system included 1,591 restaurants across 50 states and Washington, D.C., as well as locations in various countries including Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico. The company generates the majority of its revenue from the Chili's segment, reflecting its strong presence in the casual dining market.

Epika Fleet Services operates a network of mobile and in-shop preventative maintenance service centers dedicated to supporting commercial fleets throughout the United States. The company partners with top industry players and operates under well-regarded brands such as LubeZone, ProFleet, All Star Truck Service, and Deaton Fleet Solutions. With a presence in California, Texas, Oklahoma, and Georgia, Epika maintains 11 quick service preventative maintenance locations, five full-service repair facilities, and 15 branch locations. Additionally, the company operates nearly 50 mobile service units across Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Mississippi. By focusing on preventative maintenance, mechanical repair, and mobile services, Epika helps clients minimize downtime and maintain their fleet operations at competitive costs.

Altriarch, established in 2021, is a specialized investment platform headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina. It focuses on alternative investments, targeting specific market niches to deliver robust risk-adjusted returns.

Novolex Holdings is a leading manufacturer of paper and plastic packaging products in North America, catering to a diverse range of sectors including retail, grocery, food service, hospitality, and industrial markets. Headquartered in Hartsville, South Carolina, the company supports sustainability through its offerings of renewable, recyclable, and bio-based packaging solutions. Its product portfolio includes compostable can liners, grease-resistant clamshell containers, shopping bags, and food trays, among others. With approximately 7,300 employees and 46 manufacturing facilities across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Netherlands, Novolex is committed to delivering innovative packaging solutions while prioritizing environmental responsibility. The company operates several well-known brands, including Hilex Poly, Duro Bag, and Bagcraft, which contribute to its strong presence in the packaging industry.

Spectrum is a cable telecommunications company that provides a diverse array of home entertainment and information services. Its offerings include video on-demand, digital video recording, high-speed internet access, and various communication tools, as well as home automation and monitoring services. In addition to residential services, Spectrum also caters to business clients with data and network services, video programming, and music services. Established in 1989 and headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, Spectrum operates in multiple regions, including New York State, the Carolinas, Ohio, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Southern California, and Texas. The company has grown to serve approximately 15 million customers.

Blackbaud, established in 1981, is a global technology company specializing in cloud software solutions for nonprofits, foundations, educational institutions, and healthcare organizations. It offers a wide range of solutions, including fundraising and relationship management, financial management, marketing and engagement, organizational management, and payment services. Blackbaud's products are used by over 40,000 customers in more than 100 countries, facilitating over $100 billion in donations annually. The company's expertise lies in its deep understanding of the nonprofit sector, enabling it to provide tailored solutions that help these organizations operate more efficiently, build strong relationships, and raise more funds to support their missions.

Founded in 2016, TFX Capital is a venture capital firm based in Fort Mill, South Carolina. It invests in early-stage B2B and technology-enabled businesses across the United States.

Founded in 2017, Soteria specializes in enhancing lithium-ion battery safety through its proprietary technology that acts as an internal fuse, preventing ignition events. Its mission is to make inherently safe batteries widely accessible, benefiting various industries such as electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and power tools.

RedSail Technologies, LLC is a software solutions provider specializing in healthcare and governmental applications, primarily serving the pharmaceutical and public sectors across North America. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the company develops products such as QS/1, a retail pharmacy management system, and PUBLIQ Software, which offers property tax management, billing, and accounting solutions for state and local governments. RedSail Technologies aims to enhance the operational efficiency of independent and institutional pharmaceutical firms while supporting public sector customers in improving community health outcomes.

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough is a full-service law firm headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina. Founded in 1897, it provides legal services across banking and financial services, bankruptcy and restructuring, corporate and securities, cybersecurity and privacy, economic development, higher education, governance, employment and labor, energy, environmental, estate planning, intellectual property, litigation, real estate capital markets, government investigations, healthcare and insurance. The firm serves clients in sectors such as banking and financial services, business services, construction and consumer products.

Founded in 2010, Lima One Capital specializes in providing short-term, first-mortgage loans to real estate investors in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. The company offers financing for the purchase, renovation, or cash-outs of residential investment homes.

Comporium is a diversified communications company based in Rock Hill, South Carolina, offering a range of services including voice, video, data, wireless, and security, collectively referred to as a Quintuple Play. The company provides these services primarily in York and Lancaster Counties and parts of six additional counties in the Midlands region. Comporium operates as the local telephone exchange and cable TV provider in Transylvania County, North Carolina, and has a Competitive Local Exchange Company in the Charlotte metropolitan area. Additionally, it offers business communications equipment and services. Comporium is a significant investor in Home Telephone, based in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, and Immedion, which operates multiple data centers in the Southeast. To enhance its security offerings, Comporium has invested in iControl, which provides a platform for wireless security, monitoring, and automation, aimed at enabling broadband providers to deliver advanced services for connected homes.

Southeastern Grocers is a regional grocery retailer and the parent company of BI-LO, Harveys, and Winn-Dixie stores. It ranks among the largest conventional supermarket chains in the United States by store count and is the second-largest in the Southeast. The company operates grocery stores, liquor stores, and in-store pharmacies across seven southeastern states—Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina—and employs about 66,000 associates serving customers in roughly 756 grocery stores, 145 liquor stores, and 504 pharmacies.