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 and angel group based in Greenville, South Carolina, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in startup and early-stage investments, focusing primarily on manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare sectors. VentureSouth targets investments in the Southeastern United States, particularly in the Carolinas and neighboring states. It typically invests between $0.25 million and $2 million for a preferred equity stake of 15% to 35% in companies that demonstrate the potential to achieve a 50% annualized return on investment over a period of three to five years. The firm does not engage in common equity or debt investments, and its involvement with convertible debt is rare.

Duke Energy is a major electric power holding company based in the United States, providing electric and natural gas services across multiple states, including the Carolinas, Indiana, Florida, Ohio, and Kentucky. It serves approximately 8.2 million electric customers and over 1.6 million natural gas customers, demonstrating a significant presence in the energy sector. 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. Furthermore, Duke Energy is committed to sustainability and includes a range of renewable energy assets in its portfolio. Founded in 1837 and originally known as Cincinnati Gas & Electric Company, Duke Energy is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and continues to play a vital role in powering communities while focusing on reliable and clean energy solutions.

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.

The National Science Foundation (NSF), established in 1950 and located in Alexandria, Virginia, is an independent federal agency dedicated to advancing fundamental research and education across all scientific and engineering disciplines. With an annual budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF operates America's Seed Fund, which allocates nearly $200 million each year to support startups and small businesses through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. This initiative provides non-dilutive funding of up to $1.5 million to assist in research and development efforts, thereby facilitating the transformation of scientific discoveries into commercially viable products and services. By helping to de-risk technology, the NSF plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and addressing societal challenges through scientific advancements.

The Upstate Carolina Angel Network (UCAN) is a consortium of accredited investors based in Greenville, South Carolina, dedicated to investing in and supporting start-up and early-stage high-growth businesses in the Southeastern United States. Established in 2008, UCAN aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation by providing financial resources and mentorship to emerging companies. The network focuses on identifying promising ventures and facilitating their growth, contributing to the economic development of the region.

United Community Banks, Inc. is a bank holding company headquartered in Blairsville, Georgia, operating as United Community Bank. Founded in 1950, it provides a comprehensive suite of banking products and services, including various deposit accounts, commercial and residential loans, home equity lines of credit, and investment and insurance products. The bank serves a diverse clientele, including individuals, small businesses, mid-sized commercial enterprises, and non-profit organizations, through over 163 locations across Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. In addition to traditional banking services, United Community Bank offers payment processing, treasury management, and advisory services, catering to sectors such as real estate, financial services, and technology. The institution has consistently received high customer satisfaction ratings, reflecting its commitment to exceptional service.

Azalea Capital is a private equity firm based in Greenville, South Carolina, established in 1995. The firm specializes in investments in lower middle-market companies throughout the Southeastern United States, focusing on sectors such as manufacturing, aerospace, energy services, business services, consumer products, and healthcare. Azalea Capital engages in management buyouts, recapitalizations, divestitures, and growth capital investments, targeting companies with annual revenues between $10 million and $100 million and EBITDA ranging from $1 million to $10 million. The firm prefers to acquire both majority and minority stakes, often seeking board positions in its portfolio companies. It invests through common and preferred equity and also makes add-on investments without a minimum size requirement. Azalea Capital does not invest in startups and emphasizes structuring the balance sheets of its portfolio companies.

Red Ventures is a digital media company founded in 2000 that operates a diverse portfolio of influential brands and digital platforms. With a workforce of approximately 3,000 employees across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Brazil, the company focuses on connecting consumers with expert advice across various sectors, including financial services, health, travel, and more. Red Ventures utilizes premium content and personalized digital experiences to facilitate informed decision-making for individuals regarding important aspects of their lives. It also offers online marketing, lead generation, and sales conversion services, enhancing the effectiveness of its strategic partnerships. Key brands under its umbrella include Healthline, The Points Guy, Bankrate, MYMOVE, and Allconnect.com, which collectively provide valuable resources to millions of users.

Carousel Capital is a private investment firm based in Charlotte, North Carolina, founded in 1996. The firm specializes in mid-market investments, focusing on companies in the business services, consumer products and services, and healthcare services sectors, primarily in the Southeastern United States. Carousel Capital partners with management teams to foster the growth of businesses, aiming to build firms with national and global reach. The firm manages a buyout fund that targets investments in 8 to 12 businesses with a minimum EBITDA of $3 million, typically over a 3 to 5-year horizon. Its investor base includes institutional investors and a network of over one hundred current and former corporate Chief Executive Officers, who contribute to opportunity sourcing and provide valuable sector insights and strategic support.

South State Bank, established in 1934 and headquartered in Winter Haven, Florida, is a commercial bank dedicated to serving customers and communities across the Southeast. The bank emphasizes relationship banking and prioritizes a strong commitment to customer service. It offers a range of financial products, including debt financing through loans and revolving credit lines, tailored to various industries such as real estate, healthcare, media, software, transportation, retail, consumer services, manufacturing, and technology. South State Bank actively engages with its communities by sponsoring local events, supporting nonprofit initiatives, and encouraging employee volunteerism, reflecting its core values of community involvement and service.

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.

AssuredPartners is a mid-market insurance brokerage firm founded in 2011 and headquartered in Lake Mary, Florida. The company focuses on investing in property and casualty and employee benefits brokerage firms, partnering with regional and local insurance providers to enhance customer service. AssuredPartners offers a range of services, including property and casualty insurance, risk management, employee benefits, and personal insurance. It serves middle-market businesses, public institutions, and high-net-worth individuals across the United States and in London, helping clients protect their assets and mitigate unforeseen risks.

IAG Capital Partners, LLC is a private equity and venture capital firm founded in 2017 and based in Charleston, South Carolina. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, recapitalization, and growth capital opportunities. It seeks to invest in sectors such as life sciences, data-based software-as-a-service, artificial intelligence, and infrastructure. IAG Capital Partners employs a variety of investment structures, including common equity, preferred equity, convertible debt, mezzanine debt, structured facilities, and senior secured debt.

Noro-Moseley Partners is a private equity and venture capital firm established in 1983 and based in Atlanta, Georgia, with a focus on early-stage investments in the technology and healthcare sectors. The firm primarily invests in companies located in the Southeastern United States, particularly in states such as Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and Texas. Noro-Moseley Partners has a strong track record, having invested in over 160 start-ups and early-growth-stage companies. Its investment strategy encompasses a range of sectors, including technology, healthcare, and business services, with specific interests in areas such as internet security, healthcare data solutions, and financial technology. The firm typically invests between $6 million and $10 million in companies with revenues ranging from $2 million to $20 million and seeks to take a board seat in its portfolio companies to provide strategic guidance.

Third Prime Capital is a New York-based venture capital firm established in 2016, with additional offices in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina and Nashville. The firm specializes in investing in seed and early-stage companies, primarily within the consumer, real estate services, and media sectors. Third Prime typically invests amounts ranging from $250,000 to $3 million, focusing on private companies. The firm employs a diversified investment strategy to support exceptional entrepreneurs in building transformative businesses.

Intersouth Partners is a venture capital firm based in Durham, North Carolina, that specializes in seed and early-stage investments, primarily within the technology and life sciences sectors. Founded in 1985, the firm has invested in over 100 private companies and manages approximately $780 million across seven venture capital limited partnerships, making it one of the largest venture capital funds in the Southeast. In technology, Intersouth focuses on areas such as software, semiconductors, communications, digital media, clean technology, and security. In the life sciences sector, it typically invests in medical devices, biopharmaceuticals, agricultural biotechnology, and biomaterials. The firm prefers equity investments, often taking a lead role in financing rounds with initial investments ranging from $0.5 million to $8 million, aiming for an average total investment of $12 million per company. Intersouth seeks to exit its investments within two to six years, often taking a board seat in its portfolio companies, and primarily invests in the Southeast corridor from Baltimore to Florida.

Meritus Ventures, L.P. is a venture capital firm established in 2002 and headquartered in London, Kentucky, with an additional office in Knoxville, Tennessee. The firm specializes in making equity investments in private, expansion-stage companies, focusing primarily on rural areas in Central and Southern Appalachia, including states such as Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Meritus Ventures invests between $0.25 million and $2.5 million in each portfolio company, typically over multiple rounds, and prefers equity investments in preferred stocks. The firm is particularly interested in sectors such as manufacturing, technology, and software, though it maintains a broad industry focus. Meritus seeks active involvement in its investments, offering operational assistance and mentoring, often funded through grants from the USDA/SBA. The firm generally holds investments for three to five years, planning to exit through methods such as sales, mergers, management buyouts, or initial public offerings.

AFL Telecommunications specializes in providing fiber optic products and engineering services tailored for the telecommunications industry. The company manufactures and installs a wide range of fiber optic products, including cables, conductor accessories, and outside plant equipment. In addition to manufacturing, AFL offers expertise in fusion splicing and connectors, ensuring that communications providers can deliver high-speed voice, video, and data services effectively. Through its integrated approach, AFL enables telecommunications companies to enhance their connectivity solutions and meet the growing demands of their customers.

Francisco Partners Management, L.P. is a private equity firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 1999. It specializes in investing in technology and technology-enabled businesses, focusing on companies undergoing strategic, technological, and operational changes. The firm manages approximately $7 billion in capital and targets control investments in private companies, with transaction values typically ranging from $30 million to $2 billion. Francisco Partners engages in various investment activities, including divisional buyouts, public-to-private transactions, growth equity financing, and strategic minority investments. It primarily seeks opportunities in sectors such as communications, financial technology, healthcare technology, software, and industrial technology, with a specific interest in companies based in North America, Western Europe, and Israel. The firm generally acquires a majority or controlling stake in its portfolio companies and often secures a seat on the Board of Directors.

Cipher Pharmaceuticals is a specialty pharmaceutical company that develops and acquires innovative skin care solutions to address unmet medical needs. The company offers a range of prescription dermatology products, including Bionect for managing various skin injuries and Nuvail for nail dystrophy. Additionally, it provides consumer skin care products such as AL12, Inova, Pro: 12 Mousse, and Umecta, which target moisture retention and skin repair. Cipher also markets prescription medications like Absorica for severe acne and ConZip for chronic pain management. The company focuses on enhancing existing drug formulations through novel delivery technologies and actively seeks to in-license products to expand its portfolio. Cipher Pharmaceuticals operates primarily in Canada and the United States and has been part of EPI Health, LLC since 2017.

Capital A Partners, founded in 2013 and headquartered in New York, is a venture capital and private equity firm that focuses on early-stage investments. The firm specializes in providing growth capital, acceleration equity, and debt funding to post-revenue ventures and small, profitable companies. Its investment interests span various sectors, including life sciences, consumer goods, healthcare, manufacturing, business services, technology, materials technologies, and cleantech. Capital A Partners primarily targets opportunities in the southeastern and East Coast regions of the United States, as well as in Latin America and Nordic countries. The firm has established a presence in multiple locations, including Charleston, South Carolina; Silicon Valley, California; Stockholm, Sweden; and Berlin, Germany. In 2016, Capital A Partners merged with Butterfly Ventures, enhancing its investment capabilities and reach.

Integrated Power Services is an engineering company that specializes in repair and maintenance services for electric motors and generators. It serves various industries, including power generation, petrochemicals, metals, mining, and cement. The company offers a comprehensive range of services such as in-shop repair, mechanical repair and machining, contract manufacturing, and thorough testing. Additionally, Integrated Power Services provides predictive and preventive maintenance solutions, along with emergency response services and outage management, to assist clients in minimizing unplanned downtime.

XLerate Group is a prominent auction and remarketing facilitation company operating across multiple states, including California, Texas, Mississippi, Florida, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. The company specializes in providing automotive remarketing services for dealers and institutional customers. XLerate Group operates simulcast-enabled physical auction locations alongside mobile and multi-seller platforms to streamline transactions between buyers and sellers. Their commitment is to deliver high-quality service and operational execution, ensuring that customer expectations are consistently met.

Hudson Automotive Group is a motor vehicle dealership company headquartered in Madisonville, Kentucky, with locations in Tennessee, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Founded in 1955, the company specializes in selling both new and used vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and trucks, from a range of manufacturers. In addition to vehicle sales, Hudson Automotive Group offers auto loans and OEM parts, catering to the diverse automotive needs of its customers. As a subsidiary of Watermark Auto Group, Hudson Automotive is committed to providing reliable auto services and fostering customer satisfaction across its multiple dealership locations.

Gold Ridge Asset Management is a private equity and investment firm established in 2005, with offices in Connecticut and Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. The firm specializes in investing in micro-cap companies, typically valued under $10 million, that demonstrate positive cash flow. Primarily targeting early-stage businesses located on the East Coast, Gold Ridge provides funding for acquisitions, growth capital, and ownership transitions. The firm collaborates with managers and owners who have substantial resources invested in their ventures. Investments are mainly structured as convertible securities or debt with warrants, enabling Gold Ridge to support its portfolio companies while aligning interests with their stakeholders.

MedBridge Healthcare specializes in sleep laboratory management and therapy services for patients with sleep disorders. Through its subsidiaries, including SleepWorks LLC, Sleep Services of America, and Precision Diagnostic Services, the company collaborates with hospitals and physician practices to provide a comprehensive and integrated approach to patient care. This encompasses the identification, testing, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of sleep disorders. MedBridge Healthcare also operates home medical equipment centers that deliver respiratory services, including oxygen systems and CPAP therapy. By offering a seamless delivery model, the company ensures that patients receive timely and expert care without the complications of coordinating with multiple providers.

Michelin North America Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells tires. The company offers airplane, car, truck and bus, earthmover, agriculture, aircraft, passenger and light truck, heavy duty truck, recreational vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, and other vehicle tires, as well as semi-finished products, truck and aircraft tire retreading, and synthetic rubber. It also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps, and road atlases for various cities in North America.

Blackbaud, Inc. is a global provider of cloud software solutions tailored for nonprofits, foundations, corporations, educational institutions, and healthcare organizations. Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, the company offers a wide range of products and services designed to enhance operational efficiency and fundraising capabilities. Its solutions include fundraising and relationship management tools such as Raiser's Edge NXT and Blackbaud CRM, marketing and engagement platforms, and financial management systems. Additionally, Blackbaud provides grant and award management solutions, organizational management tools, and social responsibility services. With a customer base exceeding 40,000 organizations worldwide, including notable entities like the American Red Cross and Cancer Research U.K., Blackbaud facilitates over $100 billion in donations annually, supporting various missions and initiatives within the social good sector.

Atlas Copco is a Swedish company founded in 1873, specializing in the manufacturing of compressed air and gas equipment, industrial power tools, and vacuum pumps. As a pioneer in air compression technology, it remains a leading manufacturer in the industry. The company's diverse product portfolio includes air compressors, gas generators, industrial blowers, and portable power equipment, serving a wide range of applications from food production to aerospace. With operations in 180 countries, Atlas Copco emphasizes economically, environmentally, and socially responsible practices, ensuring lasting results for its customers. Its revenue is generated from initial equipment sales, spare parts, and maintenance services, reflecting its commitment to customer support and product reliability.

Enhanced Capital Partners, founded in 1999 and headquartered in New York City, is a national investment firm specializing in equity and debt investments in small and mid-sized companies across the United States. With over $400 million under management, the firm focuses on various sectors, including healthcare technology, renewable energy, and affordable housing projects. Enhanced Capital employs a flexible investment approach that includes offering tax credits, tax credit lending, and impact lending to foster the growth and expansion of businesses. The firm manages multiple funds that primarily target the lower middle market, utilizing federal and state incentive programs along with public policy investment strategies to maximize growth potential and support rapid development for its portfolio companies.

Sleepmed is the largest private provider of sleep diagnostics and ambulatory EEG services in the United States. The company focuses on improving the health and quality of life for individuals suffering from sleep disorders. It offers a range of diagnostic and treatment services, including tests that can be conducted in a clinical setting or through its advanced ambulatory technology. This flexibility allows patients to receive comprehensive care tailored to their needs, ultimately promoting better sleep and overall well-being.

Greystar, founded in 1993 and headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, is a prominent real estate firm specializing in multifamily properties. The company integrates management, development, and investment services across various regions, including North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Greystar is recognized for its commitment to hiring top professionals in the multifamily sector, which has contributed to its significant growth and reputation in the industry. The firm manages multiple real estate value-added funds, such as those focused on the European and Asia-Pacific markets, emphasizing its global reach and investment expertise. In addition to investment management, Greystar provides services that support residents, property owners, and investors, including property management, home development, and construction.

SunTx Capital Partners is a private equity firm founded in 2001 and based in Dallas, Texas. The firm specializes in investing in middle-market companies within the manufacturing, distribution, and business service sectors, primarily targeting firms located in the Sunbelt region of the United States. SunTx Capital Partners employs a hands-on approach, leveraging its capital, industry experience, and relationships to assist businesses in realizing their full potential. The firm has established a reputation for being a trusted partner, particularly in complex situations, and has managed various buyout funds that focus on diverse sectors including commercial products, services, and industrial applications.

Novolex is a leading manufacturer of packaging solutions in North America, catering to various sectors such as retail, grocery, food service, hospitality, and industrial markets. The company specializes in producing a wide range of paper and plastic packaging products, including renewable, recyclable, and bio-based items like shopping bags, compostable liners, and grease-resistant containers. With the anticipated addition of Shields, Novolex will employ around 7,300 people and operate 46 manufacturing facilities, including two advanced plastic recycling plants in the United States, along with locations in Canada, Mexico, and the Netherlands. Headquartered in Hartsville, South Carolina, Novolex encompasses several well-known brands, such as Hilex Poly, Duro Bag, and Bagcraft, among others, solidifying its position in the packaging industry.

Civitas Media, based in Davidson, North Carolina, operates as a local information company with a strong emphasis on community newspaper publishing. The organization publishes over 100 titles, including daily and weekly newspapers and magazines, achieving a combined weekly distribution exceeding 1.6 million copies. Civitas Media focuses on delivering community news, information, and entertainment through various platforms, including print, digital media, and video. With a workforce of more than 1,200 employees across 12 states, the company is dedicated to serving as a primary source of local information, adapting to evolving technologies in both content and advertising.

Coppermine Capital, LLC is a private equity firm established in 2002 and headquartered in Concord, Massachusetts, with additional offices in New York and Chesapeake. The firm specializes in acquiring control positions in small to mid-sized companies, primarily focusing on sectors such as healthcare services, business services, food and beverage, niche manufacturing, and the impact sector. It targets investments in the United States, with a preference for businesses located on the East Coast and in the Midwest. Coppermine Capital typically invests between $5 million and $75 million in companies that generate revenues of $3 million to $150 million, have an enterprise value ranging from $10 million to $150 million, and an EBITDA of $2 million to $15 million. The firm is particularly interested in companies with an EBITDA margin of 15 percent or more and engages in various investment strategies, including management buyouts, generational transfers, and corporate divestitures.

Parkway Products is a manufacturer specializing in high-performance plastic and metal components and assemblies. The company focuses on thermoplastic molding, engineered polymers, and magnesium Thixomolding, catering to a range of blue-chip clients. By producing complex, precision-engineered products, Parkway Products aims to address the challenges of high failure costs in its customers' end products. The company's expertise in difficult-to-process materials and tight tolerance machined plastics further enhances its capability to deliver innovative solutions tailored to the specific needs of various industries.

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.

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.

Murphree Investments III is a venture capital fund managed by Murphree Venture Partners, a firm founded in 1987 and based in Houston, Texas. The fund focuses on making growth investments in medium-sized companies across various sectors, including software, commercial services, e-commerce, technology, and 3D printing. Murphree Venture Partners has a history of targeting investments in energy, critical infrastructure, technology-enhanced business services, and waste management. However, in May 2018, a spokesperson indicated that the firm was in the process of winding down its operations.

SouthStar Capital, LLC is a financial services company based in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, that specializes in alternative lending products to address the cash flow needs of businesses across the United States. Established in 2008, the company provides a range of custom financing solutions, including accounts receivable financing, purchase order financing, equipment leasing, asset-based lending, government contract financing, invoice factoring, and payroll funding. SouthStar Capital serves a diverse array of industries, such as apparel, chemicals, clean technology, consulting, electronics, food and beverage distribution, government contracting, information technology, manufacturing, telecommunications, and more. Originally founded as HomeCoast Capital, LLC, the company rebranded in September 2011 to better reflect its broader focus on tailored financial solutions for various sectors.

GoodCall is a consumer-focused education and personal finance platform based in Fort Mill, South Carolina, launched in April 2015. The company provides a free scholarship search tool that allows students to explore thousands of scholarships based on various criteria such as major, gender, and ethnicity. GoodCall also offers guidance on the number of scholarships students should apply for, considering factors like competitiveness and award amounts. In addition to its scholarship services, GoodCall publishes research studies on topics relevant to education and finance, including the best cities for teachers and female entrepreneurs. The company began with a scholarship search engine and expanded by acquiring SchoolSoup.com, enriching its database of college scholarships. Furthermore, GoodCall offers resource guides designed to assist consumers in making informed financial decisions throughout their lives, covering areas such as college, student loans, careers, and retirement. Founded by Eppie Vojt, GoodCall received seed funding from Red Ventures, reflecting its commitment to enhancing education and career training.

HireQuest is a nationwide franchisor specializing in staffing solutions primarily for the blue-collar and light industrial sectors, as well as administrative roles. The company operates through a network of franchise offices that provide direct-dispatch, executive search, and commercial staffing services under various trade names, including HireQuest Direct, Snelling, and DriverQuest. HireQuest's franchisees supply a range of temporary personnel to meet client needs. The company's revenue is primarily generated through royalty fees from the operation of these franchised offices, reflecting its focus on maintaining a robust franchise model in the staffing industry.

Atlanta Ventures is a venture capital and startup studio founded in 2012 and based in Atlanta, Georgia. The firm is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs by fostering a supportive community, providing educational resources, and investing capital to help them advance their business goals. Atlanta Ventures primarily focuses on companies in the software as a service (SaaS) and technology sectors, aiming to elevate entrepreneurs and enable them to achieve their aspirations. Through its multifaceted approach, the firm seeks to create an intentional environment that empowers startup founders and drives innovation in the region.

Sunbelt Rentals is a leading equipment rental company based in Fort Mill, South Carolina, operating over 600 locations across the United States and Canada. The company specializes in providing a wide range of rental solutions, including general construction equipment, industrial tools, pumps, power generation, trench shoring, scaffolding, and remediation equipment. Sunbelt Rentals serves various sectors, including commercial, residential, industrial, municipal, and specialized service industries, as well as weekend do-it-yourselfers. By delivering ready-to-work equipment tailored to customer needs, Sunbelt Rentals effectively supports diverse projects and enhances operational efficiency.

Ramboll is a global engineering, architecture, and consultancy firm based in Copenhagen, Denmark. The company specializes in creating innovative and sustainable solutions across various sectors, including buildings, transportation, urban design, environmental management, health, energy, and management consulting. Ramboll focuses on designing cities and communities of the future, emphasizing the importance of creativity, knowledge, and integrity in their work. By fostering diverse teams, the firm aims to deliver impactful solutions that benefit customers, end users, and society as a whole.

TransAxle LLC is a remanufacturer and distributor focused on the medium and heavy-duty truck markets in the United States. The company specializes in a wide range of products, including transmissions, differentials, hydraulic pumps, steering gears, and brake systems. Its offerings encompass light duty transmissions, axles, hydraulics, powershift transmissions, torque converters, and various brake components such as shoes, drums, and calipers. TransAxle also provides essential services, including removal and reinstallation, application assistance, and troubleshooting. The company aims to minimize customer downtime by delivering truck components on a same-day or next-day basis. Founded in 1979 and based in Cinnaminson, New Jersey, TransAxle operates multiple locations across the eastern United States, including states like Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, and Pennsylvania, among others. Its products serve diverse applications, ranging from tractors and buses to construction and agricultural equipment.

Benefitfocus, Inc. is a cloud-based benefits management platform that serves consumers, employees, employers, insurance brokers, carriers, and suppliers in the United States. The company offers a range of products designed to streamline benefits enrollment and administration. For insurance carriers, solutions include automated enrollment tools, electronic invoicing, integration solutions, and account management tools. Employers benefit from the Benefitfocus Marketplace, which simplifies online enrollment and communication, and other services that support ACA compliance, billing synchronization, and COBRA administration. Additionally, Benefitfocus provides analytics tools to help organizations manage costs and risks associated with employee benefits. The company operates on a subscription model, generating revenue primarily through annual contracts with employers and multi-year agreements with insurance carriers. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, Benefitfocus plays a key role in integrating benefits management and enhancing employee engagement.

Milliken is a manufacturer and distributor of a diverse array of products, including textiles, chemicals, floor coverings, and healthcare solutions. The company focuses on addressing everyday challenges through innovative and practical solutions, leveraging a combination of science, design, and insights. Their offerings encompass specialty chemical additives, protective textiles, polymer additives, and various floor covering solutions, including dust control flooring. Milliken's commitment to enhancing people's lives reflects its dedication to creating safer, more sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing environments. By fostering a culture of innovation, Milliken aims to provide real value and tackle both significant and minor issues faced by individuals and communities.