How much funding does SC Launch Inc. Investment Program provide?

SC Launch Inc. Investment Program provides Typically up to $200,000 or more per round; seed-stage through Series B in funding.

When is the deadline for SC Launch Inc. Investment Program?

This grant has a rolling deadline or the deadline has not been announced.

SC Launch Inc. Investment Program

SOUTH CAROLINA RESEARCH AUTHORITY

Foundation Rolling (Quarterly) Grants for Startups Small Business Grants

Apply Now

Funding Amount

Typically up to $200,000 or more per round; seed-stage through Series B

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

SC Launch Inc. Investment Program

Program Name: SC Launch Inc. - SCRA Member Company Investment Program

Geographic Scope: South Carolina

Background: SC Launch Inc. is SCRA's venture capital investment arm providing seed and early-stage funding to innovative South Carolina companies. The program has deployed $3B in follow-on funding to portfolio companies since inception in 2006.

Investment Focus:

First, second, and/or third rounds of seed-stage capital

Convertible loans or equity investments

Later-stage investments (Series A & B rounds) also considered

Financing Amounts: Typically up to $200,000 or more per round; may include matching requirements

Required Characteristics of Funded Companies:

Location Requirement (Mandatory):

Principal office located in South Carolina, OR

51% of payroll to employees within the state

Business Characteristics:

Large, rapidly expanding market

Innovative technology that can be commercialized

Durable intellectual property protection (patents, trademarks, trade secrets, copyrights)

Persuasive strategy with strong, sustainable competitive advantage

Viable business plan with compelling but realistic growth potential

Experienced team with at least one full-time management member and board of advisors

High potential to attract follow-on funding

Reasonable valuation and significant financial return potential

Reasonable potential for innovation economy job creation

Due Diligence Process:

Begins upon execution of letter of intent and term sheet

Includes: competitive analysis, technology development plan, regulatory considerations, IP review, hiring plan, corporate structure, financial analysis, concurrent investment details, and marketing strategy

Post-Investment Support:

SC Launch Inc. provides ongoing support after initial funding

Investment managers provide guidance on investor strategy and long-term funding toward Series A or B rounds

How to Apply:

SCRA Member Companies are considered for investment upon recommendation from their investment manager

Applications directed by SC Launch Inc. executive director

How to Apply

Application Process for SC Launch Inc. Investment

Eligibility Screening:
1. Company must be an SCRA Member Company
2. Application requires recommendation from assigned investment manager
3. Applications directed by SC Launch Inc. executive director

Initial Requirements:

South Carolina Location Requirement: Principal office in SC or 51% of payroll within the state

Prior Investment: Typically, principals, family, and friends should have already invested before seeking SC Launch Inc. capital

Investment Stage: Company should be seeking first, second, third round seed capital, or later-stage (Series A/B)

Application Materials (Inferred from Due Diligence Requirements):
Applications should address:
1. Competitive analysis
2. Technology development plan
3. Regulatory considerations
4. Intellectual property details (patents, trademarks, trade secrets, copyrights)
5. Hiring plan
6. Corporate structure
7. Financial projections and current financials
8. Details of any concurrent investments underway
9. Marketing strategy and market demand
10. Valuation and financial return potential
11. Job creation projections

Process Steps:
1. Work with assigned investment manager (for SCRA Members)
2. Develop letter of intent and term sheet
3. Due diligence review by SC Launch Inc.
4. Investment decision
5. Ongoing post-investment support from investment manager

Next Steps:
For non-SCRA members seeking to access SC Launch Inc. funding:
1. Apply for SCRA membership
2. Request assignment of investment manager
3. Work with manager to develop investment proposal
4. Submit comprehensive business plan and supporting materials

Apply with Grantable Learn more