South Carolina has a thriving business scene, and many new startups have been successful in the state. For those looking to grow beyond their initial success, venture capital firms in South Carolina offer multiple VC funding opportunities. Below, we take a look at some of their best.
We also recommend checking out our full list of the top venture capital firms.
Best Venture Capital Firms in South Carolina
The companies below are funding some of the most innovative and disruptive startups in South Carolina. They're also the firms that entrepreneurs should keep their eye on if they're looking for investments.
Keep reading to learn what industries they invest in, some of the more notable companies they've funded, and more.
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1. Liquidax Capital
- Location: Charleston, SC
- Industries: Industry Agnostic
- Stage: Early Stage, Late Stage
- Notable Portfolio Companies: Visa, Mastercard, Amazon, Sony
Liquidax focuses on intellectual property. The firm provides a variety of services related to IP, but also invests extensively in patents and other IPs. Many of the company's funds hold technologies that major companies rely on.
2. Charleston Angel Partners
- Location: Charleston, SC
- Industries: Medical, Technology, Other
- Stage: Seed, Angel, Series A
- Notable Portfolio Companies: Baebies, MedTrust, Red Clay, Site Fuel
Charleston Angel Partners provides early money — but not first money — to high-growth companies. The firm wants to see extensive growth within three to five years but may continue to hold beyond that time. Companies should be seeking $100,000 to $2 million, although the firm won't fund a full $2 million itself. Even $1 million usually requires several rounds of funding from the firm's investors. Preference is given to local companies, but other companies in the US can be considered.
3. BroadStreet Private Equity
- Location: Charleston, SC
- Industries: Infrastructure, Home Development, Lodging, Land, Food Service, Specialty Finance, Crypto Mining
- Stage: Early Stage, Late Stage, Mature
- Notable Portfolio Companies: Durham Homes USA, Marriott Hotels, Pute Homes, Lennar
BroadStreet Private Equity has extensive investments in land-related companies. The firm invests in raw land, residential developments, commercial developments, and more. Service-based companies in food and finance are also considered, and the firm has branched out into crypto mining. Companies can be regional, national, or international.
4. Iron Bridge Private Equity
- Location: Charleston, SC
- Industries: Technology, Software
- Stage: Early Stage, Late Stage, Growth
- Notable Portfolio Companies: Tanguisson Power Plant, PlayOn Sports, Car360, Fetcher
Iron Bridge Private Equity has an extensive real estate investment division and also makes private equity investments. Any technology or software company can be considered, but preference is given to those that improve healthcare. Companies should have high growth rates and proprietary technology.
5. Azalea Capital
- Location: Greenville, SC
- Industries: Agriculture, Food & Beverage, Pet, Engineered Products, Industrial Services, Niche Manufacturing
- Stage: Early Stage, Late Stage, Growth
- Notable Portfolio Companies: Jones Naturals, InTech Aerospace, Modus, Spartan Foods of America
Azaela Capital provides capital for growing low and mid-market companies. Companies should be entrepreneur- or family-owned, and they should have EBITDA between $1 and $10 million. Many investments are in Southeastern companies, but this isn't an exclusive requirement.
