Venture Carolina, a nonprofit organization committed to connecting investors and entrepreneurs, has partnered once again with VentureSouth, one of the country’s largest early-stage investment organizations, and the South Carolina Department of Commerce to host the second annual Palmetto Venture Fellowship. This program aims to increase venture capital accessibility for South Carolina-based startups by educating and preparing local investors.
It will consist of a quarterly workshop series, diving deep into the intricacies of early-stage capital formation. The program is open to current or aspiring investors looking to gain the necessary expertise to invest in early-stage companies. Topics such as term sheets, valuations, capitalization tables, board governance, exit strategies, and proper due diligence will be covered to equip attendees with the knowledge needed to be successful investors in early-stage companies.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with the South Carolina Department of Commerce’s innovation team and VentureSouth to host the second annual Palmetto Venture Fellowship," said Charlie Banks, Executive Director of Venture Carolina. "It is crucial for South Carolina to have a strong pool of educated investors to support the growth of our state's startup ecosystem. This fellowship program will provide the necessary tools and knowledge for individuals to become successful investors in early-stage companies."
South Carolina Deputy Secretary of Commerce, Ashely Teasdel commented, “Access to venture capital plays a key role in developing new technologies and cutting-edge products. The Palmetto Venture Fellowship is an incredible opportunity for investors and startups alike to discover that South Carolina has the resources and environment to propel innovative growth. We look forward to the impact of this program on our state’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
According to data from the National Science Board, in 2022, there was a 19% increase in the amount of venture capital dollars disbursed per $1,000 of South Carolina's gross domestic product. The Palmetto Venture Fellowship aims to continue this positive trend by providing the necessary resources to attract more venture capital investments to the state.
Applications and nominations are now being accepted on Venture Carolina’s website and will remain open until March 3. For more information about the fellowship, nomination, and application process, please visit www.venturecarolina.org/palmetto-venture-fellowship.