Charlie Banks is the co-founder and Managing Director of VentureSouth, one of the country’s leading early stage investment firms with an investor membership of nearly 600 investors. Based in South Carolina, VentureSouth has invested in over 110 companies representing over $80M in capital deployed.
Charlie also serves as the Executive Director of Venture Carolina, a non-profit organization that serves the entrepreneurship ecosystem by providing best-in-class education to current and potential investors in hopes of bridging the capital gap throughout South Carolina. Prior to founding VentureSouth and Venture Carolina, Charlie was a successful serial entrepreneur with significant experience starting and scaling companies across a myriad of industries.
Charlie has received significant accolades for his leadership and success by regional business publications, including South Carolina’s 50 Most Influential Hall of Fame, The State’s 20 under 40 Award, and the recipient of the SCBIZ Phenom Award. He is a native of Camden, SC, received a BS in Business Administration from Newberry College, and currently resides in Chapin, SC with his wife and 4 children.