Fund Information
Fund Investment Thesis
Upstate Upstarts has a mission to develop the flourishing entrepreneurial ecosystem in Upstate South Carolina. This is achieved by channeling exposure, resources, investment to local rockstar founders and their exciting early-stage start-ups in the technology sphere.
The Upstate Upstarts follow a strict three-pronged investment thesis to ensure this cause:
1. Software and Technology Focus
This includes software, hardware, tech-enabled services, digitally native brands, e-commerce, and life sciences companies.
Generally, this excludes “traditional” companies such as retailers, service companies, or real-estate companies.
2. Upstate South Carolina Focus
“Upstate South Carolina” includes the counties Oconee, Pickens, Anderson, Greenville, Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union.
To be considered in these counties, the start-up or its founder must operate out of these counties and indicate a passion to serve the region.
3. “Upstart” Classification
We invest in tech-focused companies that have a minimum number of 8 employees or an ARR at $150,000, with a maximum of 50M revenue and 250 employees.
Investor Information
Investors can join the fund in two ways.
- Accredited investors can invest in the fund immediately by contacting us.
- Alternatively, Venture Carolina accepts donations from anyone who would like to donate to help support these companies. These charitable donations are tax-deductible charitable donations. The donations are used by Venture Carolina to help fund the companies on the list.
