Our Story
The Upstate Upstarts list is collaborative community effort designed to spotlight the tech “Upstarts” in South Carolina's Upstate region.
The inaugural 2024 list features over 60 startups that exemplify the spirit of an “Upstart” - based in the Upstate's seven counties, grounded in technology, and showing promising growth potential.
We envision the Upstate Upstarts list as a beacon, attracting talent, capital, and partnerships to these innovative startups. It's more than a list; it's a platform for investment opportunities and a nexus for collaboration, supporting the vibrant early-stage companies that call the Upstate their home.
Upstate Upstart Criteria
- Based in the Upstate of South Carolina (Oconee, Pickens, Anderson, Greenville, Spartanburg, Cherokee, or Union county)
- Are a “technology” company: including software, hardware, tech-enabled services, digitally native brands, e-commerce, and life sciences companies; but not generally “traditional” companies like retailers, service companies, or real estate companies
- Have a minimum annual recurring revenue of $150,000, or a minimum number of 8 employees
- Have a maximum of $50M revenue or 250 employees
- Would like to be on the list!
Want to learn more?
You can learn more about the list and fund here:
- On the Venture In The South podcast - introducing the list here and covering the fund here
- The list here
- Information on the fund here