The Founder Institute, the world’s most proven network to turn ideas into fundable startups, is excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for the South Carolina 2025 program!
If you could use a structured process and a lifetime of support from South Carolina's top investors and entrepreneurs to build a startup, then apply to the South Carolina 2025 Founder Institute today.
Since 2009, our highly-structured accelerator programs have helped entrepreneurs at the earliest stages grow quickly, know what to do next, and make connections with the largest community of startup advisors.
To celebrate the launch, the Founder Institute will host several free online startup events in South Carolina, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs:
- Future-proofing CPG Brands: Key Strategies for Sustainable Growth: 10:00am, May 15, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/371042
- Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
- Lessons Learned Raising from Top Silicon Valley VCs: AMA with Rajeev Behera: 12:00pm, May 29, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/371284
- How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas: 1:00pm, Jun 02, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/370638
- How to Build Your MVP Using Artificial Intelligence : 1:00pm, Jun 04, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/371407
- Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 8:00pm, Jun 09, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/370781
- FI Alumni Panel: Meet Portfolio Companies and Ask Questions: 1:00pm, Jun 23, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/371834
- Startup Finance & Banking Basics: AMA with Grasshopper Bank: 1:00pm, Jun 25, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/372035
- Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner: 1:00pm, Jun 30, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/371675
- Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback: 1:00pm, Jul 07, 2025 (America/New_York): https://FI.co/e/370400
The South Carolina program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including Angela Coxe (Beaufort Digital Corridor), Jess OBrien (Beaufort Digital Corridor Foundation), Rich Conte.
In addition, some of South Carolina's top investors, entrepreneurs, and CEOs will be participating in the program, providing them with expert feedback and evaluation. The list of startup mentors for the South Carolina Founder Institute includes:
- Angela Coxe: Program Manager, Beaufort Digital Corridor
- Chris Heivly: Managing Director, Build The Fort
- Chuck Hannon: Startup Mentor, Don Ryan Center for Innovation
- Ed Jopeck: President, Next Third Ventures
- Eric Siano: Managing Director, Fractional CMO, Blue Leopard LLC
- Eric Thome: Director, Venture South
- Gary Baldwin: Co-Founder, Medical Access Partners
- Henrik De Gyor: Co-Founder, My DAM Services
- Herbert L. Drayton III: Managing Partner, HI Mark Capital
- Jamie Dement: Director of Technology & Cybersecurity Initiatives, SC Competes
- Jamie Fleming: Founder, 1212 Design
- Jason Loia: Chief Growth Officer, Webscale Networks
- Jess O'Brien: Executive Director, Beaufort Digital Corridor
- Jim Stritzinger: CEO, Revolution D, Inc
- Joe Floyd: Co-Founder & CEO, Swaggy
- Katherine Butkevich: Founder | CEO, Realign Advisors
- Lee Macilwinen: Director, SC Launch, SCRA
- Matt D'angelo: Client Services Partner, IFS North America
- Raquel Padgett: Executive Director, EforAll Lowcountry
- Rick Case: Founder, CaseFactor
- Serephina Ha: Managing Director, Founder Institute - Los Angeles
- Shane Snipes: Founder, Citizen Entrepreneur Explorers Program (CEEP)
- Tim Johnson: Co-Founder, CEO, Longship Legal, LLC
- And many more to be announced.
Join us in South Carolina to build a great company in 2025.
Apply to the South Carolina 2025 Founder Institute today, or learn more at FI.co/overview.
