About this programme
SC Launch Inc. is the investment affiliate of the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA), a public, non-profit corporation chartered by the State of South Carolina in 1983. SC Launch supports advanced technology and technology-based businesses with seed and follow-on capital, and the returns from its investments fund future investments, sustaining the organization's role in growing South Carolina's economy.
The fund considers seed-stage, early-stage, and later-stage opportunities, including Series A and Series B rounds, and invests through convertible loans or direct equity. A nine-member board, chaired on an interim basis by Bob Crutchfield, oversees the fund; other directors include founders, principals from equity firms, and a Clemson University professor.
How it works
Investments average around $300,000, though the actual amount varies by company and round.
SC Launch invests through convertible loans or equity, structured deal by deal.
The review process runs in stages: an SCRA Relationship Manager and the SC Launch team first align on whether the company is ready, the company then receives a diligence checklist and next steps, diligence covers market, technology, IP, financials, team, and competitive position, and the process can advance through additional review stages before final approval, legal documentation, and capital release. Being considered does not guarantee funding.
Who can apply
The company's principal office must be in South Carolina, or at least 51% of its payroll must go to employees based in the state.
The company should have durable intellectual property protection or a defensible technology position, such as patents, trademarks, trade secrets, or proprietary know-how.
The company typically needs to have already secured some capital or support, whether from founders, friends and family, customers, strategic partners, angel investors, or other early funding sources, before SC Launch will invest.
The company must be an SCRA Member Company to be considered for SC Launch investment.
How to apply
- Become an SCRA Member Company; SC Launch investment is only available to member companies.
- Work with your SCRA Relationship Manager, who aligns with the SC Launch team on whether the company is ready for investment consideration.
- Receive a diligence checklist and next steps from your Relationship Manager.
- Go through the diligence review covering market, technology, IP, financials, team, and competitive position.
- If diligence goes well, move through further review stages toward final approval, legal documentation, and release of capital.
Frequently asked
Does SC Launch invest through equity or loans?
Both. SC Launch invests through convertible loans or direct equity investments.
What is a typical SC Launch investment size?
Investments average around $300,000, though the actual amount varies by company.
Do I need to be an SCRA Member Company first?
Yes. SC Launch investment is only available to active SCRA Member Companies.
What stage of company does SC Launch fund?
Seed-stage, early-stage, and later-stage opportunities, including Series A and Series B rounds.
Does membership or diligence guarantee funding?
No. Investment consideration does not guarantee funding.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.