South Carolina's top accelerators and incubators handpicked for you
Learn from South Carolina's foremost start-up experts who know the ins and outs of scaling start-ups.
Choosing The Right Accelerator
Start-ups are hard. Choose an accelerator that guides you in the right direction.
"I doubt that Stripe would have worked without YC. It's that simple."
Patrick Collison, Founder, Stripe
"Accelerators claim they are in it for the long haul — I call bullshit"
Chris Lynch, Founder, Atlas Venture
"The network we built with Techstars was incredibly valuable during and after the program."
Raj Aggarwal, Founder, Localytics
What truly matters
Figuring what’s in it for you
Accelerator’s connections in the industry
Do they know why they succeeded in the past?
Do the alumni rate them truly well?
Discover your perfect match
No accelerator or incubator is perfect for every start-up. Your business’s context and constraints matter. Identify your perfect match by answering this short questionnaire.
South Carolina's Top Accelerators By Neighborhoods
Comparing Accelerators
This page covers the top accelerators and incubators in South Carolina.
However if geography isn’t a hard constraint, and you are only looking for the best incubators and accelerators across the US, check here.
Brief Overview Of Different Accelerators
1) South Carolina Research Authority
South Carolina Research Authority is a pivotal organization that propels the state's innovation economy by supporting academic startups and facilitating industry partnerships. Through its independent nonprofit arm, SC Launch Inc., it invests in early-stage companies, providing essential loans and investments to assist in commercializing innovations and fostering job creation. Focused on translational research and technology-based enterprises, the institution operates across multiple industries, including biotech, healthcare tech, general tech, and SaaS. The accelerator offers high-quality laboratory and administrative workspaces for startups and academic institutions, ensuring they have the necessary resources for success. Additionally, collaboration is promoted by connecting industry players with entrepreneurs, enriching the local ecosystem. Relocation assistance is provided to technology-focused companies moving to the state, while members benefit from coaching and exclusive access to a diverse partner network. The program is designed to nurture startups through various stages of growth, ensuring they have the support needed to thrive in a competitive landscape.
2) Clemson University - Spiro Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership
The Arthur M. Spiro Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership is dedicated to nurturing aspiring entrepreneurs through a range of educational, research, and service programs. Launched in 1994 with a $1.5 million gift from Mr. and Mrs. Arthur M. Spiro, it aims to foster an entrepreneurial mindset amongst students, faculty, staff, and alumni, significantly contributing to regional and national economic development. The institution features a venture accelerator program that supports undergraduates and faculty in researching, planning, and launching business ideas, complemented by programming such as 'How to Start a Start-Up.' It emphasizes personal development and the formation of diverse, inclusive teams, which enhances the entrepreneurial experience. The interdisciplinary nature of the programs allows collaborations across various colleges, aligning with the focus on real-world entrepreneurial experiences and mentorship. Notably, Jason W. Osborne is one of the founders associated with the initiative, underscoring its commitment to impactful educational entrepreneurship, particularly in the EdTech sector.
3) University of South Carolina - FABER Entrepreneurship Center
Located in Columbia, the University of South Carolina is a globally recognized research university that nurtures entrepreneurial spirit and provides education and research opportunities to both undergraduate and graduate students. At the Faber Entrepreneurship Center, situated at the Darla Moore School of Business within the university, a hub is created for fostering entrepreneurship through education, experiential learning, and research. The center's mission is to prepare students to succeed in the global economy by offering experiential opportunities and educational resources related to entrepreneurship. Collaborating with various entities such as the USC/Columbia Technology Incubator and the South Carolina Research Authority, innovative technologies and inventions are brought to the market. Experiential learning is promoted through consulting projects integrated into coursework, allowing students to work on real-world entrepreneurship projects. Additionally, the center hosts the Proving Ground competition, accelerating innovative business concepts that can create sustainable ventures in South Carolina. Industries supported include Edtech and General Tech, and students benefit from interacting with successful entrepreneurs and receiving training in small business management.
4) The Harbor Accelerator
Operated by the Harbor Entrepreneur Center, this nonprofit organization was established in 2013 by local entrepreneurs and advocates. It offers a robust 14-week program running from February to June, designed to launch startups through comprehensive mentorship and resources. Participants benefit from hands-on guidance provided by founders of successful companies within the region, along with insights from a vast network of subject matter experts. The program emphasizes developing a strong customer acquisition platform through market validation, making it particularly effective for entrepreneurs across various industries, including blockchain, fintech, and personal finance. Notably, alumni have secured over $7 million in private sector investments, showcasing the program's success in fostering scalable businesses. Participants also engage in pitch practice, gaining essential skills for leadership in their ventures. The organization operates collaborative workspaces in West Ashley at Citadel Mall and in Mt. Pleasant at 11 eWall St, creating an environment conducive to innovation and connection among entrepreneurs. Key figures include founders John Osborne and Patrick Bryant, who are dedicated to empowering the entrepreneurial community in the Charleston region.
5) The Harbor Entrepreneur Center
Founded in 2013 by local entrepreneurs John Osborne and Patrick Bryant, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit aims to foster collaboration among the entrepreneur community by connecting thinkers, doers, and visionaries, thereby enhancing the region's economic vitality. Over more than ten years, it has supported over 200 companies, collectively attracting over $7 million in private sector investments. The Accelerator program runs for 14 weeks, accepting eight companies annually, and offers a focused curriculum designed by successful entrepreneurs. Participants benefit from hands-on mentoring and guidance on essential skills such as Market Validation and pitching, building a solid foundation for growth. Additionally, the organization provides a range of resources for further-stage entrepreneurs, including a coding school, networking forums, and collaborative workspace options. The environment is crafted to promote a collaborative entrepreneurial mindset, making it an inviting place for entrepreneurs in Charleston to thrive and succeed.
6) USC Technology Incubator
This nonprofit corporation, sponsored by the University of South Carolina and the City of Columbia, is dedicated to accelerating the development of early-stage entrepreneurs. It supports founders with connections to the university, including students, alumni, and faculty, providing experiential education, mentorship, and community. The program assists entrepreneurs from the feasibility phase to building tested business models, securing distribution, and preparing for investment. It encourages diverse teams with expertise in tech, design, business, and marketing to apply. With a portfolio of over 100 companies, it has fostered successful ventures across various domains, including Edtech, Fintech, and General Tech. Participating companies have successfully raised funds and received NSF grants. The organization operates continuously, offering monthly private and group sessions, along with workspaces for teams. Alumni connections provide invaluable domain-specific expertise, further enhancing its impact. Through comprehensive support, the institution cultivates a rich environment for entrepreneurs, emphasizing practical business development and long-term success.
7) Nextsc
NEXT, also known as NextGen Accelerator, is an entrepreneurial support organization based in Greenville, South Carolina, United States. Founded in 2006, it focuses on attracting and aiding in the growth of high-impact, knowledge-based companies in the region. The accelerator program typically lasts for 8 weeks and is tailored to support early-stage startups in South Carolina across various industries. NEXT collaborates with investors actively seeking new investment opportunities, providing startups with the necessary resources to thrive. Notable founder Scott Millwood has been instrumental in the organization's success. The accelerator also offers a Value Accelerator Library for SAP Signavio solutions, designed to expedite and de-risk transformation projects for implementation teams. Additionally, the SAP Signavio Process Transformation Manager, included in the suite, facilitates collaborative management of transformation insights and improvement initiatives. With a vision for Greenville to be a top choice for entrepreneurs and investors, NEXT plays a pivotal role in shaping the startup landscape of the region.
8) Techventures
This Romanian tech startup incubator is dedicated to fostering an ecosystem of complementary, independent technology-driven ventures. It offers a pro-bono accelerator program known as the PandemicTech Accelerator, specifically designed to support startups combating pandemic disease threats. The initiative enables participants to collaborate with mentors and experts, creating a robust environment aimed at accelerating their impact in addressing critical health challenges. The program emphasizes the importance of innovation and technology in tackling health-related issues. Industries served by the accelerator include General Tech and Healthcare Tech, highlighting its commitment to driving advancements in these sectors. Overall, the organization serves as a valuable platform for ventures looking to leverage resources, guidance, and networking opportunities to succeed in the competitive tech landscape.
9) Columbia Biomedical Technology Accelerator
The Biomedical Engineering Technology Accelerator is focused on catalyzing the advancement of biomedical technologies from the lab to the market. It provides funding, education, resources, and mentorship to interdisciplinary teams working on promising biomedical projects with the goal of moving innovative technologies to clinical application and commercialization, ultimately benefiting society. With 11 cohort cycles, 222 applications received, 157 teams admitted, and 72 awards granted, the accelerator has awarded over $5.6 million to teams, who have also secured $86 million in follow-on funding from external sources. Specializing in biomedical technologies like medical devices, diagnostics, therapeutics, and digital health, it offers mentorship, encourages publishing research outcomes, and serves as a bridge to commercial investment. Industries served include Biotech and Healthcare Tech. Key people involved in the program include the founders and notable start-ups that have benefited from the accelerator.
Top Reasons Start-ups Participate In Accelerators
Learning about market forces
The market seems fair from a distance. But there are certain patterns to how it operates.
Holistic growth
Marketing, Sales, Tech, Ops, HR, Finance, Admin...... you can’t go wrong in any one field.
Peer learning
There’s not enough time in the world to learn from one’s own mistakes. Peer learning helps.
Developing business sense
Which metrics will make or break your start-up?- You can have 100k users and still fail.
Why an accelerator might not be right for you
It's usually helpful to consider potential pitfalls. Some common misconceptions
Only you feel the punch
Everybody has a plan till they get punched in the face. Strategy & accelerators can only guide you to a point. No one else will feel the struggle as you would.
Figuring out the failure rates
Everyone can point to a few success stories. Though in general 95% of all start-ups fail. An important question is- what %ge of an accelerator's start-up survive after 3 years.
What's the real value of your equity
There's a math behind how accelerators decide whether your start-up is worth investing. Did you run the calculation for diluting your equity?
FAQs About Start-up Accelerators
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Accelerators and Incubators in south-carolina
Looking for the best accelerators in South Carolina? Accelerators play a crucial role in nurturing and growing start-ups by providing mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. By choosing an accelerator, you can benefit from personalized guidance, access to investors, and a supportive community dedicated to your success. Consider factors like the program duration, industry focus, and success stories of previous participants when selecting the right accelerator for your start-up. South Carolina's start-up culture is vibrant and diverse, with a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. The state offers a supportive environment for start-ups to thrive, with access to top universities, research facilities, and a growing network of angel investors and venture capitalists. If you're looking to take your start-up to the next level, South Carolina accelerators can provide the resources and support needed to propel your business forward. Some notable start-ups from South Carolina that have succeeded well include Blackbaud, a leading provider of software and services for non-profit organizations; PhishLabs, a cybersecurity company specializing in anti-phishing services; and PeopleMatter, a human resources software company. These success stories highlight the potential for growth and innovation within the state, making South Carolina accelerators an attractive option for start-ups looking to achieve their goals.
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