Join us for a quick read to discover how and where we’re deploying SSBCI capital across South Carolina. Learn about the founders driving innovation, the impact we’re catalyzing, and the latest updates on InvestSC’s investment journey!

#InvestSC

South Carolina, through the Jobs-Economic Development Authority (JEDA), was awarded $101 million from the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) to support small businesses and entrepreneurs by providing capital and technical assistance that promote stability, growth, and success.

To facilitate the deployment of the state's SSBCI venture capital program, JEDA contracted InvestSC, a South Carolina-based nonprofit, to serve as the Designated Investor Group. The mission is to stimulate economic growth by matching capital investments from accredited investors.

As the designated administrator of the SSBCI Venture Capital Program, InvestSC is responsible for deploying $51 million through equity investments in startups headquartered in South Carolina. In addition to making direct equity investments, the program actively seeks emerging fund managers who share a vision for expanding South Carolina’s investment landscape and can participate as limited partners (LPs). A separate Loan Participation Program is tasked with deploying the remaining $50 million.

InvestSC By the Numbers:

• Direct Investment Capital Deployed: $3.1M since April 2024

• Direct Investment Capital Committed: $3.7M in Pipeline

• Fund Investment Capital Committed: $5M

• Number of Founders Supported: 6

• Industries Invested In: CPG, AI, FinTech, BioTech, Digital Health & Healthcare Services, Data Analytics (and looking to expand!)

Meghan Rowe \ CEO of White Leaf Provisions

Meghan is the visionary leader and CEO of White Leaf Provisions, a pioneering women-led brand redefining how families nourish themselves. With a deep-rooted entrepreneurial background, she grew up immersed in her family’s businesses, gaining hands-on experience in every facet of operations—including her parents’ snack food company, which was later acquired by Campbell’s under the Pepperidge Farm brand.

Her journey took her across the globe, where she pursued a career in photography while developing a deep appreciation for the European Union’s rigorous food and product standards. This experience ignited her passion for clean, sustainable food. However, it was the birth of her son, Keegan, that solidified her mission: to bring Regenerative Organic and Biodynamic® foods into the mainstream.

Since its launch in 2018, White Leaf Provisions has been on a mission to educate and showcase the power of regenerative farming. The company meticulously tracks its product footprint, ensuring that every step—from farm to shelf—aligns with its commitment to toxin-free, nutrient-rich nourishment. Meghan and her team are dedicated to raising the next generation healthier than the last, proving that food isn’t just organic—it can be truly regenerative.

Under Meghan’s leadership, White Leaf Provisions is revolutionizing the food industry by providing regeneratively sourced, glyphosate residue-free tested, and nutritionally dense foods for all ages. The brand is committed to purity, transparency, and sustainability, sourcing over 85% of its ingredients from certified regenerative organic farms and orchards—farms that go beyond traditional organic standards to restore soil health, eliminate chemical inputs, and implement practices that heal the planet for future generations.

Meghan is also elated to have InvestSC as an investor, following a $500,000 investment in the Summer of 2024. InvestSC has committed to lead White Leaf’s next priced equity round, set to open in March 2025.

Latest Ventures Backed by InvestSC:

Here’s where SSBCI capital is directly fueling innovation and growth most recently.

Announcements:

• InvestSC has pledged to lead a follow-on round for White Leaf Provisions with a $1M matching commitment.

• VBASE Oil Company successfully closed their Seed round, raising $1.44M of the targeted $2M, led by local investor group Venture South.

• GoodUnited successfully closed their $1.5 million series Seed+ extension led by local investor group Meeting Street Capital.

• LevelFields, a FinTech software, was recently featured on two prominent business podcasts: Future Tech and Foresight and Raw and Relentless with Bo DePaoli.

• Interloop Technologies, a DataOps company and Microsoft ISV Partner based out of Charleston, has secured a $500K match commitment from InvestSC in their series Seed round of fundraising.

• Querri, also a DataOps company out of Mt. Pleasant, received a $150k match commitment in their series Seed round.

Are You a Founder Based in South Carolina Looking for Funding to Grow Your Business?

InvestSC’s Direct Investment Program provides the matched capital and support you need to scale your vision. Be sure to check out the FAQ guide for qualifications.

Partnering for Impact: Fund Partners To Be Announced Q2 2025

At InvestSC, our mission to catalyze innovation in South Carolina extends beyond direct investments. Through the Fund Investment Program, we empower and collaborate with exceptional General Partners (GPs) who share our vision of supporting early-stage companies in within the state. These partnerships allow us to amplify reach and ensure more local founders receive the funding and support they need to thrive.

By partnering with these funds, we’re able to:

• Leverage the expertise and networks of top-tier fund managers.

• Increase access to capital for founders aligned with South Carolina’s strategic growth areas.

• Build a stronger ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Emerging Fund Managers - Interested in Partnering with Us?

If you manage a fund aligned with InvestSC’s mission and are interested in collaboration, we’d love to hear from you! Be sure to check out our FAQ guide for qualifications.

Strengthening SC’s Venture Ecosystem—Together.

Through partnerships with local investor groups, we're creating a stronger foundation for innovation, growth, and opportunity in South Carolina.