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SCRA & SC Launch Celebrate $1 Billion in follow-on funding for SC-based companies

Summerville, S.C.– SCRA, a public, non-profit corporation that fuels South Carolina’s innovation economy, celebrated a milestone of $1 billion of follow-on capital secured by Client Companies in the SC Launch Program. SC Launch, SCRA’s entrepreneurial program, provides mentoring, grants and access to SC Launch, Inc. investments for qualified, South Carolina-based, early-stage companies.

Access to follow-on capital is critical to the success of entrepreneurial companies. Angel investors, venture capital funds and corporate investors are the main source of follow-on funding secured by SC Launch companies. The $1 billion in follow-on investments were acquired by more than 140 Client Companies over the span of 12 years.

“Our job, and our passion, is guiding companies to the next stage in the entrepreneurial life cycle and seeing them through to success,” said Bob Quinn, SCRA Executive Director, “The funding provided by SC Launch is vital in enabling our Client Companies to overcome many of the barriers faced by early-stage enterprises. However, void of follow-on funding, these companies often flounder. Therefore, we are thrilled to be celebrating this $1 billion milestone.”

“Through the SC Launch Program, SCRA helps entrepreneurs to strategically navigate the ups and downs of running a company. We also work alongside entrepreneurs to secure grants, prepare them for investments and secure capital from other sources.” said Jill Sorensen, SCRA Director of Entrepreneurial Programs and Executive Director of SC Launch, Inc. “Our team rolls up our sleeves and dives in to provide an advantage for the entrepreneurs we support.”

SCRA is a state-chartered organization that fuels job creation and grows South Carolina’s innovation economy. The SC Launch Program is open to qualified South Carolina companies in the Advanced Materials/Manufacturing, Information Technology and Life Sciences sectors.

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About SCRA
Chartered in 1983 by the State of South Carolina as a public, non-profit corporation, SCRA fuels South Carolina’s Innovation Economy by supporting entrepreneurs, enabling academic research and its commercialization, and connecting industry to innovators.

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Tamia Sumpter

Tamia is a driven senior undergraduate Bioengineering student currently enrolled at Clemson University. With a strong foundation in her field, she has honed her skills through hands-on experience in research and development at Eli Lilly & Company. During her time in the ADME department, Tamia contributed significantly by working on siRNAs and their applications in finding In Vitro-In Vivo Correlation (IVIVC). Looking ahead, Tamia has set her sights on a promising career in law. She aspires to specialize in Intellectual Property Law, with a particular focus on serving as in-house counsel for leading medical device or pharmaceutical companies. Her enthusiasm for this role is palpable as she prepares to embark on her legal journey! She is also a proud member of the Omicron Phi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., PEER Mentor for Clemson PEER/WiSE, and currently serves as the President of Clemson Bioengineering Organization (CBO). With her unique blend of scientific knowledge and legal interests, Tamia is poised to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare and life sciences industries.