Regional Director at SCRA – Columbia, South Carolina

The Regional Director is primarily responsible for advising and mentoring companies in SCRA’s SC Launch program, as they progress through the startup stages of ideate, develop, accelerate, and scale toward a potential investment by SC Launch, Inc., our investment affiliate. In addition, the Regional Director is responsible for mentoring assigned Investment Associates and assisting with training activities as assigned, ensuring a healthy program pipeline of new member companies, and the management of mentors and partners in the growing partner network. The Regional Director may be assigned to directly manage one or more key staff, such as an Investment Manager and/or Investment Associate, located in their respective region.

This position is the most senior position within the SC Launch team, working closely with the Chief Program Officer (CPO) on special projects, and will be tasked with achieving key program metrics while also managing an assigned portfolio of companies who have either already started external fundraising or are preparing for their first fundraise with institutional investors.

The Regional Director will work with the SCRA programs’ team members to prioritize the application of SC Launch grant programs and assist with definition of key company metrics for success within the program, ensuring these metrics are met.

The Regional Director will be a key person in determining which companies advance into diligence for a possible investment by the SC Launch, Inc. board and will be a key contributor for ensuring the companies are well prepared for their board presentation.

This leadership role is focused on early-stage companies in the advanced manufacturing/materials, IT, life science, and clean energy sectors. This individual works with other SCRA departments and operations in support of economic development in South Carolina through the growth of technology-based startups, working closely with key stakeholders which include academic institutions, industry, economic development organizations, entrepreneurial support organizations, investment partners, Industry Partnership Fund financial donors, etc. The Regional Director also leads, participates in, and supports public and private events associated with SCRA/SC Launch and the SCRA mission.

Essential Functions:

• Supports, mentors, assists with training, and if assigned directly manages of Investment Managers and/or Investment Associate.
• Mentors and coaches, serving as a senior advisor, to South Carolina-based entrepreneurs and technology startup companies, accepted as SCRA member companies.
• Assists assigned Investment Associate(s) and other SC Launch team members (e.g., Program Managers) with their portfolios as needed.
• Working with SC Launch, Inc., leads the development and ongoing management of an Investor Network for SC Launch member companies.
• Works with Chief Program Officer (CPO) on development of key overall program metrics and the development of programs to meet those metrics.
• At the direction of Chief Program Officer (CPO), leads key program directives/initiatives.
• Working with SC Launch, Inc., leads the diligence process for assigned member companies in preparation for SC Launch, Inc. board meetings.
• Leads contract negotiation with SC Launch investment candidate representative and SC Launch, Inc. counsel.
• Provides intensive, hands-on support to early-stage companies in the SC Launch Program, especially those prioritized to present to the SC Launch, Inc. Board.
• Leads SC Launch team in evaluations of member companies and their commercial potential.
• Examines and evaluates companies’ product-development plans and provides expert guidance necessary to achieve company growth, commercialization, and sustainability.
• Reviews SC Launch company milestones for investment readiness and recommends actions leading to preparation for internal and external grant awards and possible direct investments from SC Launch, Inc., including preparation for companies entering investment due diligence, term sheet negotiations, and review of company financials, forecasts, valuations, and capitalization tables.
• Recommends SCRA’s Acceleration Grant funding to top candidates for SC Launch, Inc. investment.
• Facilitates, manages, and supports the development and expansion of strategic partnerships.
• Assists SC Launch, Inc. and other institutional investors with the due diligence process for assigned companies.
• Analyzes and reviews licensing arrangements, contracts, and related fiduciary agreements in support of assigned companies, working with SC Launch, Inc. and/or SCRA Finance & Administration.
• Advises company management in structuring investor presentations and related analyses while exploring proposed courses of action in meetings with clients.
• Develops and maintains ongoing trusted-partner relationships with assigned companies during the multiple stages of company growth.
• Cultivates a broad network of diverse resources and market opportunities to assist member companies.
• Participates in continued efforts to strengthen and support the SCRA Resource Partner Network and Member Benefits programs.
• Identifies internal and external, in-state and out-of-state sources of funding for member companies.
• Periodically reports on important aspects of an assigned company portfolio.
• Ensures that assigned member companies are following SCRA agreements.
• Performs other duties and assignments as directed in fulfilling SC Launch program objectives.
• Works directly with the SCRA’s other programs in support of SCRA’s mission.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree required in business, technology and/or science with an advanced degree preferred.
• 20+ years of experience in business, operations management and/or production management.
• Experience as a principal, investor, founder, or early management-team member in one or more technology startups.
• Experience and knowledge of early-stage venture capital as well as the structuring of deals suitable for venture capital and/or corporate investors.
• Experience with venture investment models including financial and legal terms and deal structures.
• Experience with intellectual property (IP) commercialization and at least a basic knowledge of IP laws.
• Experience with establishing and growing relationships with early-stage investors, particularly in the Southeast US.
• Ability to quickly master new technical and business knowledge and incorporate into investment and business management decisions.
• Diverse and advanced education or experience in business, emerging fields of technology, and financial resources are highly desirable.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Experience with private or nonprofit fundraising activities. Board experience is highly desirable.
• Ability to travel in-state principally and, if necessary, work extended hours in support of program objectives.