SC Launch, Inc. Joins Catalyst by Beemok as an Investor and Judge for 2026
SC Launch, Inc., which has been South Carolina’s most active early-stage investor for the past 20 years, is joining Catalyst by Beemok as an investor and judge in this year’s pitch competition.
SC Launch, Inc. will invest in select Catalyst companies alongside Beemok Capital. Kevin Eichelberger, director of SC Launch will also serve as a judge when 12 finalists take the stage on Thursday, November 12, in Charleston.
The partnership grew out of something both organizations noticed after last year’s event: many of the founders Catalyst backed, were already connected to SC Launch, Inc.
“What stood out from the inaugural Catalyst event was how much alignment there was between our organizations, even though it wasn’t intentional,” said Eichelberger. “Of the 10 finalists, six were already SCRA members, five had received SCRA grants and four had received investment through our affiliate fund, SC Launch, Inc. That overlap isn’t surprising when you consider that we share a common mission: empowering entrepreneurship as a driver of economic growth. By working together, we’re helping build a stronger support system for entrepreneurs across the region and the state, with greater access to resources, mentorship and capital than ever before.”
For founders, the investment is only part of the value. Companies that join the SC Launch, Inc. portfolio become members of the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA), giving them access to coaching, member benefits, non-dilutive grants, investor relations support and opportunities for follow-on investment.
Over the past two decades, SC Launch, Inc. has invested more than $50 million in over 160 South Carolina companies. The $3.6 million it invested in its most recent fiscal year was its highest annual total since 2010.
“The founders on our stage are building companies across every corner of the Lowcountry, and they deserve investors who know this state,” said Ford Perry, COO of Beemok Capital. “SC Launch has backed South Carolina founders for 20 years. Having them invest alongside us this year opens more doors for our finalists, during the competition and long after it.”
This year’s 12 finalists (nine companies and three student teams) were selected from 174 applicants across the Tri-County.