With amazing startup growth in 2019, Columbia has become an innovative tech hub.

Although there aren't a lot of famous names in the investment community, many entrepreneurs are still securing an investment for their startups through exterior funding campaigns.

Do you also want to find the right investors for your business?

Well, let's waste no more time and move on to the list of the top 4 angel investors in Columbia and ways to connect with them.

Top 4 Angel Investors in Columbia, South Carolina

Following is the list of some of the top-ranked venture capitalists. Before contacting any investor, it is recommended to contact them through their official websites to avoid any mistakes later on.

South Carolina Research Authority

Website: SCRA: South Carolina Research Authority - Fueling South Carolina's innovation economy

Investor Type: Funding Institute

Investment Interests: Auto Industry, Tech, Marketing, SaaS, Healthcare, and IT. 

Investment Stage: Early and Seed

South Carolina Research Authority, aka SCRA, is a research firm that funds South Carolina-based startups. Founded in 1983 by the South Carolina General Assembly, the network is one of the most famous investors in South Carolina. They fund tech-based startups through grants, convertible loans, and equity investments.

When funding startups, the network takes a very careful approach, funding tech startups that are unique. Even after arranging tough screening tests, SRCA has funded 85 startups in 2022 and continues to expand its portfolio.

Aside from investments, the South Carolina Research Authority also arranges mentorship and networking events. They host the annual SCRA Summit, which includes inspiring speakers and networking opportunities.

The investment range of the South Carolina Research Authority ranges from 200,000 to several million dollars. Notable companies in their portfolio are:

Proterra: Proterra is an American electric vehicle technology manufacturer that specializes in zero-emission electric transit vehicles and EV technology solutions for commercial applications. The company secured $1.2 billion in funding.

Pixlmob: Pixlmob is a software company that provides an online marketplace platform connecting real estate photographers with photo editors. Pixlmob secured $200,000 in investment.

GoodUnited: GoodUnited is a marketing automation platform that helps nonprofits elevate engagement and fundraising on social media. The network raised $1.1 million in a venture round.

Rapid Title Corporation: Rapid Title Corporation is an information technology firm. The company has developed a clever API platform that streamlines the title search process in real estate transactions. This innovation expedites the process and aims to make real estate transactions more efficient. It received a $25,000 grant.

Azalea Capital

Website: Azalea Capital Lower Middle Market Private Equity Fund

Investor Type: Private Equity Firm

Investment Interests: Automotive, Tech, Food & Beverages.

Investment Stage: Late and Seed

Founded in 1995, Azlea Capital is a renowned private equity firm seeking deserving startups across the Southeastern US. With founders like Patrick A. Duncan, the network is dedicated to finding technology-based growth ventures that can generate high profits.

Similarly, Azlea Capital arranges 1-2 pitching competitions annually. They have a team of 10 investors focusing on funding startups that can generate huge ROI. Even after arranging rigorous screening tests, the pitching entrepreneurs still have a shot at securing investment for their firm and giving the required boost to their startup.

The investment range of Azlea Capital often depends on the startup. However, looking at their past investments, they can range from $1M to $10M. Some of their portfolio companies include:

Sage Automotive Interiors: Sage Automotive Interiors is a global supplier of technical textiles for the automotive industry. They design and manufacture innovative interiors that enhance the automotive experience.

Spartan Foods of America: Spartan Foods of America, Inc. is known for its gourmet pizza crusts and ready-made pancakes sold under the Mama Mary's® brand name. The company also manufactures and distributes frozen pizza crusts and pancake products through various institutions, food services, and vending channels in the U.S.

Ark Naturals: Ark Naturals focuses on using high-quality, natural ingredients to create products that improve the quality of pets' lives. They are recognized for their innovative and effective pet care products.

Power Services Group: Power Services Group (PSG) is a market leader in providing integrated, turnkey solutions for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of steam and gas turbines for the power generation, oil & gas, and process industries.

Charleston Angel Partners

Website: Charleston Angel Partners (chapsc.com)

Investor Type: Venture Capital

Investment Interests: Healthcare

Investment Stage: Seed and Late Stage

Charleston Angel Partners is also a famous venture capital firm that funds deserving ventures. Although the network is located in Charleston, it still annually funds startups in Columbia and nearby cities.

Discussing its founder, the firm was founded in 2004 by John Osborne, who has also been an active manager at Good Growth Capital. They have made a total of 16 investments (most at the seed and late stage).

When funding startups, CAP takes a very focused approach. The team of investors usually have a presentation and questioning phase. Most of the questions investors pose are often related to the startup growth and estimated growth potential.

The investment range of Charleston Angel Partners ranges from 100,000 to several million dollars. Some of their portfolio companies are:

Xequel Bio: Xequel Bio is a clinical-stage biopharma company that develops drugs using its proprietary alpha-connexin carboxyl-terminus 1 (aCT1) peptide technology platform. This technology aims to revolutionize the way the body responds to injury by stabilizing gaps and tight junctions.

Nirvana Sciences: Nirvana Sciences develops synthetic bacteriochlorins and chlorins for life science applications. Their dyes typically have ultra-narrow emission spectra, which allows for more precise multiplexing in fluorescence-based medical diagnostic and imaging systems.

Luminelle: Luminelle, formerly known as UVision360, has created the Luminelle DTx Hysteroscopy System, which is designed to fulfil unmet needs for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in office settings.

TerraStride: TerraStride is a mapping technology company that provides applications for sportsmen, land managers, and land brokers. Their platform, TerraStride Pro, is an advanced online mapping platform that helps brokers market properties more effectively.

Good Growth Capital

Website: GGC (goodgrowthvc.com)

Investor Type: Venture Capital

Investment Interests: Energy, Bio and Tech.

Investment Stage: Early.

Often referred to as GGC, Good Growth Capital is also an active investment network that funds startups with identical interests. Founded in 2015 by Amy Salzhauer and Maureen Stanick Boyce, GGC has funded a total of 89 investments (most at the early stage), with four exits.

During investment, GGC focuses on the startup's business model, market potential, financials, and its te m. From their portfolio and screening tests, it is evident that they only fund startups that are expected to generate 2-3 ROI within 24 months of investment.

Once they have invested in a startup, the team of mentors guides and monitors the startup's performance, they also conduct networking events, allowing different entrepreneurs to participate and find investors with identical investment interests.

The investment range of GGC ranges from $100,000 to $500,0 0. Notable companies in their portfolio are:

Eden (Energy Infrastructure): Eden is focused on sustainable natural resource recovery and operates in the energy infrastructure sector. The company aims to provide solutions that are environmentally friendly and contribute to the sustainability of natural resources.

Lemurian Labs: Lemurian Labs specializes in general-purpose semiconductors. The company is contributing to advancements in technology with its innovative products.

Pryon: Pryon is a company operating in the business/productivity software industry. It develops solutions to enhance business operations and productivity.

VenoStent: VenoStent is a medical technology company that has developed surgical devices aimed at improving patient outcomes.

How To Get Connected With Angel Investors?

Connecting with angel investors before the pitching competitions can be a huge benefit. However, this question has often confused a lot of entrepreneurs, especially those who are having an early-stage startup.

Simply put, entrepreneurs can connect with angel investors through networking events, public meetups, accelerator programs and referrals.

This can be done by:

Being Active

Whenever you hear about an accelerator program or a networking event taking place, it is recommended that you do proper research and participate. Investors often don't attend networking events, but when they do, they are actually searching for a deserving venture. Don't miss the chance!

Use Referrals

If you have some networks and can reach the investors through referrals, don't waste the opportunity. Entrepreneurs can ask their friends and colleagues about introducing their businesses to investors. Ask them about what can be improved, and this way, they can easily understand what kind of answers will make the investor happy!

Wrap Up

So, there you have the list of top angel investors in Colombia. However, before we wrap up, allow me to share some important pieces of advice. Many entrepreneurs have missed their pitching chances due to poor pitch deck and lack of confidence. 

When attending pitching competitions, avoid "If's and But's" and use stats to display the growth of your startup. Prepare a great pitch deck, be confident, and you will see the investors showing interest in your idea.

Good Luck!

Frequently Asked Questions