Reports to: Director, SC Launch and Director, SC Academic Innovations (SCAI)
Supervises Others: No
Employment Type: Full time
Travel Requirements: Moderate, mostly within the state
Location: Columbia
South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) was chartered in 1983 by the State of South Carolina as a public, non-profit corporation, to fuel South Carolina’s innovation economy by supporting entrepreneurs, enabling academic research and its commercialization, and connecting industry to innovators. This position will serve as the Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) supporting entrepreneurship and startups in the Midlands region of South Carolina for two of SCRA’s startup company support programs, SC Academic Innovations (SCAI) and SC Launch. The Midlands EIR will engage and support early-stage companies in obtaining access to mentoring, networking, grants, and possible investment through SC Launch, Inc., where applicable. The SCRA startup support programs are open to qualified South Carolina companies in the Advanced Materials/Manufacturing, Information Technology, and Life Sciences sectors.
Established in 2006, SC Launch, Inc. is an independent, non-profit corporation affiliated with SCRA, which provides loans and investments to selected South Carolina-based companies participating in SCRA’s startup company support programs.
Position Description:
The EIR is responsible for providing expert advice and mentoring to entrepreneurs, facilitating company development for potential SCRA startup support programs[TC1] and those companies already supported by those programs, enabling advancement of high-potential startup technology companies for launch, scale, and growth in South Carolina, and providing guidance to companies on securing Academic Startup Assistance Program (ASAP) and SBIR/STTR Matching Grant funding. This position will serve both academic and non-academic startups in the Midlands region of South Carolina. The EIR will partner with key stakeholders and assist in growing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the state. The EIR will work one-on-one with entrepreneurs, coaching them in the development and execution of their business plans and pitch decks. The EIR will be responsible for introductions to potential sources of funding, business advisors, and resources, as needed. Successful candidates will be seasoned entrepreneurs, business executives, and/or investors with accomplished business backgrounds.
Essential Functions:
Evaluate and assess the business potential of prospective Client Companies and provide recommendations for applying for SCRA grant funding and applying to the SC Launch Program, when timely and appropriate.
Cultivate and advise start-up companies in strategic areas that foster their development and growth.
Educate and provide guidance in the appropriate business development and operational areas that support the companies’ development and growth.
Cultivate relationships with South Carolina’s innovation ecosystem stakeholders, including investors and technology leaders, to promote Program outreach and education, as well as entrepreneurship support services.
Convene sector- and skills-based subject matter experts to help cultivate startup talent and advisory services support.
Coordinate and support the delivery of educational materials in entrepreneurship to address the needs of academic stakeholders, as well as [TC2]services and events to promote business development and growth among current and prospective Client Companies.
Assess how candidate start-up companies may complement or potentially partner with other SCRA stakeholders.
Identify gaps, deficits, and obstacles to company maturation and identify resources to overcome the obstacles, which will cultivate and mature current and prospective Client Companies.
Engage with university technology transfer offices to identify gaps in support for academic entrepreneurs and develop solutions through collaboration within the ecosystem.
Support the SC Launch team in the management of the SC Launch Program.
Assist with SCRA grant application processes for Midlands academic start-up companies. Serve as a champion for applications from Midlands-based companies for SCRA grants and SC Launch Program participation.
Participate in the SC Launch potential Client Company screening and mentoring.
Provide portfolio support to the SC Launch Investment Managers.
Participate in monthly Company Reviews, as appropriate, and quarterly SC Launch, Inc. Board meetings.
Provide thought leadership and co-development [TC3]of entrepreneurship and economic development support resources, subject matter experts, and related SCAI and SC Launch Program support.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of seven years of relevant experience, preferably including experience mentoring early-stage, technology-based companies.
Must have experience as a founder of a technology startup.
Ability to communicate clearly, in verbal and written forms, formally and informally at all levels within the organization.
Ability to identify, address and resolve complex issues in a professional manner.
Proven skills in teamwork and individual responsibility to accomplish goals.
Expertise in securing multiple rounds of financing (angel or venture); experience in obtaining SBIR/STTR grant funding a plus.
Must have experience in one of the following areas: Information Technologies, Life Sciences, and/or Advanced Manufacturing and Materials.
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills managing a technology company.
Physical Efforts:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Regular physical activity to include walking, bending, stooping, reaching, standing and prolonged sitting. Ability to use phone and computer systems, copier, fax, and other office equipment. Must be able to occasionally move/lift to 25 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.