Venture Carolina Announces 2023 Class of the Palmetto Venture Fellowship
Venture Carolina, a nonprofit dedicated to bridging the funding gap between investors and entrepreneurs, has once-again partnered with VentureSouth, the South Carolina Department of Commerce’s Office of Innovation, and the SC Jobs-Economic Development Authority (JEDA) to facilitate the Palmetto Venture Fellowship, a program designed to create more local accredited investors and expand risk-capital accessibility for early-stage startups in South Carolina. The Palmetto Venture Fellowship, now in its second year, utilizes a seven-part, comprehensive workshop series to expose participants to the intricacies associated with early-stage capital formation.
Meet the Palmetto Venture Fellowship Class of 2023
John Brice
Managing Partner, Poseidon Capital Ventures
Brice is a strategic advisor and growth catalyst for organizations. He is an experienced entrepreneur having founded or been a co-founding member of 11 ventures over the past 20 years. He is the Managing Partner of Poseidon Capital Ventures, providing venture advisory support to seed and series A companies and structured capital solutions and acquisition services for privately held businesses. Currently, Brice advises a number of early stage and growth organizations in industries that include wellness, HR-tech, fin-tech, medical device, media and climate tech. He is also the founder of Basho Walden, a boutique coaching and retreat business supporting founders, teams and business owners in transition. He lives in the greater Charleston area with his wife and four children.
Shauna Cooper
Executive Director, Benedict College Women’s Business Center
Shauna R. Cooper is an experienced leader with 20+ years of management experience. She currently serves as the Executive Director of Benedict College Women’s Business Center, working to create impactful programming, partnerships, and resources for minority women-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in South Carolina. In addition to advising national non-profit organizations on increasing capital, capacity, and strategic partnerships, she is also an entrepreneur and board member of the South Carolina Community Loan Fund, a non-profit community development financial institution that provides capital to under-resourced and minority communities. Shauna holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Master of Public Health degree in Health Promotion and Education. She resides in Orangeburg County with her son.
Patrick R. Coyle
Founder and CEO, Novus Proximus LLC
C-Suite executive and catalyst for growth who builds business for sustainable impact. Founder and CEO of Novus Proximus LLC, an advisory firm helping organizations evolve to improve financial outcomes. Most recently the Vice President and CFO of Eisai Inc. responsible for leading financial operations across the Americas. A seasoned financial professional with more than two decades of increasing responsibility at Fortune 500 companies Novartis and Bayer Health Care Pharmaceuticals and spanning both Pharma and Information Technology industries.
Bryan Davis
Executive Director, The Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Bryan is a startup catalyst and has spent his career launching and growing high-impact innovation platforms within dynamic environments ranging from real estate to universities and multi-billion-dollar healthcare centers. Bryan currently serves as the Executive Director at The Hill Institute forInnovation and Entrepreneurship at Furman University, a nationally awarded entrepreneurship center focused on equipping first-time founders for success, contributing to the regional innovation economy, and ultimately creating entrepreneurially minded leaders. Bryan has worked closely with over 500 founders and startups to-date, has co-founded several businesses himself, and serves on numerous boards and committees. He volunteers as a coach/mentor for multiple startup programs and frequently speaks to groups around the country on how to build inclusive, vibrant communities through entrepreneurship.
Ben Ellsworth
Founder, Gigpro
Ben Ellsworth is a graduate of The Art Institute of Charleston, where he earned his associate degree in the Culinary Arts in 2009. Ben has since dedicated over two decades to the restaurant industry, creating memorable experiences through food. As a former executive chef and restaurant consultant dealing with the challenges of keeping restaurants adequately staffed, Ben had a lightbulb moment. This led him to create Gigpro, an app that connects open shifts in the hospitality industry with workers looking for extra shifts. Gigpro has expanded to multiple states since launching in 2020. When not working to solve the restaurant industry’s staffing issues, Ellsworth is the proud father to Nathan, 15, a varsity wrestler, and Lulu, 9, a budding gymnast and scholar.
Alex Gallup
Attorney, Daabon USA
Alex has spent the last 6 years at Daabon USA driving national food companies to successfully integrate sustainable palm oil into their supply chains. However, her experience with the Daabon Group spans a lifetime as a 3rd generation member of the family that owns and operates Daabon. Alex enjoys building collaborative relationships with clients through identifying creative solutions for companies that champion organic and sustainable practices within the natural food industry. Prior to joining Daabon, Alex was a practicing attorney in Columbia, SC. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Florida and a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina. Originally from Fort Walton Beach, FL, she now resides in Chapin, SC with her wonderful husband and son. When not working, you can find her cooking lavish spreads for her family and friends.
Jonathan Goldfarb
Founder and Owner, Riverland Builders, LLC
For 20 years Jon has been the founder and owner of Riverland Builders, LLC, a construction firm that specializes in custom homes in the Charleston and Kiawah Island markets. He has also developed numerous commercial projects throughout the State, including new developments and the redevelopment of existing historic properties. Jon is a graduate of The Citadel and Tulane Law School.
Rozalynn Goodwin
VP and Lobbyist, SC Hospital Association
Rozalynn Goodwin is a proud native of Mt. Carmel, SC. She is the Vice President and Lobbyist for the SC Hospital Association where she leverages her expertise to advocate for improved healthcare services and policies. Furthermore, Rozalynn is a distinguished Liberty Fellow, a prestigious leadership program that has honed her skills and broadened her perspectives. Rozalynn is also the founder of Confidence, a consumer brand that focuses on providing innovative hair solutions for curly-haired girls. This venture was inspired by her seven-year-old daughter, Gabby, who became the catalyst for the creation of Gabby Bows, a venture-backed company that created anti-slip double-face double-snap barrettes that have revolutionized the hair accessory industry, bringing joy and convenience to countless curly-haired individuals. In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Rozalynn undertakes the important role of managing the career of her husband, Comedian Mike Goodwin. Rozalynn and her husband, along with their son, Michael, and their daughter, Gabby, live in Columbia, SC.
Shay Gregorie
Co-founder, Wolfbane Books
Shay Gregorie, a native of Mount Pleasant, SC, is a driven individual with a diverse array of accomplishments. After graduating from Newberry College, he embarked on a successful career as a commercial real estate developer, specializing in projects such as car washes and campgrounds. Shay’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found Wolfbane Books, a dynamic publishing company that has quickly made a name for itself in the industry. Wolfbane Books is known for its commitment to publishing thought-provoking and captivating literature across various genres, nurturing both established and emerging authors. Alongside his professional endeavors, Shay also takes great pride in being a dedicated father to his nine children, demonstrating his passion for family and maintaining a well-rounded life.
Terrence Jefferson
Hospitality Commercial Realtor, DDM Hotels
Terrence Jefferson joined Marcus & Millichap as a Hospitality Commercial Realtor on the DDM Hotels team in 2023, a six-person team of hotel advisory and brokerage experts. The DDM Hotels team has recently completed over $265 Million in hotel transactions, and 36 closed sales in 2022. His competitive spirit and strive for excellence are shown through his multiple records and championships as a track athlete. Born and raised in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, Terrence obtained a BS in finance from the College of Charleston with a minor in real estate.
Douglas J. Johnson
Chief Strategy Officer, Clinical Care Medical Centers
Doug is a seasoned healthcare leader, investor, and board member with 19+ years of experience in healthcare, leadership, and finance. He is currently the Chief Strategy Officer of a PE-backed medical center organization and a senior advisor to McKinsey & Company. Previously, he served as the President and CEO of four Medicare Advantage plans, where he and his teams served over 250,000 seniors and generated over $5 billion in revenue. Doug is also a board member of two healthcare start-ups and Easterseals of South Florida. Throughout his healthcare tenure, he has led exponential market growth and improvement, expanded value-based payment models, improved operational efficiency, and built sustainable partnerships. Doug holds a bachelor's degree inEconomics from Clemson University and has built a reputation for developing and executing new business strategies, turning around failing operations, and building deeper partnerships with provider populations and local communities.
John Johnston
Attorney, Johnston Law
John is a highly experienced overseas investment strategist and corporate specialist in cross-border investments and international business expansions. He also has worked with numerous clients in corporate litigation, business formation and structure, corporate finance, government contracting, and intellectual property. In addition to representing international business, John, as acting general counsel, has established two Native Hawaiian Organizations as well as their wholly owned 8(a) for-profit business, where John currently serves as president.John has a proven track record of advising, organizing, and operating for-profit as well as non-profit entities of various sizes located throughout the world.
Lasenta Lewis-Ellis
President & CEO, LLE Construction Group, LLC
Lasenta Lewis-Ellis is the President and CEO of LLE Construction Group, LLC, a Woman and Minority-Owned Small Business focused on general contracting, real estate investment, and development. With expertise in facility maintenance, sustainability, program and project management, and construction support, LLE specializes in owner representation and consulting services. Lasenta is also involved in community and real estate investment projects in South Carolina. She holds degrees in Architectural Engineering Technology, Human Resources Development, and has established LLE Consulting to provide strategic development, consulting, and educational training for small businesses and entrepreneurs in various areas such as entrepreneurship, project management, and federal government contracting.
Prenita Mack
Business Development Coordinator, CRDA
Prenita is the Business Development Coordinator at CRDA, responsible for planning, coordinating, and supporting strategic objectives. Previously, she served as the Director and Asset Manager at South Carolina Community Capital Alliance, where she led efforts to build an entrepreneurial ecosystem through partnerships and expand affordable capital access for underserved entrepreneurs. Prenita also initiated South Carolina's first CDFI venture capital fund, focusing on minority and women-owned businesses. She holds a Political Science degree from Furman University and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP®) through PMI. Prenita resides in Summerville, SC with her husband, two sons and black golden doodle. She enjoys exploring her cooking skills and catching up on the latest home improvement shows.
Michael Marshall
Senior Advisor, The Halifax Group
Michael recently moved from Raleigh, NC, to Charleston, SC, with his wife, Amy. Prior to moving to SC, he was a Senior Partner and CFO of The Halifax Group for the past 23 years, a private equity fund with over $1.5 billion under management. Prior to Halifax, Michael was a Senior Manager at KPMG and then ran the Middle Market practice in Raleigh for Pricewaterhouse Coopers. Currently, he is working with a couple start-up companies–Aikons Holdings Group and Aston Labs Co. He is a CPA and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and NC Association of CPAs. Michael and Amy have three wonderful children: Thomas 27, Tyler 24, and Claire 21.
Andy McCarthy
Director of Organizational Design, The Building People
Andy McCarthy is an accomplished Director of Organizational Design at The Building People, who brings over 10 years of experience in scaling and exiting businesses. As an organizational consultant for the past 5-6 years, Andy has worked with hundreds of businesses across various industries, utilizing his expertise in visioning, value development, and tactical planning to drive growth. Andy's transition to organizational advising was natural, following his ownership and operation of several food companies in the southeast, including King of Pops and Perfect 10Foods. He currently serves on the board of Lowcountry Local First and is a member of theAssociation for Talent Development & Lowcountry Leaders Executive Group. Andy holds a degree in Biology from the University of Georgia and enjoys exploring the outdoors with his wife, two boys, and their dog Sonny.
Brandon Mendez
Clinical Assistant Professor of Finance, Darla Moore School of Business
Dr. Brandon Mendez is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Finance at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. He joined the University in the fall of 2022 and applies his education and corporate experience to the classroom while getting involved with start-ups in theColumbia area. Previously, Dr. Mendez has advised state governments as a management consultant, worked in banking risk management and internal audit, and served as a Naval Flight Officer in theU.S. Navy. He obtained his BA in Business Administration from the College of Charleston, his MBA from the University of North Florida, and his PhD in Finance from Florida State University. Dr. Mendez resides in Columbia, SC with his wife, Scarlett, and their two sons, Harrison, and Harden.
Wayne Nelson
Founder, Convergalytics, LLC
As founder of Convergalytics LLC, he provides technology consulting and management to a varied market of professionals and small businesses. With over 35 years of experience in construction, environmental management, chemical production process design and deployment, technology change management, and workflow integration. With this diverse background he brings the ability to think outside the box for his clients. Wayne understands what's happening in the field from a hands-on perspective. He knows how to bring the theoretical to reality from a real-world engineering standpoint. Wayne is passionate about startups and diving in to help bring others' visions to reality.An avowed gadget geek, he can hardly restrain himself when looking at the next new thing. After living in Charleston for 40+ years, the Citadel graduate now resides on the shores of beautiful Lake Keowee.
Tony Perricelli
CPA, Bauknight Pietras & Stormer, P.A.
Tony is a tax professional with 25 years of experience serving individuals and business owners in industries such as real estate, hospitality, technology, and professional services. Tony has mentored and provided tax and accounting guidance to start-up companies through both the USC Incubator and Growco Columbia. He enjoys educating business owners on tax topics by speaking to business groups and has written numerous articles on various tax topics. He is a graduate of the Leadership Columbia program, a member of ULI South Carolina, and recently served multiple terms on theBoard of Directors of the South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association working to support hospitality businesses across South Carolina. Tony is a native of Columbia where he lives with his wife, two sons, and daughter. He enjoys recreational sports, good food, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Thomas Rhodes
Co-Owner, Rhodes Companies
Thomas Rhodes is a values driven entrepreneur and business leader with experience in running and growing businesses. He is the co-owner of Rhodes Companies, a holding company with multiple businesses in the Southeast. Thomas is also an active investor in startup and growth-stage companies both nationally and internationally. Born and raised in rural South Carolina, Thomas learned the value of hard work and entrepreneurship from his small business owner parents. He graduated from Clemson University. In addition to his business pursuits, Thomas is passionate about advocating for various causes, including education, homelessness, and tax reform. He believes in the positive power of free commerce and capitalism to drive economic growth and prosperity. Outside of work, Thomas enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. He is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting, fishing, boating, and flying airplanes.
Alyssa Richardson
Founder & CEO, Palmetto Community Developers
Alyssa Leigh Richardson is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Palmetto Community Developers, a company providing creative solutions for developing and financing community-impact projects across the state, with an emphasis on affordable and workforce housing. Previously, Alyssa served as Deputy Chief of Staff and State Director to United States Senator Tim Scott. This role included legal counsel, policy recommendations, and on-the-ground advocacy in South Carolina and in Washington, D.C. Alyssa is a graduate of Harvard Law School, serving early in her legal career as a federal prosecutor for the Department of Justice with a focus on civil rights and public corruption, to include misuse of federal funds and tax fraud. She also holds a summa cum laude economics degree from Furman University. Alyssa is a proud native of the Pee Dee region, claiming both Dillon and Marion as home.
Barb Royal
Founding Executive Director, eMYRge
Barb Royal is the founding Executive Director of eMYRge at the HTC Aspire Hub, Myrtle Beach’s entrepreneur organization for scalable startups. She spent more than two decades in public education teaching, coaching, and mentoring youth before jumping into the tech startup world. She founded Kids Can Give Too, Inc., a company that made it easy for kids to share half of their birthday gift money with the charity of their choice through an automated online invitation and crowd-funding platform. Barb has spent the last decade in the tech startup world developing a deep knowledge of what it takes to support entrepreneurs as they ideate, build, and grow their scalable companies. In her newest position with eMYRge, Barb is keenly focused on building community and implementing strategies to connect and strengthen relationships between the public, private and non-profit sectors to create a thriving entrepreneur ecosystem in the new Arts and Innovation District in downtown Myrtle Beach.
Keith Sauls
Senior Vice President, Farther
Keith is a Senior Vice President at Farther, a Bessemer Ventures backed FinTech, based in California. He has over 25 years of experience advising fiduciary and trust clients, entrepreneurs, family offices, endowments, and foundations. Keith is an active member/investor in the Southeastern Tech community and is a board member of RiseIT Solutions in Dallas, TX. He is currently Vice-Chair of the CofC Foundation, Finance Chair for Charleston Promise Neighborhood, and a YES Carolina Mentor. Keith holds a Finance degree from College of Charleston and an MBA from Emory's Goizueta Business School. An avid expeditioner, Keith summited Kilimanjaro twice and recently completed his third expedition to Antarctica.
Neel Shah
Principal/President, NMR Hospitality Management Group
Neel is a second-generation hotelier and the Principal/President of NMR Hospitality Management Group, an award-winning company that has received Marriott International's prestigious Horizon Award. With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Neel owns and manages four Marriott-branded hotels in Aiken and Charleston, SC. He graduated from Clemson University in 1997 with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and currently serves on the Board of Directors for St. Mary's School and the USCA Business Advisory Council in Aiken, SC. As a thyroid cancer survivor, Neel hosts an annual Thyroid Cancer Tournament to raise awareness and funds. In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis and doing Crossfit. Neel is married and has a 10-year-old son.
Nick Stemkowski
Entrepreneur
Nick Stemkowski is a native Charlottean and now resides with his wife, Laura, in Charleston, SC. As the son of educators, Nick prioritized a career in the sports entertainment industry before starting a small business analytics company that combined data, video, and educational planning methods to serve sports organizations and their players. After several years of operating the business and teaching English, Nick currently leverages his entrepreneurial skills in a consultancy that streamlines the GTM strategies for novel B2B tech innovations. In addition, he is an active member of the Venture South Charleston chapter, having sat on several diligence teams thus far. He holds a B.A in Philosophy and Classical Studies, an M.Ed in Leadership, and an M.B.A. Nick is an avid outdoorsman, and keen on learning about climate solutions and climate technologies.
Diana Parr StMarie
Cybersecurity Advisor and Strategist
Diana StMarie is a Cybersecurity Advisor and Strategist with extensive experience in senior positions with the government, financial, and technology industries. She currently serves as a Sr.Principal Cyber Advisor to US Cyber Command, informing decision makers on threats to protect the nation and bolster defenses. Her previous work took her to the Pentagon and Capitol Hill while working for the National Security Agency and the Office of the Director of NationalIntelligence. Diana recently moved to Chapin, South Carolina and joined the faculty at theUniversity of South Carolina as an Adjunct, teaching cybersecurity classes. She serves on theSecurity Leadership Exchange Advisory Board and is an Angel Investor in the startup community.
Sam Teden
Investor, Anthos Capital
Sam Teden is an investor at Anthos Capital, which is a $1.5B minority growth equity firm. Anthos is a generalist fund where they have investments in consumer internet, consumer products, gaming, and enterprise software. Sam helps co-lead Anthos’s enterprise software team where they focus on high growth Series A, B, & C companies. Sam is a graduate of Hampden-Sydney College with a B.A. in economics. He and his wife, Meredith, have one daughter named Parker.
Molly Vinkler
Venture Associate, VentureSouth
Molly is an experienced professional in investment management, operations, and project management. She has a demonstrated track record of success in identifying investment opportunities, partnership development, and implementing new processes. Molly has her Bachelor’s of Business Administration of the University of Michigan–Dearborn and holds certifications from the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) and Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Leadership Discovery class. She is also a recipient of the Charleston’s Best & Brightest 35 & Under Award. Molly is passionate about building a collaborative community of investment partners and founders to drive growth and innovation in the Southeast.
Shannon Williams
Revenue Growth Leader
Shannon Williams is a revenue growth leader with deep experience across modern marketing, sales, and operations. She is passionate about building and leading highly productive teams and is driven by innovation and speed to market, all with the ultimate measures being customer delight and strong revenue growth. From working with a wide range of companies including Fortune 500 to start ups, she has a deep understanding of the day-to-day demands of consistently delivering positive customer experiences across marketing, sales and services. Her experience spans multiple geographies including North America and EMEA, as well as multiple industry sectors including technology, nonprofit, financial/information services, and CPG.
Timothy Zwerner
Attorney, Burr & Forman LLP
Tim has represented clients in a broad range of commercial real estate and business transactions. His real estate practice focuses on the representation of privately held sponsors, private equity investors and institutional lenders in complex opportunities with a particular emphasis on development, acquisitions and dispositions, leasing, and financing (debt and equity) in the multi-family/single-family purpose-built rental sector, the agricultural and forestry industry, grocery-anchored and in-line retail centers, and the hospitality industry. His engagements regularly include the negotiation of joint venture agreements, property management agreements, and other development and asset management arrangements. Tim leads Burr’s multifamily housing team and has provided assistance on commercial real estate transactions in excess of $3 billion.
