Columbia, SC, October 7, 2025
News Summary
Launchpad GVL has extended its tech startup incubator program to Columbia with the launch of Launchpad COLA, following the successful graduation of Greenville’s first cohort. The new program focuses on providing training and support for early-stage tech founders, cultivating entrepreneurship in the Midlands. Cohort 2 kicked off at the Boyd Innovation Center, enhancing resources for local innovators and fostering a strong startup ecosystem.
Columbia
Launchpad GVL has announced the expansion of its tech startup incubator program to Columbia, following the successful graduation of its first cohort of tech founders in Greenville. The new program, known as Launchpad COLA, has officially launched Cohort 2 at the Boyd Innovation Center, aimed at providing startup training and a support network for founders across the Midlands.
The expansion comes right after the recent Demo Day, marking the conclusion of the first cohort in Greenville, where nine out of 15 founders successfully graduated. Launchpad GVL and Launchpad COLA present early-stage tech founders with a unique pathway to entrepreneurship, allowing them to join the program with just a promising idea, rather than requiring substantial prior traction.
The Launchpad program provides a free 12-week curriculum designed to foster entrepreneurship through training, mentorship, and access to potential investors. Many participants benefit from not only learning but also networking opportunities that can significantly propel their startup journeys.
During the first cohort’s Demo Day in Greenville, the following graduates showcased their innovations:
- Chad Hensel – Company: Oratia; Award: Best Pitch Award; Product: B2B AI software for corporate training with realistic AI-powered conversation simulations.
- Tom Brown – Company: AmICompliant; Award: Most Investible Award; Product: AI platform for streamlining compliance and credentialing in healthcare.
- Joey Lowman – Company: SynergyMill; Description: Non-profit community makerspace offering tools and resources for inventors and entrepreneurs.
- Louis Arena – Company: Arena Business Solutions; Description: Technology company specializing in business reengineering and executive support.
- Archye Valdes – Company: CoachBroGames; Description: Independent video game studio focusing on friendly games for a broad audience.
- Jeff Crump – Company: GeoPlayer; Description: App for hobby gamers to connect, compete, and explore local games.
- Andrew Farrell – Company: LKRM; Description: Platform for high school coaches to manage team information and performance.
- LJ Gordon – Company: Quillnote; Description: Accelerated Math Learning Platform for enhancing math instruction and learning.
- Abishai “AJ” Cherian – Company: Stealth Marketing App; Description: Tool for streamlining and managing marketing efforts for businesses.
Out of the nine graduates, five made significant strides by advancing to the Ignite accelerator program, which is specifically designed to help startups raise capital and scale their operations.
With the launch of Launchpad COLA, the tech entrepreneurship scene in Columbia is set to receive a substantial boost. This initiative not only signifies the growth and support for tech startups within the Midlands but also reflects the increasing emphasis on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the state.
Background
Launchpad GVL began its journey in Greenville, where it provided training and mentorship to aspiring founders. The success of its inaugural cohort, which saw a majority graduate and propel themselves into further entrepreneurial opportunities, spurred the decision to expand the program to Columbia. With the recent establishment of Launchpad COLA, founders in the region can look forward to similar support and resources aimed at transforming their innovative ideas into successful ventures.
Key Features of Launchpad GVL and Launchpad COLA
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Program Duration | 12 weeks |
| Cost | Free |
| Eligibility | Open to early-stage tech founders with promising ideas |
| Focus | Training, mentorship, and networking opportunities |
| Location | Greenville and Columbia, SC |
| Graduates from Cohort 1 in Greenville | 9 out of 15 founders successfully graduated |
| Participants entering Ignite accelerator | 5 graduates advanced to the Ignite accelerator |
FAQ
What is Launchpad GVL?
Launchpad GVL has graduated its first cohort of tech founders in Greenville and now has expanded to Columbia as Launchpad COLA.
What is the purpose of Launchpad COLA?
Launchpad COLA aims to provide startup training and a support network for founders across the Midlands.
When was Cohort 2 of Launchpad COLA launched?
Launchpad COLA has officially launched Cohort 2 at the Boyd Innovation Center.
How long does the program last?
The free program lasts for 12 weeks and includes training, mentorship, and access to investors.
What was the outcome of the first cohort in Greenville?
Out of the 15 founders who participated in the first cohort in Greenville, nine successfully graduated, and five advanced to the Ignite accelerator program designed to help startups raise capital and scale.
Who were the graduates of Cohort 1?
The graduates of Cohort 1 include Chad Hensel, Tom Brown, Joey Lowman, Louis Arena, Archye Valdes, Jeff Crump, Andrew Farrell, LJ Gordon, and Abishai “AJ” Cherian.
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Additional Resources
- GSA Business: Launchpad GVL Expands to Columbia
- Wikipedia: Startup
- GSA Business: Launchpad GVL Graduates First Cohort
- Google Search: Tech Entrepreneurship
- GSA Business: Ignite Accelerator for Launchpad Graduates
- Google Scholar: Tech Startup Incubators
- GSA Business: Demo Day for Launchpad GVL
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Startup Company
- GSA Business: Funding Tech Startups
- Google News: Tech Innovation South Carolina
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