We’re thrilled to announce NEXT kicked off the second cohort of its accelerator program on Monday, September 18th. The 8-week curriculum, taught with the expertise of local former founders and business leaders, comprises eight high-growth companies. These companies will work side by side with each other and program leaders to build a growth plan to take their startups to the next level. The curriculum aims to grow and scale some of the region’s high-potential startups by providing dedicated resources to their specific challenges and needs with sessions dedicated to product market fit, sales and marketing, hiring to scale, funding, and more.
“The NEXT Accelerator is laying the foundation for Greenville’s entrepreneurial community. As a former technology founder, I wish I had a program like this. The teaching and leadership provided through the accelerator is exceptional. If I would have had the opportunity to attend a program like this, it would have saved me numerous headaches and mistakes. Along with NEXT, we are leveraging our network of fifty (50) Greenville-based investors to teach, lead, and foster growth.” – Shay Houser, Founderville.vc
The program culminates in a showcase presentation in November that is open to the public.
Introducing Cohort 2:
- Bricolage Dynamics
- Carbon Cents
- Digital Site Box
- Incora Health
- MyUI
- Performance Enhanced Delivery
- Rebel Rabbit
- Susu Lend
“I’m thrilled to join the NEXT Startup Accelerator as it offers an invaluable opportunity for Susu Lend, a fintech dedicated to serving the credit invisible. Connecting with local support and resources is incredibly important during our pilot program launch. This local engagement fuels my excitement and allows us to deeply connect with the community we aim to serve, strengthening our foundational launch.” – Pedro Escobar, Susu Lend
The companies in Cohort 1 saw a direct impact from participation in the NEXT Accelerator. Three companies, Pixlmob, WAVS, and Vicinity, all received funding from Founderville.vc which was announced on stage at the 2023 NEXT Venture Summit.
“I’ve been a part of multiple programs and while those were all good in their own respect, this program was much more impactful. I guess that’s clear since I’m moving my family and business here [from Florence, SC]. But, there was really no hesitation on my part because we founders need a network of support and without a doubt this is where I need to be.” – Mike Smith, Custom Donations, Cohort 1 Graduate
Cohort members and their journeys will be featured across NEXT’s social media during their time in the program. To learn more about these companies, visit https://www.instagram.com/nextupstatesc/.
About NEXT
NEXT is a non-profit entrepreneurial support organization that attracts and helps grow high-impact, knowledge-based companies by developing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Greenville, SC and connecting entrepreneurs to it. Our mission is to identify, engage and provide support for high-growth entrepreneurs and their teams as they build scaling, investor-ready companies through programming, connections and support whether just starting out or well on their way.
For more information, visit www.nextgengvl.org