About
NextGEN is a venture accelerator and entrepreneurship support organization based in Charleston, South Carolina, operating as a key component of SC NEXUS eiX—South Carolina's federally designated Tech Hub strategy. The organization guides and supports high-growth, high-potential entrepreneurs and their businesses throughout Greenville and the Upstate region of South Carolina. NextGEN's model combines direct founder support with a broad ecosystem engagement strategy, positioning itself as a connector between entrepreneurs and the resources they need to scale. The organization facilitates access to mentorship, capital, and partnerships through its structured programs. NextGEN operates with support from South Carolina Commerce and SCRA, and is powered by FedTech as part of the broader eiX venture accelerator initiative. The organization actively recruits community partners including mentors and sponsors who contribute expertise and capital to portfolio companies. NextGEN publishes annual impact reports tracking both active portfolio companies and alumni ventures, providing transparency on the outcomes of its acceleration programs. The organization invites investment participation from community members seeking to support promising ventures in the technology and innovation sectors. Rather than operating as a traditional venture fund making direct investments, NextGEN functions as an accelerator and connector ecosystem, enabling multiple stakeholder types—founders, mentors, corporate partners, and individual investors—to participate in the region's entrepreneurial development. The organization's geographic focus on the Upstate South Carolina region, combined with its integration into the federal Tech Hub framework, positions it as a key regional development institution beyond traditional venture capital.