January 22, 2026

Lowcountry Innovation Receives Boost from SC Launch Investment

Mount Pleasant, January 22, 2026

A $250,000 investment from SC Launch Inc. is set to propel SiteMarker Inc., a startup in Mount Pleasant, highlighting the role of private capital in fostering innovation and economic growth in South Carolina. This funding aims to enhance technology within the construction industry, showcasing how strategic investments can empower local businesses and contribute to the state’s economic resilience.

Charleston

Lowcountry Innovation Receives Boost from SC Launch Investment

A recent investment from SC Launch Inc. is set to energize a Mount Pleasant-based startup, underscoring the vital role of private capital in fostering entrepreneurial success and technological advancement within the Lowcountry’s burgeoning economy. This strategic funding highlights the collective effort to cultivate innovation and expand economic opportunities across South Carolina.

The commitment of organizations like SC Launch Inc. to support promising local businesses exemplifies a sound approach to economic development. By providing crucial funding and resources, these initiatives empower visionary entrepreneurs, enabling them to transform innovative ideas into thriving enterprises. Such private sector-driven growth not only creates high-value jobs but also strengthens the overall economic resilience of the region, minimizing reliance on excessive government intervention and fostering a dynamic market environment where ingenuity can flourish.

SiteMarker Secures Key Investment to Advance Construction Technology

SiteMarker Inc., a startup based in Mount Pleasant, recently received a $250,000 investment from SC Launch Inc.. This funding supports a company that has developed advanced geolocation tools and techniques, which aim to make reporting more efficient for the construction industry. The investment marks SiteMarker’s progression within the SCRA ecosystem, having previously become an SCRA member company in January 2022, followed by a $25,000 startup grant in February 2022, and an acceleration grant in June 2022. With this latest infusion of capital, SiteMarker has officially become an SC Launch Inc. portfolio company. The company’s innovative software platform is designed to collect and deliver land development data in real time, providing valuable insights for various stakeholders including landowners, lenders, design firms, developers, contractors, inspectors, and municipalities.

SC Launch Inc.’s Role in Fueling State-Level Economic Growth

SC Launch Inc., serving as the investment affiliate of the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA), plays a pivotal role in the State-level economic landscape. Its primary mission is to support advanced technology and technology-based businesses by offering seed and follow-on capital. This funding is designed to supplement other financial sources, such as venture capital firms, strategic investors, angel investment groups, individual investors, and private equity firms. The returns generated from SC Launch Inc. investments are reinvested, ensuring the program’s financial sustainability and its continued ability to fuel South Carolina’s economy. In 2023 alone, SCRA contributed over $1.19 billion to South Carolina’s economy. The organization supported 5,825 South Carolina-based jobs, with an average salary of $91,209, which is 70% higher than the state’s average of $53,618. Since its inception in 2006, SC Launch Inc. has generated $2.66 billion in total investment capital for its supported startups, including $330 million in additional investment capital in 2023. This follow-on funding has resulted in an additional economic impact of up to $680 million and supported 3,352 South Carolina-based jobs.

Fostering Entrepreneurial Innovation in Charleston County

The investment in SiteMarker exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurial innovation that is a cornerstone of the Charleston County economy. Such initiatives demonstrate how private investment can act as a catalyst for growth, enabling startups to develop new solutions and compete effectively in dynamic markets. Charleston’s economic development plan for 2025-2030 aims to broaden the region’s innovation ecosystem, strengthen its talent pipeline, and build long-term economic resilience. This strategy, developed with Ernst & Young (EY) and regional stakeholders, outlines a clear roadmap for collaborative growth. An increased focus on innovation could potentially boost Charleston’s projected economic growth from 3.5% to 4.2% by 2040, adding an estimated $13 billion in regional economic output and $10 billion in earnings. The Charleston region has firmly established itself as a premier destination for business innovation, investment, and opportunity.

The Lowcountry’s Expanding Tech Landscape and Job Creation

The success of companies like SiteMarker and the investment from SC Launch Inc. contribute significantly to the Lowcountry economic growth, particularly within the technology sector. The tech industry across South Carolina has demonstrated remarkable expansion, growing more than twice as fast as the overall State-level economy over the past decade. This sector generates a total economic output of $51.7 billion and supports more than 143,000 jobs, with a total labor income of $13.8 billion. South Carolina tech firms have experienced a 56.7 percent increase in employment since 2020, highlighting the sector’s vitality. The average annual wage in the tech sector, at $96,763, is significantly higher, by 78 percent, than the state average. These figures underscore the importance of targeted investments in technology-based businesses for fostering high-wage job creation and robust economic expansion.

Empowering Small Businesses for a Resilient Future

Private investment and focused support for startups are crucial for the resilience of Charleston small business. The ability of companies to secure capital, like SiteMarker’s investment from SC Launch Inc., allows them to scale operations, innovate further, and contribute to the local job market. This model, which encourages private funding and limited regulatory hurdles, empowers entrepreneurs to take risks and drive progress. The focus on supporting early-stage ventures in sectors with high growth potential, such as technology, is vital for a diversified and robust economy. Organizations like Lowcountry Local First also highlight that many small businesses in the Lowcountry often face challenges in accessing traditional funding, suggesting that alternative funding pathways and financial education can be beneficial. This emphasizes the importance of diverse investment avenues and mentorship for local entrepreneurs.

The recent investment in SiteMarker by SC Launch Inc. is a testament to the dynamic entrepreneurial spirit thriving in Charleston and across South Carolina. By fostering innovation through strategic capital and support, the region is paving the way for sustained economic prosperity and high-quality job creation. We encourage our readers to support local businesses and stay informed about the exciting developments shaping Charleston’s vibrant economic future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SiteMarker Inc.?
SiteMarker Inc. is a Mount Pleasant-based startup that has developed advanced geolocation tools and techniques to make reporting more efficient for the construction industry.

What investment did SiteMarker Inc. receive?
SiteMarker Inc. received a $250,000 investment from SC Launch Inc.

What is the role of SC Launch Inc.?
SC Launch Inc. is the investment affiliate of the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) and supports advanced technology and technology-based businesses with seed and follow-on capital to fuel the state’s economy.

What is the economic impact of SCRA and SC Launch Inc.?
In 2023, SCRA contributed over $1.19 billion to South Carolina’s economy and supported 5,825 South Carolina-based jobs. Since 2006, SC Launch Inc. has generated $2.66 billion in total investment capital for its supported startups.

What is the projected economic growth for Charleston due to innovation?
An increased focus on innovation could push Charleston’s projected economic growth from 3.5% to 4.2% by 2040, potentially adding $13 billion in regional economic output and $10 billion in earnings.

Key Features of SiteMarker Investment and SC Launch Impact

Feature	Description	Geographic Scope
Company Receiving Investment	SiteMarker Inc. (Mount Pleasant-based startup)	Lowcountry (Mount Pleasant)
Investment Amount	$250,000	State-level (from SC Launch Inc.)
Investor	SC Launch Inc. (investment affiliate of SCRA)	State-level
SiteMarker’s Technology	Advanced geolocation tools and techniques for efficient construction reporting, real-time land development data collection.	Local (Mount Pleasant impact, industry-wide application)
SCRA’s 2023 Economic Impact	Over $1.19 billion contributed to the state’s economy.	State-level
Jobs Supported by SCRA (2023)	5,825 South Carolina-based jobs with an average salary of $91,209.	State-level
Total Investment Capital by SC Launch Inc. (since 2006)	$2.66 billion for supported startups.	State-level
Charleston’s Projected Innovation-Driven Economic Growth (by 2040)	$13 billion more in Gross Regional Product; $10 billion in additional annual earnings.	Charleston region
South Carolina Tech Sector Total Economic Output	$51.7 billion.	State-level