Launchpad GVL Graduates First Cohort and Expands to Columbia

Launchpad GVL is bringing its successful tech incubator program to Columbia

 

Now in its second week, Launchpad COLA has officially kicked off Cohort 2 at the Boyd Innovation Center, providing founders across the Midlands with world-class startup training and a strong support network.

The expansion follows a major milestone, the graduation of Launchpad GVL’s inaugural founder cohort, which concluded with a Demo Day at the end of September.

Launchpad GVL and Launchpad COLA offer a unique pathway for early-stage tech founders. Unlike many programs that require significant traction, entrepreneurs can join with little more than a promising idea. The free 12-week program provides structure, mentorship, and direct access to investors.

Out of the 15 founders who joined the first cohort in Greenville, nine successfully graduated, and five advanced into Ignite, Launchpad’s accelerator program designed to help startups raise capital and scale.

 

Meet Cohort 1 Graduates

 

Chad Hensel – Oratia – Winner of the Best Pitch Award
Oratia is a B2B AI software company that replaces generic corporate training with realistic, AI-powered conversation simulations. The platform immerses business teams in real-world scenarios, allowing them to practice and perfect communication skills in a safe, interactive environment.

Tom Brown – AmICompliant – Winner of the Most Investible Award
AmICompliant is an AI-powered platform designed to streamline and automate compliance and credentialing for healthcare professionals, staffing agencies, and employers. The software enables real-time management, verification, and tracking of professional compliance.

Joey Lowman – SynergyMill
SynergyMill is a non-profit community makerspace in Greenville, offering tools and resources for inventors, artists, hobbyists, and entrepreneurs through membership or day passes. The organization aims to grow economic opportunity by providing access to tools, knowledge, and an inclusive community. SynergyMill is also a finalist for the 2025 InnoVision Awards for community service.

Louis Arena – Arena Business Solutions
Louis is the president and founder of Arena Business Solutions, Inc., a technology company specializing in business reengineering and executive level support.  Louis participated in Launchpad GVL as both a mentor and possible founder.

Archye Valdes – CouchBroGames
Couch Bro Games is an independent video game studio headquartered in Greenville, SC. They specialize in creating engaging and accessible titles designed for a broad audience, with a focus on “friendly games” and experiences that encourage shared enjoyment for all ages.

Jeff Crump – GeoPlayer
GeoPlayer is an all-in-one app for hobby gamers who want to connect, compete, and explore. It helps users find local games on an interactive map. They can plan a gaming route, visit nearby events, and build their play schedule.

Andrew Farrell – LKRM
LKRM Sports is a platform for high school coaches where they can manage team information, track statistics, streamline scheduling, and simplify expense reporting. Their solution helps coaches save time, enhance team performance, and achieve season goals.

LJ Gordon – Quillnote
Quillnote is an Accelerated Math Learning Platform designed to transform math instruction and student learning. It utilizes an interactive digital whiteboard and instant quizzes to provide teachers with real-time insights into student understanding and pinpoint areas of difficulty.

Abishai “AJ” Cherian – Stealth Marketing App
Stealth Marketing App is a platform designed to streamline and simplify marketing for businesses. By combining marketing tools – email campaigns, social media management, analytics, and more – into a single platform, it allows companies to manage marketing efficiently.

For more information about Launchpad GVL and its programs, visit launchpadgvl.com.