This community resource helps local innovators grow
Presented by Upstate Upstarts
Once a biz is on Upstate Upstarts’ list, they have access to community funding opportunities. | Photo provided by Upstate Upstarts
The Upstate is brimming with groundbreaking technology and innovation. From companies like Inveterate and Stark to our parent company, 6AM City, it all started here.
Local tech companies now have another ally as they seek success: Upstate Upstarts,an entrepreneur ecosystem launched in 2024 to foster growth for vibrant early-stage companies based in and around Greenville.
How it works
Upstate Upstarts facilitates an evolving list of tech “upstarts” in the region. This organized resource serves as a platform for investment opportunities and a nexus for collaboration.
The list features more than 100 startups that are:
Based in the Upstate’s seven counties (Oconee, Pickens, Anderson, Greenville, Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union)
Grounded in technology (including software, hardware, tech-enabled services, digitally native brands, e-commerce, and life sciences companies)
Once a biz makes the list, they can receive monetary support from The Upstate Upstarts Fund to help execute their plans. Investments are funded by our community, and anyone can contribute to support these local startups. It’s like our local version of “Shark Tank.” Read: You could invest in the future of the next Kanga Coolers or Bubble Paper.
Startups to watch
This year, we’re keeping our eyes on these growing businesses based in Greenville:
Incora Health | Created a “smart earring” monitoring system that gives women access to tools and information that empower them to make the best decisions for their health, well-being, and families.
Kiyatec | A functional precision oncology company that uses 3D cell culture technology to measure the response of individual patient live cancer cells.
GreenCape Health | Developed the first Patient Reported Outcomes (PRO) platform built for Rheumatology.
Treat Yourself | 6-8 p.m. | 1885 Taproom, Simpsonville | Free | Enjoy talks from three women about how to treat yourself just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Shock Theatre Night | 7-9 p.m. | Good Art Co. | Free | Catch the drive-in, not-so-classic zombie movie, “The Horror of Party Beach.”
Friday, Feb. 14
Valentine’s Day | 11-1 a.m. | Group Therapy Pub & Playground | Free entry | Sip on drink specials, vibe with live music + karaoke, and enjoy 14% off games all day.
Valentine’s Day Sushi Rolling Class | 12-2 p.m. | Chef 21 Sushi Burger and Korean BBQ | $85+ | Celebrate the love with a hands-on sushi rolling class where what you make is on the menu.
Humongous Valentine’s Show | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Centre Stage | $20 | It’s Alchemy Comedy’s biggest annual event featuring improv, stand-up, and sketch comedy.
“Alice” | Friday, Feb. 21-Sunday, March 9 | Times vary | South Carolina Children’s Theatre | $1+ | Embark on a whimsical trip through Wonderland during this original and imaginative adaptation of the classic tale.*
The brewery is in the former Tetrad Brewing Co. space. | Photo by GVLtoday
Wild Yarrow Brewing, a “community-driven brewery,” will open this spring on Stone Avenue.
The spot will pour a wide range of styles with an emphasis on lagers, mixed-fermentation saison, and barrel-aged beers with a philosophy of creating approachable but nuanced beers that are both drinkable (for the casual drinker) and complex (for the beer aficionado).
The hope for each brew is to highlight local ingredients from malt to fruit, herbs, and flowers which will support regional farmers and “tell the story of our community through flavor.”
“Our goal for the taproom is to create a relaxed atmosphere for the community to gather and socialize,” owner Aaron Dowling tells us. In addition to pouring local brews, the business will host live music, game nights, and fundraising events for local organizations.
We’re craving tacos. Comal 864 was featured in USA TODAY’s 2025 Restaurants of the Year list among 43 other spots in the US. Owner Dayna Lee-Márquez told Greenville News, “To be chosen as part of the USA Today Restaurant of the Year 2025, it’s a huge honor.”
Eat
Half Rooted — a local Columbian food truck concept — will soon be taking over the former Cataran’s space on Wade Hampton Boulevard. The menu is still being finalized and the spot is set to open mid-March. (Upstate Business Journal)
Community
And Bingo West Greenville was its name-o. You can pick up a Village of West Greenville business bingo card from Page & Post or LaRue Fine Chocolate to complete as many tasks as possible in February and March for a chance to win prizes. Plus, a spring edition will launch after the first round gets turned in by Friday, April 4.
Shop
The Greenville County Library System is hosting a used book sale this Friday, Feb. 14, and Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Five Forks Branch. You have to be a Friend of the Library to shop — memberships start at $5.
Health
Remote Area Medical’s pop up clinic will be in Greenville this Saturday, Feb. 15 and Sunday, Feb. 16 at the USC School of Medicine. The clinic provides free vision and medical services + slots are on a first come, first served basis.
Plan Ahead
The Meyer Center for Special Children is hosting its 37th annual Kids Classic Clarence Edwards Golf Tournament on Tuesday, May 6. Participants have the chance to play 27 holes of golf on one of six courses + all funds go toward the Meyer Center.
Real Estate
Just five minutes from downtown in North Main is The Rutherford, an established event venue for sale via Trinity Partners. The property features modern and sophisticated amenities, including original hardwood floors and a private outdoor courtyard. Bonus: It has ~50 parking spaces. See inside.*
The Word
Anatomage table. This life-sized touchscreen lets students at Greenville Technical College study the human body — think: skin, bones, muscles, and organs — without needing a physical specimen. Here’s how it works.*
Home
How much did you spend on home repairs last year? The average homeowner shells out nearly $6,000 annually on upkeep — but some of these costs can be offset by a home warranty. American Home Shield is now offering $150 off their plans. See important disclaimers on web.*
Correction
Where’s a map when you need one? Yesterday, we told you Upstate Greenways and Trails Alliance donated $100,000 for a pedestrian bridge over Verdae Boulevard + mentioned a connector from Nicholtown to Cleveland Park. Both of these things are true, but they are two separate projects.
Category
Opening
NY-style cheesecake with a Southern twist
Welcome to Mak & Cheesecakes. | Photo by Dalton Anderson
Mak & Cheesecakes — a New York-style cheesecake shop with a Southern twist — opens its second location next to Sun and Soil on Augusta this Saturday, Feb. 15. We’re giving you your very first peek inside.
Owner Lisa Forbes returned home to the Upstate after a trip to New York determined to create the perfect cheesecake recipe. After three years of trial and error, she nailed it, and Mak & Cheesecakes was born.
Over the past few years, you may recognize her from slinging slices out of her cheesecake tricycle or from her two-year-old storefront at 510 SE Main St., Simpsonville.
There’s a few things in the new Greenville spot that you won’t find at the original store:
A kiosk for quick ordering
More seating, including a patio space
Room to host food trucks and events
Colorful murals by Ryan Finley (with nods to the signature black-and-white murals at the SVL store)
Le Creuset’s Signature Round Dutch Oven in the color Berry. In case you haven’t heard the news, this popular hue is back after being discontinued in 2019 — and the internet is freaking out. It’s also available in the Signature Oval Dutch Oven. Grab it before it’s gone again.
When you visit Mak & Cheesecakes, you’ll see the stunning mural work from Ryan Finley, including a painting of Lisa and her husband Curtis’ two sons: Makai (aka Mak, the shop’s namesake) + Judah.
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