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Founderville
Meet Greenville’s protein soda startup
Meet the world’s first dietitian-formulated protein soda, made in Greenville. | Photo provided by ProSo
Welcome to Founderville — spotlighting the startups shaping Greenville’s next chapter.
Founded in 2025 with four full-time team members and one part-time, meet the local team behind ProSo. Psst… head to the GVLtoday newsletter this morning for the scoop on where to find this protein-packed pop.
Elevator pitch:
Traditional sodas are loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients, and most protein products aren’t much better — over-engineered for athletes, packed with artificial fillers, and about as enjoyable as eating drywall. ProSo bridges the gap. It’s the world’s first dietitian-formulated protein soda, featuring 10g of clean whey protein isolate, natural ingredients, zero sugar or caffeine, and just 45 calories in a light, crisp, actually craveable soda. Made for the whole family, ProSo turns getting extra protein into something that feels more like a treat than a health decision.
What do you need?
At this stage, the most important thing for us is funding and spreading the word. If you’ve tried ProSo and you love the product and believe in our mission to help make healthy choices a convenient treat, we would love your support. Tell your friends, grab a 12-pack, or send us a photo/video of how ProSo fuels your fun. Interested in helping fund our growth? Connect with us and help us put Greenville’s soda scene on the map.
How has Greenville’s entrepreneurial ecosystem supported your growth?
The entrepreneurial community here is incredible. There are so many niche programs and support groups that it feels almost impossible to fail. Fellow entrepreneurs and potential investors are eager to offer guidance and insight. Plus, most of our initial partners have been businesses started right here in the Upstate — like Swamp Rabbit Cafe, Tropical Grille, Emily’s Pantry, Evolve, and Seven Victory Fitness, just to name a few.
Greer will soon welcome United Composite Materials, an advanced carbon composite manufacturer, as it launches its first South Carolina operation. The $17.5 million investment is expected to create 50 new jobs, with operations slated for July, supplying North America’s sports and leisure composite markets.
Leadership
Mark Newman has been named President + CEO of the South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association. He brings two decades of leadership in tourism, public media, and nonprofits, and will represent 2,400+ businesses and 300,000 workers statewide while strengthening partnerships across government, communities, and the private sector.
Edu
Greenville Technical College has named its Center for Manufacturing Innovation after President Emeritus Keith Miller. Opened in 2016, the center offers SC’s only bachelor’s degree at a two-year college in advanced manufacturing technology. Miller led the college from 2008 to 2025 before retiring. (Greenville Journal)
Award
Voters have narrowed South Carolina’s Manufacturing Madness contest to four finalists, including Greenville-based Constant Velocity Joint from JTEKT. The winner of the “Coolest Thing Made in SC” will be announced tomorrow, March 24, at the Statehouse. The contest highlights the state’s $300 billion manufacturing sector and its vital role in jobs and the economy. (SCBiz)
Nonprofit
Miracle Hill Ministries raised $700,000 at its annual fundraising banquet and unveiled a new workforce program, Fresh Start CoffeeWorks. The initiative provides job training and employment for women overcoming homelessness or addiction. (Greenville Journal)
The South Carolina Entertainment and Music Hall of Fame is planning a $30 million entertainment complex in the Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson area, targeting a 2031 opening. The Upstate facility will feature a performance hall, recording studio, restaurant, and microbrewery, offering educational and entertainment experiences while generating $35 million in annual economic activity for the region. (Greenville News)
Listen
Andy Kurtz, founder and CEO of Kopis, shares his startup journey on Founderville’s latest podcast, detailing how he grew Kopis into a leading custom software development company and the lessons learned along the way.
Award
Earlier this month, the SC Department of Commerce awarded Relentless Challenge grants supporting innovation and small business growth statewide. Greenville-area recipients include Furman University’s Hill Institute for Innovation, fueling entrepreneurship and R&D projects that aim to advance local businesses and create long-term economic impact. (Integrated Media Publishing)
Plan Ahead
The Upstate Gubernatorial Reception has a new date: Monday, May 11. Business leaders are invited to hear directly from South Carolina’s gubernatorial candidates about their priorities and vision for the state. The event offers a chance to connect, ask questions, and make sure the Upstate business community’s voice is part of the conversation. Registration starts at $75.
Cause
The American Heart Association is expanding its Upstate Heart Walk to Greenville (April 11 at Fluor Field) and Spartanburg (April 17 at Fifth Third Park). Taylor Smith of Contec will chair both events, rallying local companies to boost CPR training and fund lifesaving research.
Finance
Greenville Federal Credit Union has expanded its offerings to include payables, receivables, and HR solutions for businesses. You already trust them with your personal finances — why not your business finances too? Learn more. *
Greenville showed up in a big way for this one. Earlier this month, dozens of local women leaders came together in Nicholtown to celebrate a newly completed home from Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County. Part of the organization’s 40th anniversary Women’s Build, this year’s peer-to-peer fundraising twist brought together 10 teams (and 40+ women) to make it happen. The result? A new home — and a powerful reminder of what community can do.
Events
Agenda
Editor’s Picks
Greater Good Greenville Mission Leaders Forum | Wednesday, March 25 | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | Woodside Conference Center | Free, RSVP | Nonprofit leaders and funders can connect, discuss policy changes, and explore Greenville County’s funding landscape at this forum.
YMCA of Greenville’s Youth Opportunities & Connection Fair | Wednesday, March 25 | 6-8 p.m. | Caine Halter Family YMCA | Free, register | Know some young leaders? This fair connects youth with programs, mentorship, and resources to explore education, careers, and personal growth.
Society Hall, 504 Rhett St. | 20,246 sqft | $7 million | Society Hall in Greenville’s West End offers a renovated two-story office with flexible space, modern amenities, and prime access to South Main, Fluor Field, and upcoming entertainment venues.
Retail, for sale
714 S. Main St. | 4,300 sqft | $2.795 million | Prime West End Greenville storefront with endless possibilities — add floors for luxury condos, offices, or high-end retail/restaurant. Steps from Falls Park, Fluor Field, and top dining and shopping.
721 W. Blackstock Rd., Spartanburg | 2,520 sqft | $1.1 million | High-revenue car wash and laundromat on ~0.75 acres in west Spartanburg, with 14 washers and dryers, four-bay self-service car wash, five vacuums, and strong visibility on West Blackstock Road.
Office, for lease
101 N. Main St. | 789-19,246 sqft | $36.50/sqft | Premier 16-story office at ONE City Plaza in downtown, offering fitness center, on-site coffee, and direct parking access — steps from Falls Park, Swamp Rabbit Trail, restaurants, shops, and hotels.
Land, for sale
255 A St. | 0.5 acres | $350,000 | Prime neighborhood commercial site, offering versatile development potential in a thriving, high-traffic area.
Looks like Tipsy Taco is hitting refresh without losing its flavor — founder Roger Carlton is back at the helm with Frank Roman to keep the flavors, margaritas, and good vibes rolling. As the Upstate favorite expands into North Carolina, longtime fans can expect the same energy they fell in love with, now ready to scale across cities. Great, now I’m hungry.
