Matt Bell

Matt Bell is the Executive Director of SC Launch Inc., an investment fund under the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA). He assumed this role in March 2021, succeeding Russell Cook. In his position, Bell is responsible for guiding the strategic direction of the SC Launch program, which supports technology-based startups through mentoring, networking, and grant funding across sectors such as advanced materials, information technology, and life sciences.13

Background and Experience:: Before joining SCRA, Bell served as the Managing Director for the Discovery Partners Institute, an initiative aimed at leveraging university resources to foster economic development in Illinois. He also held roles at Cultivian Sandbox Venture Fund, where he was involved in capital raising and managing investor relationships.12 His extensive background includes managing intellectual property and launching startups in academia, as well as experience in early-stage investing and venture capital.1

Bell is actively involved in various boards and advisory roles, including a board member for Michigan State University's agriculture-focused translational fund and a former board member of Abcelex Technologies. He has also contributed as a grant reviewer for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Small Business Innovation Research program.12

Education:: Matt Bell holds both a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois.1

In summary, Matt Bell's leadership at SC Launch Inc. is marked by his commitment to fostering innovation and supporting startups in South Carolina through strategic investment and development initiatives.