OCTOBER 2025 | THE "SPOOKY" HILL INSTITUTE NEWSROOM | |
Fall at Furman is always a season of creativity, collaboration, and forward momentum and this year is no exception. Across campus and throughout the Greenville community, we’re seeing incredible examples of what happens when innovative ideas meet entrepreneurial drive.
This month’s stories highlight that spirit in action: from the high-energy GVL Starts Venture Showcase, where new founders took center stage, to the announcement of our newest Entrepreneur in Residence, Shane Grivich, who will guide and inspire Furman’s next generation of innovators. We also celebrate the achievements of our Palmetto Pitch competitors, the generosity of Ken and Chase Clemens, and look ahead to Advantage Greenville on November 7, one of our most exciting events of the year.
Thank you for being part of this growing ecosystem of creativity and impact. Whether you’re a student, alum, mentor, or community partner, your engagement fuels everything we do. Together, we’re building a brighter, more innovative future — right here at Furman.
Onward together,
Bryan Davis
Executive Director
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GVL STARTS | VENTURE SHOWCASE
Come on down! GVL Starts Venture Showcase Brings Bob Barker Energy to Greenville’s Startup Scene
Entrepreneurs, you’re the next contestants on GVL Starts Venture Showcase! This year’s finale on October 23 took a playful, game show inspired twist, complete with bright lights, buzzer moments, a prize wheel, and plenty of startup surprises.
Thirty-four ventures competed throughout the fall for one goal: to pitch, perform, and win over a crowd of investors, mentors, and community members. After ten weeks of guided workshops, mentorship, and pitch prep, six finalists took the stage before an enthusiastic audience and an expert panel of judges:
Please put your hands together one last time for your 2025 GVL Starts Venture Showcase Winners...
Legacy/Lifestyle Company: Karly Cunningham, Good Dogs of Greenville
High Growth/Scalable Company: Chad Hensel, Oratia.io
Crowd Favorite: Jared Arter, Howdy!
“The game show theme captured the excitement of entrepreneurship perfectly,” said Eric Cooperman, Sr. Director of Entrepreneurship Programs of The Hill Institute. “Launching a startup often feels like being on stage, unpredictable, fast-paced, and full of opportunity. The energy in the room this year was contagious.”
| | New Entrepreneur in Residence - Shane Grivich | | |
The Hill Institute proudly welcomes Shane Grivich, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at ChartSpan Medical Technologies, as Furman’s newest Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR).
In this role, Shane will mentor Furman students, faculty, and staff, advise startups through The Hill Institute programming, and share real-world insights from his journey leading one of the nation’s largest value-based care management companies. His addition strengthens The Hill Institute’s mission to connect Furman students and Greenville founders with accomplished innovators who can help turn ideas into impact.
“We now have students who are CEOs raising money for their companies before they even graduate,” Said Bryan Davis, Executive Director of The Hill Institute. “That wasn’t happening six years ago. We have a great entrepreneurship center up and running, but how do we continue to level up? Like this.”
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Ken and Chase Clemens, inducted into Furman University’s White Oak Society for their lasting contributions to student innovation.
Through their support of the Clemens Angel Analyst Fellowship, students gain hands-on experience in venture investing, analyzing startups, evaluating opportunities, and learning from seasoned investors.
“Their generosity helps Furman students think and act like investors, turning theory into real-world impact,” said Bryan Davis.
| | White Oak Society Inductees Strengthen Student Investment Learning | | | Furman Entrepreneurs Represent at Palmetto Pitch | | |
A huge congratulations to Jackson Price ’25 (Founder of Goldrush and Rinker Paladin Pitch Competition 2025 Winner) and Evan Guzman '26 (MSIL, Founder of Orbit Nutrition) for proudly representing Furman University at this year’s Palmetto Pitch Competition, a statewide showcase featuring 155 student entrepreneurs from nine South Carolina universities.
While they didn’t advance to the finals, their participation highlights the creativity, confidence, and entrepreneurial spirit that define Furman’s innovation community. We’re incredibly proud of the way they shared their ideas, connected with peers across the state, and carried Furman’s mission forward.
| | | ADVANTAGE GREENVILLE | November 7 | 7:30 AM - 10 AM | |
Advantage Greenville: Building Greenville's Next Economy
Join us for the next installment of Advantage GVL, a signature forum exploring how entrepreneurship drives jobs, policy, and community transformation across Greenville and beyond.
Hear from leaders shaping our region’s future through keynote insights and a dynamic panel discussion:
Dr. Steve Stewart — Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship, Furman University | Researches entrepreneurial leadership, identity, and early-stage venture dynamics.
John DeWorken — City Council Member and Vice Chair, Greenville City Economic Development Corporation | Advocates for small business growth and Greenville’s economic vitality.
Shay Houser — Co-Founder and Partner, Founderville.VC | Entrepreneur and investor redefining how founders access capital and mentorship.
Karly Cunningham — Founder, Good Dogs Greenville | GVL Starts alum and recent Venture Showcase winner building purpose-driven local brands.
Agenda
7:30–8:15 a.m. | Networking & Breakfast
8:15–9:30 a.m. | Keynote and Panel Discussion
9:30–10:00 a.m. | Post-Event Networking (Optional)
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Advantage Greenville
Flywheel Greenville | 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM
We invite you to the next installment of Advantage GVL, a signature forum showcasing the power of entrepreneurship as a driver of jobs, policy, and community transformation.
This dynamic event will explore how entrepreneurial thinking fuels not only new ventures, but also the broader economic and social fabric of Greenville and beyond. Through keynote talks, thought-provoking presentations, and a multi-perspective panel, attendees will hear from leaders shaping the future of our economy.
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Palmetto Pitch Competition Finals
Brook T. Smith Launchpad | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Join us at Clemson University’s Brook T. Smith Launchpad for the 2025 Palmetto Pitch Competition Finals, where the top 8 student venture teams from across South Carolina will compete live for over $15,000 in cash prizes, exclusive mentorship, and statewide recognition!
This exciting, one-day event brings together innovators, investors, and educators to celebrate South Carolina’s next generation of founders.
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TEDx Unity Park
Roam Greenville One | 1:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Greenville’s signature ideas conference, TEDxUnityPark, returns on November 19, 2025, with this year’s theme: Momentum. The full-day experience will feature 15 dynamic speakers, bold local ideas, and three sessions designed to spark movement in thought, in community, and in you. We’re especially proud that Bryan Davis, our Executive Director, will take the stage as one of this year’s speakers, sharing insights on the power of innovation, leadership, and ecosystem momentum shaping Greenville’s future.
| | | WE ARE THANKFUL FOR OUR COMMUNITY COLLABORATORS | | |
Our operations are fully supported by generous donors and program sponsors. Please consider donating today to support our mission of creating innovative and entrepreneurially minded leaders at Furman and in the Upstate.
Interested in sponsorship opportunities?
Please email Innovation@Furman.edu
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