SC Launch Inc. Board of Directors
Patti Leahy is a driving force behind South Carolina’s innovation ecosystem as Board Chair of SC Launch, Inc., where she champions the growth of startups across the state. With over 25 years of global business strategy experience, Patti brings a proven track record of accelerating growth and navigating complex strategic initiatives for companies ranging from early-stage ventures to publicly traded firms. Her deep understanding of the investment landscape is cultivated through her board role at Enterprise Investors, one of Central and Eastern Europe’s largest private equity firms, and further enhanced by her extensive experience as an Investor Relations Officer for multiple public companies and prior investment banking and M&A experience in London and Frankfurt. This keen insight allows her to anticipate market shifts and guide SC Launch, Inc. portfolio companies toward sustainable success.
Complementing her investment acumen is her proven ability to drive significant organizational change, demonstrated by her leadership of a $160 million communication services business unit through a successful reorganization. Her commitment extends to developing tech talent as Board Chair of Build Carolina, an organization focused on strengthening the talent pipeline that fuels South Carolina’s innovation ecosystem.
Patti’s previous experience includes launching a startup accelerator at Benefitfocus, demonstrating her direct engagement in fostering early-stage ventures. Her German language skills further enhance her international experience, allowing her to connect with a broader range of stakeholders. She holds an MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management and a BA from Oklahoma State University. A resident of Charleston since 2010 with her husband and two sons, her deep roots in the local community further strengthen her commitment to South Carolina’s entrepreneurial future. Her diverse background and global insights equip her with a unique perspective to foster collaboration and drive impactful outcomes for the state’s innovation ecosystem.