The South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) has announced that Russell Cook was recently named Director of SC Launch and Executive Director of SC Launch, Inc.

Cook will be responsible for leading the strategic direction of the SC Launch program which provides mentoring, networking, and grant funding to eligible companies that are employing new technologies within the life science, technology, and advanced manufacturing industries. He will also serve as the liaison to the SC Launch, Inc. board of directors, which makes capital investments in SC Launch companies that successfully complete the due diligence process. Established in 2006, SC Launch, Inc., is an independent, nonprofit corporate affiliate of SCRA.

“Russell’s extensive experience in business development, finance, and investments, as well as his senior corporate leadership, will be an asset to our SCRA team as we continue advancing innovation by supporting entrepreneurs and early-stage companies,” said Executive Director, Bob Quinn. “The SC Launch team is a well-respected group of professionals who have mentored and guided companies around the state, and Russell brings the right background and knowledge to help these companies become highly investible.”

Prior to coming to the SCRA, Russell Cook was managing director for Comporium Ventures where he provided strategic guidance for portfolio companies, and managed key external business and economic development relationships. He currently serves as a trustee for South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, Inc., as a director for Boys Farm, and is a member of the South Carolina Council on Innovation Initiatives. 

Cook earned a Bachelor of Arts from Wofford College and furthered his education by completing certificate programs at Clemson University and the Georgia Institute of Technology. He also completed the South Carolina Economic Developers’ Advanced Symposium and earned the designation of South Carolina Certified Economic Developer. He will be based in SCRA’s Columbia office.