Worthwhile

Dan Rundle, our CEO of Worthwhile, took the stage at this month’s i4Series event at THRIVE | Coworking to dive into what it really takes to launch a successful startup. With two decades of experience in guiding a tech startup through complex technology solutions, Dan shared real-world insights on strategic planning, early funding, and why the Venture Studio model can be a game-changer for growth. Moderated by Douglas Kim of Kim, Lahey & Killough Law Firm, the discussion covered the startup essentials, with fellow panelist Alan "F3 Zorro" Blakeborough bringing valuable perspectives from his journey as a serial tech founder. This event also previewed Launchpad Greenville, a new resource hub opening in 2025 to support the next wave of tech startups in South Carolina. Big thanks to i4Series for creating such a fantastic space for sharing and connection - these are the kinds of conversations that make a difference in our local startup ecosystem. #southcarolinatech #worthwhile #venturestudio

Last week, our Director of Organizational Effectiveness, April Poynter, had the honor of attending the 2024 InnoVision Awards where South Carolina’s top innovators gathered to celebrate technological achievements across various industries! Since 1999, the InnoVision Awards, a volunteer-led, nonprofit organization - has been dedicated to supporting and celebrating innovation in products, services, education, and community service across South Carolina. InnoVision fosters collaboration and champions forward-thinking individuals and organizations. Their mission to honor those advancing technology aligns perfectly with our vision at Worthwhile. Events like this inspire us by highlighting what’s possible when creativity, collaboration, and the right partnerships come together. We’re energized to bring these insights back to our work, as we continue partnering with companies to bring their own visions to life through innovative, impactful technology solutions. Congratulations to all the 2024 InnoVision Awards winners: Dr. Charles Townes Individual Achievement - Stewart Spinks Technology Development - Apex Orthopaedic Technologies Technology Application - Solverein, Inc. Sustainability - Charolina Small Business - Qatalyst Health Community Service - MyUI.AI Education - College Action Program #InnoVisionAwards2024 #Innovation #SCtech #WorthwhileTeam #TechforGood #Worthwhile

Yesterday, we hosted our inaugural VC Day in Greenville, SC, bringing together founders, VCs, Angels, and ecosystem partners for impactful networking and collaboration. We’re grateful to our partners for making it a fantastic event, and we’re already looking forward to the next one! Special thanks to Worthwhile, Stout Street Capital, SCRA: South Carolina Research Authority and NextGEN for their support. Special shout out to our wonderful Mandi Ford Argo and Jason See for putting this amazing event together!

Outdated Tech Blocking Your Vacation? It’s Time for a Digital Breakup You’re daydreaming about a vacation—turquoise waters, fruity drinks, total relaxation. But wait, what if the servers crash while you’re away? Your trusty old software has already been glitchy, and that legacy system is held together by duct tape and wishful thinking. Goodbye, vacation. Hello, emergency troubleshooting. Your Tech Is Like a Relic from the Past Let’s be real: some of the tech you’re using should’ve retired when flip phones did. That clunky software has survived three office moves and five CEOs, but at what cost? It’s now a liability that forces you to delay much-needed breaks. You wouldn’t use a typewriter for daily business, so why are you relying on a system that’s just as ancient? Time to Send the Old Tech to the Retirement Home You need systems that work for you, not against you. Here’s the plan: 1. Upgrade Early and Often: Don’t wait until the tech is gasping for air to replace it. Be proactive. 2. Ditch the Band-Aids: Stop patching old systems; invest in long-term solutions. 3. Embrace the Cloud: If your software feels like it’s from a museum, it probably belongs there. Book That Vacation Already You deserve a break—and so does your tech. Upgrading your tools won’t just help you take a guilt-free vacation; it’ll also keep your business running smoothly while you’re away. So go ahead, put the out-of-office reply on, and trade tech anxiety for real R&R. P.S. Need help retiring your ancient systems? Let’s chat. Slide into my DMs or book a meeting directly with me at Worthwhile https://lnkd.in/eS9p94zk Your next vacation will thank you.

The Power of Partnerships: Because Two Heads (or Four, or Six) Are Better Than One! At Worthwhile, we’ve learned something pretty important—trying to do it all by yourself is like trying to juggle flaming swords while riding a unicycle... in a windstorm. Spoiler alert: it’s not a great idea! That’s why we believe in the power of partnerships. By working with the right people, we make sure no one is juggling anything on their own. Over the next few days, let’s talk about some of our all-star partners and how these collaborations help us keep our clients from juggling flaming anything. First up… Elliott Davis: Tech Whisperers in a Complex World Elliott Davis, specifically their Digital Practice, led by the one and only Jimmy Buddenberg. These folks help businesses not just survive but thrive in the digital wilderness. Whether it's navigating the cloud (no, not the fluffy ones), or developing tech strategies that don’t result in anyone throwing their laptop out the window, Elliott Davis brings clarity and calm to even the stormiest tech waters. ⛈️ The Value: With Elliott Davis on board, we can ensure that our clients’ tech is not only functional but future-proof—so no one’s stuck in the dreaded “buffering” loop of doom. Better Together: Like Peanut Butter and Jelly, But Cooler 🥪 These partnerships aren’t just about making things work—they’re about making things work better. Think of us as the peanut butter, and our partners as the jelly... or maybe the Nutella or honey. 🍯 Either way, together, we’re unbeatable. Through these collaborations, we: 1. Expand our service offerings: From IT superheroes to business wizards, we’ve got all the bases covered. 2. Move faster: Who doesn’t want to move fast when there are digital dragons to slay? 3. Deliver way more value: Our clients get the best of all worlds, without dealing with any unicycle-riding-flaming-sword-juggling nonsense. Looking Ahead At Worthwhile, we know we’re better together—like Batman and Robin, like peanut butter and jelly, like... you get the point. And the best part? You can be part of this awesomeness too. Want to know more? Slide into my DMs or book a meeting directly https://lnkd.in/eS9p94zk —let’s chat about how we can help your business conquer whatever challenge comes next (no juggling required). #Partnerships #Innovation #BusinessGrowth #WeLoveJelly #HoneyisLife Denise Bailey Kyle Herron

Part 2 of 3: How to Tell if Your Development Partner is an Innovator or Just an Order-Taker In the vast arena of software development, there are two kinds of teams:  1. Innovators, who’ll change the world (or at least your app), and…  2. Order-takers, who’ll just change your app because you told them to. It’s like the difference between hiring Gordon Ramsay to cook you a surprise meal 🦞 versus asking the kid at the drive-thru to "hold the pickles."🍔 So, how do you know which type you’re working with? Here are a few tell-tale signs that your development partner is an innovator versus a member of the “Just tell me what you want” or “Your way, right away” crowd! 3. Creative Problem-Solving: MacGyver or IKEA Instructions?🧰 An innovator approaches problems like MacGyver—armed with nothing but a toothpick, a rubber band, and a vision, they’ll figure out a solution that’s not only effective but somehow also futuristic. These are the people who see a “dead end” sign and grab a sledgehammer. ⚒️ Order-takers, meanwhile, follow the IKEA instructions to a T. Sure, they’ll build your product, but don’t expect them to suggest an extra drawer or a sleeker finish. If you give them 10 steps, they’ll follow 10 steps—just don’t ask them to invent an 11th. 🪑 How to spot it: Does your team pitch your ideas that make you say, “Why didn’t I think of that?” or do they just ask, “So, what’s next?” 4. Communication: Collaborative Banter or Bare Minimum Emails? 🦜 Innovators treat every meeting like a brainstorming session. You’ll get feedback, new ideas, and probably a few tangents that somehow still sound brilliant. They’re your partners in crime, always looking for ways to make the project better—and they’re not shy about it. 🥷 Order-takers communicate like they’re checking boxes: “Task received. Task complete. Over and out.” They’re polite, professional, and about as chatty as an automated voicemail system. ☑️ How to spot it: Does your team get into passionate debates about the best framework to use, or are they more likely to reply, “We’ll get back to you ASAP”? Come back for Part 3 on Friday… Worthwhile IMS Solutions Group Gregory Kaye K2 Advisors Group TechCXO

Part 1 of 3: How to Tell if Your Development Partner is an Innovator or Just an Order-Taker In the vast arena of software development, there are two kinds of teams:  1. Innovators, who’ll change the world (or at least your app), and…  2. Order-takers, who’ll just change your app because you told them to. It’s like the difference between hiring Gordon Ramsay to cook you a surprise meal 🦞 versus asking the kid at the drive-thru to "hold the pickles."🍔 So, how do you know which type you’re working with? Here are a few tell-tale signs that your development partner is an innovator versus a member of the “Just tell me what you want” or “Your way, right away” crowd! 1. Proactive vs. Reactive: Visionaries or Robots?🤖 Innovators don’t wait for your instructions; they’re already three steps ahead. You mention, "We need to streamline this process," and they’ve already designed a custom algorithm that not only streamlines it but makes your coffee and walks your dog.🦮 Order-takers, however, wait for your detailed instructions like a GPS with no signal. They’re great at following orders but don’t expect them to go rogue and come back with creative solutions. No surprise algorithms here. How to spot it: Do they send you ideas at 3 a.m. because they just thought of something brilliant? Innovators lose sleep thinking about ways to make things better. Order-takers are sound asleep. 😴 2. Ownership: Captain of the Ship or Just the Deckhand?🚢 Innovators grab the wheel, hoist the sails, and navigate through stormy seas (aka bugs and crashes) to get your project where it needs to go. They act like your problem is their problem and won’t rest until it’s solved—probably better than you imagined. ⛵ Order-takers? They’re more like the deckhand politely waiting for you to tell them to scrub the deck. Sure, they’ll do what’s asked, but they won’t be plotting the course or trying to figure out why the ship keeps leaking. 🌊 How to spot it: When things go wrong, does your team say, “Don’t worry, we’ve got this,” or do they ask you what they should do next? The latter may suggest an order-taking vibe. Come back for Part 2 on Wednesday…or get started today! https://lnkd.in/eS9p94zk Worthwhile IMS Solutions Group K2 Advisors Group TechCXO

Does your business technology need an upgrade, rejuvenation, or scale with your business? Heck, even the Monopoly Man is looking dapper these days!! Do not pass Go, do not collect $200 until you call me, like right now, book a call with me: https://lnkd.in/ed3nUXZj Worthwhile https://lnkd.in/eS9p94zk