NextGEN Venture Mentoring Service (NextGEN VMS)
NextGEN is an economic development non-profit organization guiding and supporting high-potential entrepreneurs and their businesses in Greenville and across the Upstate of South Carolina. It participated in the MIT VMS Immersion Program in 2014 and launched NextGEN VMS the following year, with onsite Mentor Training delivered by MIT VMS instructors in 2015, 2016, and 2025.
The mentoring program has since assisted many high-growth startups — 68 mentors have served 76 mentees to date — enabling them to flourish and expand, making a significant economic impact throughout the region. In 2023, for example, 27 founders/ventures benefited from mentorship through program. These companies generated $32 million in revenue that year and created 232 jobs, with an average salary of $80,000 per year (40% greater than the regional average).
“It has been one of the biggest drivers of growth to push and provide guidance and coaching. I don’t feel like I’m on an island. The tactical advice has been incredibly helpful – having a team that is trying to help has been huge.”
- Logan LaMance, Co-Founder, Kanga Coolers