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The Launch Place
The Launch Place is a Danville, Virginia-based venture development organization and seed-stage investor, led by Catherine P. Pully since 2006.
The Launch Place
The Launch Place is a business consulting firm based in Southern Virginia. It provides services to develop businesses and create jobs region-wide. The firm manages a $4 million seed fund established with a $10 million grant from the Danville Region Foundation, investing in start-ups and entrepreneurs.
General information
Firm type
Economic Development Organization
Year founded
2006
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
Danville
Corporate office
Danville, VA, United States
Principals
Catherine P. Pully
President & CEO
Michael D. Herron
Managing Director, Investments
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at The Launch Place?
Catherine P. Pully serves as President and CEO, overseeing strategy, while Michael D. Herron, Managing Director of Investments, leads deal sourcing and portfolio management. The investment committee includes board members from regional foundations and economic development bodies (per public record).
Is The Launch Place structured as a family office or a venture firm?
The Launch Place is neither. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit venture development organization, funded originally by the Danville Regional Foundation and later by state and federal grants. Its primary objective is economic development through job creation, not wealth management (per the firm's official communications).
How does The Launch Place source proprietary deal flow?
The Launch Place sources deals through its accelerator program, partnerships with Virginia universities (including Virginia Tech and George Mason), and a network of regional entrepreneurs. It also receives referrals from the Virginia Innovation Partnership Authority (per public record).
What investment stages and check sizes does The Launch Place typically target?
The Launch Place focuses on seed-stage investments and grants, typically writing checks between $25,000 and $250,000. It also provides follow-on funding through its growth fund for portfolio companies that meet milestone targets (per the firm's official communications).
Which sectors does The Launch Place explicitly avoid?
The Launch Place does not invest in real estate, gambling, or cannabis. It also avoids venture capital opportunities outside its geographic footprint in Southern Virginia unless the company commits to establishing a physical presence in the region (per public record).
Does The Launch Place participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?
The Launch Place invests only through direct equity positions and grants. It does not commit to external venture funds or act as a limited partner in any third-party fund (per public record).
How is The Launch Place related to the Danville Regional Foundation?
The Launch Place was established by the Danville Regional Foundation in 2006 as a programmatic initiative to foster entrepreneurship. While the foundation provided initial funding and continues to have board representation, The Launch Place operates as an independent 501(c)(3) with its own staff and governance (per public record).
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