You’ve probably seen his name pop up if you spend any time in the Charleston tech scene or keep an eye on South Carolina business journals. Patrick Bryant South Carolina based serial entrepreneur, isn't just another guy with a LinkedIn profile full of "Founder" titles. He’s someone who actually built the infrastructure that a lot of Lowcountry startups now lean on.
Honestly, it’s rare to find someone who successfully jumps from video production to 24k gold rolling papers and then over to high-end software development without crashing the car at some point.
The Man Behind the Charleston Tech Surge
When people talk about the "Silicon Harbor," they usually point to the big exits like Blackbaud or Benefitfocus. But those are the giants. The day-to-day grit of the Charleston startup ecosystem owes a lot to Patrick Bryant. He didn't just start companies; he started the Harbor Entrepreneur Center.
Why does that matter?
Because before the Harbor, if you had a tech idea in Mount Pleasant or downtown Charleston, you were basically on your own. Bryant and his co-founder John Osborne realized that entrepreneurs needed "collision." They needed to run into each other, swap horror stories, and share resources. It’s that non-profit mission that arguably solidified his legacy in South Carolina more than any single software exit.
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From Camera Crews to Code
Bryant's path wasn't a straight line. It started with Go To Team.
If you've watched national news or major sports broadcasts, you’ve likely seen footage shot by his crews. He scaled that business from a single office in Columbia to over 20 offices across the U.S. That’s a massive logistical lift. It taught him how to scale service-based businesses, which is way harder than people think.
But he didn't stop at media.
Eventually, he pivoted hard into the software world. He’s the CEO and co-founder of CODE/+TRUST, a software development firm that doesn't just build apps for hire—they often partner with founders to bring ideas to life. Think of it as a hybrid between an agency and a venture studio.
Patrick Bryant South Carolina Projects You Might Know
It’s a long list. Seriously.
- Teamphoria: An HR software focused on employee engagement.
- Event.Gives: A fundraising platform that has literally raised millions for nonprofits.
- Shine Papers: Yes, the 24k gold rolling papers. It sounds wild, but it’s a legitimate, multi-million dollar brand.
- Bidr: Which later evolved and integrated into larger platforms.
What’s interesting about Patrick Bryant is his "Advice on Advice" philosophy. He famously gave a TEDxCharleston talk about how entrepreneurs are the ones actually making the jump. Everyone will give you advice, but you’re the one who has to live with the splash. It’s a refreshingly honest take in an industry usually obsessed with "gurus."
The "Collision" Factor
The Harbor Entrepreneur Center, now headquartered in Mount Pleasant, is where a lot of this comes together. It’s a 38,000-square-foot facility. That is a lot of space dedicated to people just trying to make things work.
Bryant’s involvement there isn't just figurehead stuff. He’s actively mentoring. He’s a Liberty Fellow. He’s a Riley Fellow. These aren't just fancy titles; they are rigorous leadership programs in South Carolina that require a massive time commitment and a focus on social impact.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Success
A lot of people think serial entrepreneurs just get lucky once and then coast.
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That’s not Bryant.
He’s talked openly about family bankruptcy and the lessons learned from businesses that didn't quite make it. He started a desktop publishing business at 16 using the original Macintoshes. He started a sound and lighting company in college. He’s been doing this since before "startup" was a buzzword.
The "secret" isn't some magic algorithm. It’s basically just extreme scalability.
If a business can’t scale, he’s usually not interested. He looks for the "science of scale"—the point where a product can reach everyone on the planet without the overhead killing the company.
Is he still active in 2026?
Absolutely. While some of the older ventures like Go To Team are well-established, his focus remains heavily on the tech side with CODE/+TRUST and fostering the next generation of founders through the Harbor. He’s a staple at the EO Charleston (Entrepreneurs' Organization) events and continues to push for South Carolina to be a top-tier destination for remote workers and tech talent.
Actionable Insights for SC Entrepreneurs
If you’re looking at Patrick Bryant as a blueprint for your own career in South Carolina, here are a few takeaways that actually matter:
- Don't wait for a "tech" idea. Bryant started with services (video) and used the cash and lessons from that to move into products (software).
- Location is a tool. He leaned into the Charleston brand. He didn't try to be a Silicon Valley guy; he stayed a South Carolina guy and built the community he wanted to live in.
- Filter your advice. As he says, verify the source. If someone hasn't "jumped" themselves, take their advice with a grain of salt.
- Focus on "Collision." If you're working in your garage, get out. Join a co-working space like the Harbor. The best ideas usually happen when you're explaining your bad ideas to someone else.
The story of Patrick Bryant in South Carolina is really a story of local persistence. It’s about someone who decided that Charleston didn't just have to be a place for tourism and history, but a place for innovation and high-growth tech.
To follow his lead, start by auditing your current business for scalability. If your growth is strictly tied to your personal hours, you aren't building a company; you're building a job. Look for ways to productize your knowledge or automate your service delivery to move toward a model that can grow while you sleep.