Rich Estes - Managing Partner, Spindle

Episode 75 of the Charleston Digital Tech Life Podcast features Rich Estes; Managing Partner of Spindle, Charleston’s first venture studio. Rich traces his path from residential construction and real estate to founding PunchListUSA, and explains why he and partner Matt Gough decided to build a studio that builds companies rather than start another one. He breaks down what a venture studio actually is, how it differs from an accelerator or a traditional VC fund, what founders get in exchange for the equity, and why Charleston is the right place for the model. We also hear the studio’s side of the Thrive Data story that Jackie McKelvey shared in Episode 51.

This episode is sponsored by the Charleston County Economic Development Department. They’re dedicated to recruiting new business, growing existing industry, and improving Charleston’s business climate.