Support Us Button Widget

Charleston Digital Corridor 2020 Annual Report

Screen Shot 2021-01-28 at 3.40.37 PM

Charleston Tech Center rendering by Bello Garris Architects | Image via @charlestondigitalcorridor

Charleston’s tech scene continues to thrive as entrepreneurs + innovative start-ups plant their roots in Silicon Harbor.

Last week, the Charleston Digital Corridor (CDC) released its 2020 Annual Report + Annual Wage and Job Growth Survey. The CDC is a nonprofit corporation that focuses on diversifying Charleston’s economy by pursuing, promoting + expanding innovative tech-related products, services and more within the Charleston region.

Members of the CDC are comprised of local entrepreneurs, startups + investors. Currently, CDC has 83 members that employ 600+ people, composed of companies like Blackbaud, Google (Berkeley County) + Vikor Scientific.

Each year, CDC analyzes various data shared with the public that showcases how the local tech hub is growing and accomplishing its mission of nurturing + promoting the region’s tech economy.

Here are the biggest takeaways from the report:

Since 2010, members of the CDC have raised a cumulative capital of nearly $2 billion through grants, private equity, acquisitions, mergers + more.

Screen Shot 2021-01-28 at 2.09.25 PM

CDC member cumulative capital | Image via Charleston Digital Corridor

Regional tech companies that are part of CDC’s web directory – CharlestonWorkscontinue to show growth, with 40% of the reported 426 companies actively hiring.

Screen Shot 2021-01-28 at 2.09.13 PM

CharlestonWorks tech company growth | Image via Charleston Digital Corridor

CDC’s Annual Wage and Job Growth Survey shows that the average annual wage for participating regional tech companies is $91,183, which is nearly double the Charleston Region average wage of $47,800.

Screen Shot 2021-01-28 at 2.23.54 PM

CDC Average Wage Comparison | Image via Charleston Digital Corridor

Additionally, the wage survey showed that 57% of companies reported adding jobs in 2020 + 100% expect to hire in 2021. Of these companies, all are operating virtually at some level, with 50% reporting they are fully virtual.

CDC’s Charleston Free Wifi initiative – a project funded by a community grant from Google – has now provided 12 public parks in the tri-county area with free Internet access.

CDC acquired the 4th floor of the new 22 WestEdge building in the beginning of 2020, and has since fully leased it to tech + life science companies.

The Charleston Tech Center is on track to open in February, which will serve as the center of Charleston’s growing technology district. The second floor of the building will be home to Flagship – a 15,000 sq. ft. co-working space + the CDC’s permanent headquarters.

Read the full report including Charleston tech leader interviews, additional data + local accoladeshere.

More from CHStoday
This well-known John Ravenel House is located in historic downtown Charleston and is on the market for the first time in almost a decade.
The team behind Pelato says they aim to bring both authentic Italian dishes and traditions to Charleston — the new restaurant will call the former Butcher & Bee space home.
From composting events to feeding farm animals, the City of Charleston offers several sustainable ways to discard your pumpkins.
The Coastal Carolina Fair returns to Exchange Park with concerts, food, exhibits, and rides — use this guide to prepare for your visit.
Fill your candy jar with these locally-made options.
The approval of a tax increment financing district will help fund the high-profile development on the edge of the eastern Charleson Peninsula.
If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some.
Skip the meal prep just this once and treat the little ones to an outing at one of these Charleston spots.
The Steeplechase of Charleston is a horse racing event that takes place about 40 minutes outside of downtown at the Stono Ferry Racetrack.
City Editors Erika + Callie enjoyed Islander 71’s food and views + are having the best time exploring spots in every Lowcountry neighborhood.