Troy Knauss

Troy Knauss is the Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at the College of Charleston, where he teaches courses on entrepreneurship, including how to pitch new ideas, build companies, and invest in startups. He previously served as Assistant Professor of the Practice of Entrepreneurship at High Point University and as an adjunct professor at Wake Forest University. With more than 30 years of experience in family businesses, growth companies, and startups, Troy is an exited entrepreneur with hands-on management experience in food processing, brand building, software development, and eCommerce. He is a partner in multiple angel funds and networks that invest in high-growth and turnaround companies and an active investor in more than sixty portfolio companies. He frequently speaks to investors and entrepreneurs on private investing through his work with the Angel Resource Institute. Troy was named one of the Triad’s Impact Entrepreneurs by Business Leader magazine in North Carolina. He is a former board member of the Angel Capital Association and currently serves on a number of for-profit and nonprofit boards, including the Angel Resource Institute. He also volunteers on entrepreneurial and economic development initiatives designed to attract, engage, and support new business founders. He holds degrees from Susquehanna University and Wake Forest University. Troy enjoys spending time with his wife, Kimberly, their children, and young grandchildren at the lake, where they play golf and tennis. His grandchildren are the inspiration behind the Tinkerville books.