Herbert L. Drayton III

Visionary
DISC Type : Ds

Treasurer Board of Directors at ABFE. A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities

Charleston, South Carolina Metropolitan Area, United States

Overview

Herbert is the Founder and Managing Partner of HI Mark Capital, a venture studio building AI-powered B2B SaaS companies led by underrepresented founders. A multi-board chair in healthcare and workforce sectors, he specializes in governance, capital alignment, and disciplined execution during periods of institutional strain. He is a veteran of the U. S. Air Force and Marine Corps Reserves.

Deeply invested in his community, Herbert chairs the boards of Palmetto Goodwill and the Coastal Community Foundation and serves as Treasurer for ABFE. He is passionate about civic leadership and creating equitable access to training, education, and employment. Public records indicate he has two adult children.

Herbert was named one of the “50 Most Influential People” in Charleston, reflecting his significant civic and business leadership in the region.

Personality Overview

Fast But Thoughtful

Risk Tolerant

Big Vision Person

They exhibit a rare combination of being result-oriented but patient at the same time.  Reading between the lines and seeing beyond your words comes naturally to them. They might take some time to make their mind up but once they do, they don't change it easily.

Topics They Care About

Venture Capital
He runs HI Mark Capital, a venture studio focused on early-stage, AI-powered B2B companies, and serves on the SEC's Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee.
Supporting Underrepresented Founders
His firm, HI Mark Capital, specifically invests in and partners with companies led by women, veterans, and minority entrepreneurs to address systemic disadvantages in venture capital.
Corporate Governance
He is frequently asked to chair boards and committees during periods of transition, emphasizing fiduciary governance, executive accountability, and disciplined execution across his portfolio and philanthropic work.

Media Appearances

Herbert has no verified media appearances

Work History

7-2025
Treasurer Board of Directors at ABFE. A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities
7-2025
Treasurer Board of Directors at Middleton Place Foundation
1-2025 - 12-2025
Regional Policy Committee Chair at Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce
9-2024
Strategic Advisor / Mentor (Various Early-Stage Companies) at SCbio
1-2024 - 12-2024
Business Advocacy Committee- Chairman at Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce

Education

1-1987 - 12-1991
Bachelor's Degree from University of Phoenix
1-1987 - 12-1989
Associate's Degree from Community College of the Air Force

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 21 Location : Charleston, South Carolina Metropolitan Area, United States Job Level : Leadership Designation : Treasurer Board of Directors at ABFE. A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities
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Insights For Selling To Herbert L.

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • You can spend time on BANT (or other qualification methodology) but keep it to the point
  • Let them know of potential risks but suggest mitigation methods alongside
  • Ask them at the end if they see a strong value prop in your product; expect an honest answer

DONT's

  • Don't focus too much on mutual contacts or bother about other stakeholders, focus on them
  • Don't take their patience for granted, avoid long-winding sermons
  • Don't go over them unless you are left with no other option

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Herbert L. is

  • Strong proof of impact and their conviction will matter the most, but they wouldn't want to act unilaterally either
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Herbert L.

  • They will say no if they are not convinced but you will have to prompt them.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Herbert L. move?

  • They will want to understand things well but can move fast once they have a clear picture.
  • Can Herbert L. take some risk or not?

  • They have good risk tolerance but are likely to think it through once or twice.

You And Herbert L.

Personality Compatibility


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