The Ohio Capital Fund is a fund of funds established by the State of Ohio to increase private investment in Ohio-based seed and early-stage companies. The fund aims to catalyze venture capital investment in promising local businesses, with a goal to spur economic growth and job creation. To date, the fund has received $150 million in commitments from private resources to invest in venture capital funds that are required to invest at least 50% of their received funding in Ohio-based enterprises. The Ohio Capital Fund’s investments are overseen by the Ohio Venture Capital Authority, and the fund is managed by Buckeye Venture Partners, a subsidiary of Fort Washington Investment Advisors.
Sidecut Ventures is a venture capital firm that focuses on backing "coachable superheroes"—founders who are open to feedback and are passionate about solving challenging issues in society. They aim to invest in those tackling "forgotten ugly problems" that provide high returns, reasonable valuations, and low competition. Their approach emphasizes giving advice before capital, building close relationships with founders to understand their mission.
Ohio State also offers multiple early-stage entrepreneurship programs that assist young startups. These programs include business model development, value proposition creation, and customer validation efforts, ensuring that students and faculty entrepreneurs are supported through the early and challenging phases of venture creation. Programs like the President’s Buckeye Accelerator offer mentorship and funding to nurture student ideas into viable businesses.
The Ohio Angel Collective is a vibrant network of angel investors, startup founders, industry leaders, and new investors aimed at nurturing and growing Ohio's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Their mission is to create a lasting ecosystem of opportunity, innovation, and entrepreneurship across the state. The Collective connects investors with promising early-stage startups and strives to build a flourishing startup community throughout Ohio.
Heartland Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2016, focusing on bridging high-growth technology startups with large corporate partners in the Midwest. They operate as a connector between innovative technology being developed in traditional tech hubs and industry customers in America’s heartland. This unique model allows corporate Limited Partners (LPs) in sectors like real estate, manufacturing, logistics, and construction to gain early access to cutting-edge technologies, while startups gain direct access to early adopters who can help validate and scale their products.
Cintrifuse is a non-profit entrepreneurial support organization headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Established in 2012, Cintrifuse is dedicated to catalyzing the Cincinnati startup economy by providing resources, community support, and capital for venture-scale startups. Cintrifuse operates both as an accelerator for local companies and as a fund of funds. Through Cintrifuse Capital, the organization invests directly in local startups while also investing in other top-tier venture capital funds across the U.S. to bring more venture dollars to Cincinnati.
Redhawk Ventures is Miami University’s student-led venture capital fund, focused on early-stage investments in startups with high growth potential. This fund provides hands-on experience for students in venture investing, while also helping startups with much-needed early-stage funding. It contributes to creating a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem around the university.
The Ohio Opportunity Fund, also under Venture Atlas, focuses on making investments in startups and other opportunities that enhance the economic landscape of Ohio. The fund prioritizes high-impact and growth-oriented ventures with a strong potential for local community improvement.
1809 Capital is a venture fund based in Oxford, Ohio, specifically created to leverage Miami University’s extensive alumni network. It is focused on financial returns while supporting the university’s academic mission through internship opportunities and donations to the Miami University Foundation. The fund is managed by experienced venture professionals and is aimed at helping high-growth companies led by Miami alumni. A significant part of the fund’s carried interest is donated back to Miami University to support its entrepreneurship initiatives.
The Tim & Kathleen Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship at Ohio State University (OSU) serves as a major hub for cultivating a culture of entrepreneurship among students and faculty. The center supports startups by offering a combination of educational programs, experiential learning, and funding opportunities for advancing technology. Programs like the "Best of Student Startups (BOSS)" guide students through key entrepreneurial stages like customer discovery, culminating in competitions that provide seed funding. The Keenan Center also collaborates with partners like Rev1 Ventures to align startups with strategic corporate partners and investment capital.
Ikove Capital, founded in 2014, focuses on unlocking the potential of technology commercialization by identifying and nurturing disruptive technologies from leading research institutions. They operate a proprietary Startup Nursery that creates businesses around intellectual property developed at major research universities, bridging the gap between lab research and market commercialization. Their goal is to create startups by leveraging underutilized university R&D, and their model emphasizes co-founding and heavily supporting each venture through funding, development, and strategic growth.
PearlRock Partners is an investment vehicle created by Kroger to foster the growth of emerging consumer product brands. As part of Kroger's transformation plan, PearlRock Partners focuses on leveraging Kroger's vast resources, including data analytics from its subsidiary 84.51°, extensive distribution network (covering over 2,800 stores), merchandising expertise, and manufacturing support. The mission is to invest in brands that empower consumers, promote sustainability, and embrace ethical supply chains while offering long-term flexible capital.
Bounce Innovation Hub, founded in January 2018, is Northeast Ohio's first open innovation hub supporting entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses. It is a non-profit organization located in downtown Akron, comprising over 300,000 square feet of coworking, event, and professional office space. Bounce aims to support the region's entrepreneurial and innovation community through various programs, fostering collaboration and economic growth.
The Campana Family Office, based in Ohio, is involved in venture capital investments, particularly interested in supporting innovation through strategic investments. They are part of a broader trend where family offices have increasingly become significant venture capital investors. The office follows a typical path of investing, starting with fund-of-funds and gradually moving to direct startup investments.
The Ohio Impact Fund, managed by Venture Atlas, aims to foster local economic development by investing in high-impact ventures in Ohio. The fund's mission is to drive economic and social impact through targeted investments that contribute to the growth of the regional economy, focusing on promising Ohio-based companies.
Mutual Capital Partners (MCP) is a venture capital firm based in Westlake, Ohio, focusing on investing in technology companies at an early stage. They actively participate in the tech startup ecosystem with an emphasis on supporting high-growth companies. MCP has a history of working closely with portfolio companies through deal flow sourcing, due diligence, and investor relations support.
JumpStart is a venture development organization dedicated to driving economic transformation in Northeast Ohio by supporting diverse entrepreneurs and optimizing entrepreneurial ecosystems. The organization offers capital, business services, and access to networks that help early-stage companies start, grow, and prepare for further investment. JumpStart operates with a unique mix of private venture capital and non-profit economic development principles to support impactful innovation in the region.
Innovate New Albany is the city’s technology incubator, designed to support technology startups, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. It provides 16,000 square feet of space within the New Albany Business Park, offering an environment conducive to collaboration and entrepreneurship. The incubator focuses on nurturing new ventures by providing subsidized rental rates and a range of amenities, from office space to conference rooms. Innovate New Albany has become a hub for both startups and growing small businesses since its establishment in 2011.
John Carroll University supports startups through various entrepreneurship programs that focus on innovation, mentorship, and community building. Their efforts are crucial in fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among students and helping them transition from academic ideas to real-world applications, contributing to the regional startup ecosystem.
M7 Holdings is a family investment office with over 25 years of experience in private equity, venture capital, angel investments, and real estate development. The firm is headquartered in Akron, Ohio, and focuses on entrepreneurial investing by nurturing and supporting companies to develop immediate results that continue to grow over time. The organization is also known for its emphasis on sustainable, community-impacting investments, including a recent partnership with SuperGreen Solutions to bring solar energy initiatives to several states.
JumpStart Inc. is a venture development organization that aims to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses through a combination of venture capital and economic development. JumpStart's mission is focused on inclusive economic outcomes by supporting diverse entrepreneurs, providing strategic assistance, and promoting innovation. JumpStart Ventures, the investment arm, focuses on early-stage tech startups throughout Ohio and the Midwest. It aims to drive economic impact and deliver top-quartile venture capital returns while also supporting community transformation.
Interstate Fusion Ventures is an Akron, Ohio-based venture capital firm investing in startups located in both the Midwest and coastal areas like Silicon Valley and New York. The fund aims to leverage Ohio's strong industrial and research base while also benefiting from connections with established coastal markets. They focus on funding local talent and fostering growth within the Midwest region.
interstatefusion.comThe Workbox Future of Work Accelerator is an eight-week program designed to equip early-stage ventures focused on the future of work with the skills and resources they need to successfully fundraise and scale their businesses. In addition to the program, participating teams receive an additional year of support, including capital introductions, ongoing mentorship, and access to the Workbox network of business services. Workbox Ventures also offers a robust founder and investor network, connecting startups with capital partners, advisors, and other entrepreneurs across the Workbox platform.
Nationwide Ventures invests in early-stage startups that are shaping the future of insurance and financial services. The focus is on enhancing financial security and improving outcomes for Nationwide members, aligning with Nationwide’s mission of protecting people, businesses, and futures. In addition to direct investments, Nationwide Ventures also partners with startups to help Nationwide’s business units expand distribution, increase customer satisfaction, and improve operational efficiency.
OhioX is a statewide 501c6 nonprofit trade association dedicated to building Ohio into a leading technology hub. The organization represents and connects individuals and companies committed to growing Ohio’s tech economy. OhioX promotes innovation through networking events, educational initiatives, and advocacy work to encourage a tech-friendly environment in Ohio. The group brings together a wide range of stakeholders including startups, universities, health systems, and Fortune 500 companies.
Denison University’s Red Frame Lab is dedicated to providing resources for students interested in innovation and entrepreneurship. The lab offers workshops, mentoring, and support for student projects, making it a critical component of fostering entrepreneurship in Ohio. Through Red Frame Lab, students can gain practical skills and guidance, nurturing their journey from idea generation to venture creation.
The Ohio Investment Network is an online platform designed to connect Ohio entrepreneurs seeking funding with investors looking for promising business opportunities. It is part of the Dealflow Investment Network, which includes other states like New York, Texas, and California. The platform allows entrepreneurs to submit proposals for funding either through a free service (which requires anonymity) or through premium services for faster and more comprehensive access. The network aims to help both new and established businesses find investment opportunities with minimal fees, making it accessible to a broad range of businesses looking to grow.
The Ohio Gateway Tech Fund (OGTF) is a $10 million Ohio-based pre-seed investment vehicle launched in 2023. It was created to foster growth in Ohio’s start-up ecosystem, focusing on technology startups and spinouts. OGTF partners with the Ohio Third Frontier's Pre-Seed Fund Capitalization Program (PFCP) to support a variety of sectors, including aerospace, AI, fintech, and cybersecurity. OGTF positions itself as a “true pre-seed investor,” supporting companies with equity-based investments or SAFE agreements, while also focusing on supporting startups through follow-on funding and helping them access non-dilutive funding options.
1870 Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2023, based in Columbus, Ohio. They identify, fund, and actively build companies around intellectual property (IP)-backed technologies with the goal of improving humanity. They leverage a "Venture Studio" model, which focuses on creating companies around promising IP sourced from universities and research institutions. Their mission is to close the gap between invention and commercialization, which is often referred to as the "valley of death" in tech transfer.
The Entrepreneurs' Center is a modern economic development organization focused on powering progress and prosperity through entrepreneurship in the Dayton Region. The EC supports entrepreneurs in starting and growing companies, creating jobs, generating revenue, and attracting investments. They assist both technology startups and main street businesses, offering a variety of services to help businesses thrive. Annually, EC works with over 1,000 entrepreneurs, providing them with the resources they need to succeed.
Techstars Columbus is a startup accelerator in partnership with The Ohio State University, designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs globally who are working on software solutions to solve pressing global issues. This accelerator leverages Ohio State’s research expertise and Techstars' accelerator model to foster innovative software solutions in areas like generative AI, cybersecurity, healthcare (especially mental health and accessibility), fintech, climate tech, and other critical technologies. Every six months, the program selects 10-12 startups, providing them with funding, training, and access to extensive mentorship to help build critical infrastructure for healthier, more sustainable futures.
UH Ventures, the innovation and commercialization arm of University Hospitals, co-manages the Healthcare Collaboration Fund in partnership with Jumpstart Ventures. This $8M fund focuses on early-stage investment, primarily targeting pre-seed companies in Northeast Ohio that operate in biomedical, life sciences, and healthcare technology sectors. UH Ventures supports these startups through co-development, piloting, and investment opportunities that align with their mission to advance healthcare innovation.
Flyer Angels is a student-run angel investment group at the University of Dayton. The fund invests in early-stage Ohio-based startups and offers students practical experience in venture funding. This helps bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world investing, promoting entrepreneurial activity in Dayton and beyond.
Pride Fund I is an initiative under Venture Atlas, specifically dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ founders. The goal of the Pride Fund is to promote inclusivity within the venture capital ecosystem by investing in startups led by LGBTQIA+ individuals, while also addressing issues directly impacting the community.
Ohio Life Sciences (OLS) is the state’s life sciences industry trade association, representing over 4,200 organizations. OLS advocates for the biotech, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, labs, digital health, gene and cell therapy, agricultural biotechnology, and research institutions throughout Ohio. The mission is to align the life sciences ecosystem in Ohio, build partnerships, advocate for policies, and accelerate life sciences priorities to drive sustainable economic growth.
Virtera Partners is a multi-family office based in Pepper Pike, Ohio, that offers highly customized investment advisory services to a select group of prominent families. It focuses on alternative investments, including private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, real estate, and commodities. The firm prioritizes personalized, "high-touch" client experiences and emphasizes independence in its advisory role.
Founded in 2005, Rev1 Ventures is a venture capital firm and startup studio based in Columbus, Ohio. The firm focuses on helping entrepreneurs scale their startups and also partners with corporations to drive innovation. Beyond funding, Rev1 offers strategic guidance, access to corporate partnerships, and connections that help new ventures gain traction. The firm is committed to building high-growth, scalable companies in the Midwest, positioning Columbus as a regional hub for startup activity.
Fifth Third Ventures, a corporate venture arm of Fifth Third Bank, is dedicated to making strategic investments in fintech companies that align with Fifth Third's business goals. The venture arm focuses on identifying high-potential financial technologies to support the bank’s products and services, thereby enhancing the experience of its customers and shareholders. Fifth Third Ventures operates closely with the bank's strategy organization to de-risk strategic priorities and accelerate innovation through partnerships with impactful entrepreneurs and venture capitalists.
Founded in 2006, CincyTech is a Cincinnati-based venture capital firm that supports early-stage technology startups, primarily in healthcare, information technology, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing sectors. The firm operates as a public-private seed-stage investor, working closely with researchers and inventors to help transform their ideas into successful companies. CincyTech also provides strategic guidance and has a strong focus on fostering the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Southwest Ohio.
Whitebarn Associates is a private investment company led by Abigail S. Wexner, focused on philanthropic work through the Wexner Foundation. It emphasizes leadership development initiatives for the Jewish community, both in North America and Israel. The foundation's programs are designed to train and support volunteer and professional leaders in Jewish life and public sectors, with a focus on leadership in Israel.
NVBI is the corporate venture capital initiative of OhioHealth, focusing on partnering with startups to validate potential, co-develop solutions, and support their growth through investment. NVBI also collaborates with external venture capital firms, including Ascension Ventures, LRV, and General Catalyst, to enhance investment activities and explore emerging healthcare solutions.
The Schottenstein family office, also known as Schottenstein Stores Corporation, is a single-family office based in Columbus, Ohio. It was established in 1917 and manages a range of retail and property interests for the Schottenstein family. The company serves as a holding company for a variety of investments, including retail and property sectors. The Schottenstein Property Group, in particular, owns and manages over 80 retail properties across the United States, including major shopping centers anchored by national retailers.
Techstars Columbus is a partnership between Techstars and The Ohio State University, aimed at supporting mission-driven founders. The accelerator welcomes companies across a variety of sectors to leverage Ohio State’s resources. This includes access to mentors, investors, and local leaders, focusing on growth and development over a 13-week program.
Fuse is the innovation engine and product development center at Cardinal Health. It operates as an open, collaborative, and creative environment where software engineers, clinical experts, data scientists, and healthcare leaders work together to improve healthcare delivery. The focus is on developing new digital health technologies and supporting existing technology-driven businesses. Fuse's initiatives aim to enhance healthcare delivery by leveraging cutting-edge technology, human-centered design, and clinical expertise.
The Economic Development Department in Gahanna focuses on growing and attracting local employers, supporting small businesses and startups, and redeveloping key commercial areas to enhance economic vitality. The department collaborates closely with other city departments and partners like Jobs Ohio, One Columbus, and the Gahanna Area Chamber of Commerce. Their goal is to assist with business expansion, attracting capital, employee recruitment, and marketing within Gahanna.
The OSU College of Agriculture in Wooster supports technology transfer efforts, focusing on agricultural innovation. Through programs aimed at transferring academic research into market applications, they contribute to Ohio’s growing ecosystem of agri-tech startups. The transfer of intellectual property and technology helps facilitate commercialization in key agricultural sectors, enhancing the overall value and reach of agri-based ventures.
The Global Cardiovascular Innovation Center (GCIC) is an incubator facility launched by Cleveland Clinic in 2007 as part of the Cleveland Clinic Innovations. It was the first Wright Mega-Center of Innovation and aims to bridge the gap between research and commercialization of cardiovascular technologies. The center provides dedicated space for start-ups developing innovative cardiovascular medical products, diagnostics, and therapies. GCIC is strategically located on Cleveland Clinic’s main campus and serves as a hub for both local and international research-driven start-ups.
Founded in 2020, Project Medtech is a media, event, consulting, and advisory firm based in Cleveland, Ohio. The organization is dedicated to supporting the growth of medtech companies by providing management consulting, strategic finance, corporate strategy, business development, product and project management, and investment strategy services. Project Medtech also hosts podcasts and events that focus on raising capital and discussing trends in medical technology. They are committed to connecting stakeholders and providing strategic advice to accelerate the development of medical technology that can improve patient lives.
Bearcat Ventures is part of the University of Cincinnati's effort to engage students with venture creation and entrepreneurship. It provides students with opportunities to gain exposure to venture capital and directly engage with startups. This helps cultivate entrepreneurial skills and develop a vibrant community of student-led ventures, adding to Ohio's startup landscape.
Alloy Growth Lab (formerly HCDC’s Business Center) is an award-winning startup business incubator based in Southwest Ohio, helping entrepreneurs to launch successful technology-oriented businesses. Established in 1989, Alloy Growth Lab has supported over 300 innovative and scalable companies, with more than 2,300 jobs created and $500 million in economic activity generated over the years. The lab provides coaching, connections, programming, access to capital, and a diverse learning environment for startups.
The Manna Family Office, also known as M7, is an Ohio-based private family office focusing on managing and growing family wealth. They have been recognized in the family wealth community and recently received awards for their contributions to wealth management.
Venture Atlas is focused on making venture capital accessible to all, with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and representation. Their mission is to change the landscape of venture capital to be more reflective of the diverse makeup of humanity. They operate through the "Venture Atlas Pledge," which involves members pledging to support inclusive, non-discriminatory practices and actively invest in underserved communities, including women, founders of color, and LGBTQIA+ founders.
LOUD Capital is a venture capital and alternative investment firm based in Dublin, Ohio. Founded in 2015, it focuses on leveraging capital to improve lives by addressing major global issues. LOUD Capital aims to "turn up the volume" post-investment, supporting startups with a focus on profit and purpose. The firm supports a variety of initiatives, including investments in impactful areas such as healthcare, clean technology, education, and financial inclusion.