Drive Capital

Drive Capital is a venture capital firm based in Columbus, Ohio, founded in 2012. The firm focuses on investing in innovative technology, healthcare, and consumer companies located in the Midwest, aiming to support entrepreneurs who are addressing significant market opportunities. Drive Capital targets a range of sectors, including information technology, financial services, mobile, life sciences, and consumer products, and is willing to invest from $100,000 to tens of millions in startups at various stages of development. The firm emphasizes partnerships with entrepreneurs who have ambitious goals and seek to build sustainable, large-scale companies. Its investment strategy encompasses the broader Midwest region, extending from Pittsburgh to Kansas City to Minneapolis. Founded by experienced venture capitalists Mark Kvamme and Chris Olsen, Drive Capital aims to drive growth and innovation in the heartland of America.

Molly Bonakdarpour

General Partner

TJ Dembinski

Partner

Masha Khusid

Partner

Yasmine Lacaillade

Network Partner

Marcos Martinez-Villalba

Partner

Erandi De Silva

Partner

Nick Solaro

Partner

John Volquez

Partner

Past deals in Midwestern US

Path Robotics

Series D in 2024
Path Robotics, Inc., based in Cleveland, Ohio, specializes in the manufacture of autonomous welding robots. Founded in 2018, the company focuses on designing robotic welding systems that utilize artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance precision and adaptability in manufacturing processes. These advanced systems automate repetitive welding tasks, helping manufacturers boost productivity while reducing initial costs. By addressing workforce challenges in the manufacturing sector, Path Robotics offers effective automation solutions that streamline operations. Their robots are engineered to autonomously locate and weld seams, significantly reducing production time and improving quality by minimizing errors and inconsistencies. This technology enables industries to simplify their production processes and enhance overall efficiency.

Voxel51

Series B in 2024
Voxel51, Inc., founded in 2016 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, specializes in computer vision and machine learning analytics for video and image understanding. The company develops AI software that transforms raw video footage and images into actionable intelligence, facilitating the exploration, visualization, curation, and testing of datasets alongside machine learning models. Voxel51's technology employs machine learning to process video content, providing simple image recognition and an understanding of motions and objects over time. This empowers computer vision data scientists to efficiently curate and experiment with their datasets, ultimately enhancing the performance of their machine learning systems.

Voxel51

Series A in 2022
Voxel51, Inc., founded in 2016 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, specializes in computer vision and machine learning analytics for video and image understanding. The company develops AI software that transforms raw video footage and images into actionable intelligence, facilitating the exploration, visualization, curation, and testing of datasets alongside machine learning models. Voxel51's technology employs machine learning to process video content, providing simple image recognition and an understanding of motions and objects over time. This empowers computer vision data scientists to efficiently curate and experiment with their datasets, ultimately enhancing the performance of their machine learning systems.

Forge Biologics

Series C in 2022
Forge Biologics is a gene therapy development engine, focused on enabling access to life-changing gene therapies and helping bring them from an idea into reality. The company partners with innovators in the gene therapy community: scientists, physicians, biotech/pharma companies, and patient groups. It was founded in 2020 and headquartered in Grove City, Ohio.

Encamp

Series C in 2022
Encamp, Inc. is a software company that focuses on automating environmental compliance and reporting for organizations in the United States. Founded in 2017 and based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Encamp's software solutions help businesses manage their environmental compliance requirements, track hazardous materials, and streamline reporting processes. One of its key offerings, Tier2, allows organizations to fill out and submit annual reports regarding hazardous chemicals, incorporating detailed information beyond the standard Tier 1 report. Additionally, Encamp provides tools for centralized environmental, health, and safety (EHS) information management, including compliance calendars, task reminders, and a comprehensive form library. Through its innovative technology, Encamp aims to assist businesses in effectively aligning their corporate operations with environmental regulations.

Hallow

Series B in 2021
Hallow is a Catholic prayer and meditation app that hopes to help folks grow closer to God. It helps in finding peace, deepen the relationship with God, and sleeping soundly every night. It was founded in 2018 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.

Civis Analytics

Series B in 2021
Civis Analytics, Inc. is a data science software company that empowers organizations to make data-driven decisions. Founded in 2013 and based in Chicago, Illinois, Civis offers a range of tools designed to enhance data analysis and audience engagement. Its Civis platform provides predictive analytics capabilities, facilitating end-to-end data science workflows. Key offerings include the Community Outreach and Engagement Hub, which assists government and nonprofit teams in effectively reaching and influencing their target audiences, and the Census Intelligence Center, a resource for supporting census efforts. Additionally, the company features tools such as the Audience Center for customer targeting, Creative Focus for message testing, and Civis Media Optimizer for optimizing TV advertising strategies. Civis Analytics also delivers consumer insights, market research, and data science consulting services, helping clients leverage data to gain a competitive edge in their operations.

Path Robotics

Series B in 2021
Path Robotics, Inc., based in Cleveland, Ohio, specializes in the manufacture of autonomous welding robots. Founded in 2018, the company focuses on designing robotic welding systems that utilize artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance precision and adaptability in manufacturing processes. These advanced systems automate repetitive welding tasks, helping manufacturers boost productivity while reducing initial costs. By addressing workforce challenges in the manufacturing sector, Path Robotics offers effective automation solutions that streamline operations. Their robots are engineered to autonomously locate and weld seams, significantly reducing production time and improving quality by minimizing errors and inconsistencies. This technology enables industries to simplify their production processes and enhance overall efficiency.

Forge Biologics

Series B in 2021
Forge Biologics is a gene therapy development engine, focused on enabling access to life-changing gene therapies and helping bring them from an idea into reality. The company partners with innovators in the gene therapy community: scientists, physicians, biotech/pharma companies, and patient groups. It was founded in 2020 and headquartered in Grove City, Ohio.

Beam

Series E in 2021
Beam Technologies Inc. is a dental benefits company based in Columbus, Ohio, founded in 2012. It specializes in providing digital-first dental insurance plans that emphasize preventive care and ease-of-use. Beam’s offerings include dental insurance, which features perks such as floss, toothpaste, and the Beam Brush—a wirelessly connected toothbrush that allows users to track and monitor their brushing habits through a smartphone app. The company incorporates rewards for maintaining good dental hygiene into its policy pricing, making it a unique player in the dental benefits market.

Circulo

Series A in 2021
Circulo Health is a Medicaid insurance company of the future, providing tech-enabled care to the sickest and poorest populations. Circulo is based in Columbus, Ohio, the emerging insurtech capital of the U.S.

Physna

Series B in 2021
Physna LLC, founded in 2015 and based in Cincinnati, Ohio, specializes in geometric deep-learning and 3D search technology. The company has developed a software platform that analyzes, compares, and codifies 3D models, facilitating quality control and automated inspection in various industries, including manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and consumer goods. Physna also owns Thangs.com, a rapidly growing 3D community and search engine. By transforming 3D files into a structured format that software applications can understand, Physna aims to bridge the gap between physical objects and digital code. This innovation enables broader access to 3D design and analysis, fostering advancements in product design, 3D printing, augmented and virtual reality, and other fields, thus supporting increased efficiency and productivity in manufacturing.

Beam

Venture Round in 2021
Beam Technologies Inc. is a dental benefits company based in Columbus, Ohio, founded in 2012. It specializes in providing digital-first dental insurance plans that emphasize preventive care and ease-of-use. Beam’s offerings include dental insurance, which features perks such as floss, toothpaste, and the Beam Brush—a wirelessly connected toothbrush that allows users to track and monitor their brushing habits through a smartphone app. The company incorporates rewards for maintaining good dental hygiene into its policy pricing, making it a unique player in the dental benefits market.

Olive

Venture Round in 2020
Olive deploys the AI workforce built specifically for healthcare, delivering hospitals and health systems increased revenue, reduced costs, and increased capacity. Olive automates repetitive, high-volume tasks and workflows, monitoring their performance, identifying improvements, and finding opportunities for new work. Olive gives power back to providers through her ever-growing, unparalleled intelligence made up of shared memories, collective wisdom, and global awareness, learning like a network so hospitals never have to solve the same problem twice. Olive was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.

Olive

Series F in 2020
Olive deploys the AI workforce built specifically for healthcare, delivering hospitals and health systems increased revenue, reduced costs, and increased capacity. Olive automates repetitive, high-volume tasks and workflows, monitoring their performance, identifying improvements, and finding opportunities for new work. Olive gives power back to providers through her ever-growing, unparalleled intelligence made up of shared memories, collective wisdom, and global awareness, learning like a network so hospitals never have to solve the same problem twice. Olive was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.

Forge Biologics

Series A in 2020
Forge Biologics is a gene therapy development engine, focused on enabling access to life-changing gene therapies and helping bring them from an idea into reality. The company partners with innovators in the gene therapy community: scientists, physicians, biotech/pharma companies, and patient groups. It was founded in 2020 and headquartered in Grove City, Ohio.

Olive

Series E in 2020
Olive deploys the AI workforce built specifically for healthcare, delivering hospitals and health systems increased revenue, reduced costs, and increased capacity. Olive automates repetitive, high-volume tasks and workflows, monitoring their performance, identifying improvements, and finding opportunities for new work. Olive gives power back to providers through her ever-growing, unparalleled intelligence made up of shared memories, collective wisdom, and global awareness, learning like a network so hospitals never have to solve the same problem twice. Olive was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.

Root

Series E in 2019
Root Insurance Company is a property-casualty insurtech based in Columbus, Ohio, that specializes in car insurance and renters insurance. Founded in 1998 and rebranded in 2016, Root leverages smartphone technology to analyze driving behavior, such as braking patterns and speed, to identify safe drivers. This innovative approach allows the company to offer personalized and affordable car insurance rates by insuring only those deemed safe drivers. In addition to car insurance, Root provides app-based renters insurance that is straightforward and tailored to meet consumer needs. Root operates as a subsidiary of its parent company, Root, Inc., which aims to transform the traditional insurance industry through technology-driven solutions.

Physna

Series A in 2019
Physna LLC, founded in 2015 and based in Cincinnati, Ohio, specializes in geometric deep-learning and 3D search technology. The company has developed a software platform that analyzes, compares, and codifies 3D models, facilitating quality control and automated inspection in various industries, including manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and consumer goods. Physna also owns Thangs.com, a rapidly growing 3D community and search engine. By transforming 3D files into a structured format that software applications can understand, Physna aims to bridge the gap between physical objects and digital code. This innovation enables broader access to 3D design and analysis, fostering advancements in product design, 3D printing, augmented and virtual reality, and other fields, thus supporting increased efficiency and productivity in manufacturing.

Fast Radius

Venture Round in 2019
Fast Radius, Inc. is a cloud manufacturing and digital supply chain company based in Chicago, Illinois. Established in 2014, it specializes in additive manufacturing solutions that encompass application discovery, product design, testing, production-grade manufacturing, and global fulfillment. Fast Radius offers a range of manufacturing services, including additive thermoplastic, elastomeric, and metal production, as well as CNC machining, injection and cast urethane molding, and reverse engineering. The company's innovative Cloud Manufacturing Platform integrates design, production, and fulfillment operations within a unified digital infrastructure, enhancing the accessibility and sustainability of manufacturing processes. Fast Radius also operates micro-factories in Chicago and at the UPS Worldport facility in Louisville, Kentucky, with additional offices in Atlanta and Singapore.

Beam

Series D in 2019
Beam Technologies Inc. is a dental benefits company based in Columbus, Ohio, founded in 2012. It specializes in providing digital-first dental insurance plans that emphasize preventive care and ease-of-use. Beam’s offerings include dental insurance, which features perks such as floss, toothpaste, and the Beam Brush—a wirelessly connected toothbrush that allows users to track and monitor their brushing habits through a smartphone app. The company incorporates rewards for maintaining good dental hygiene into its policy pricing, making it a unique player in the dental benefits market.

Clinc

Series B in 2019
Clinc, Inc. is an artificial intelligence company that develops software applications primarily for the banking, automotive, gaming, and healthcare sectors. Founded in 2015 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Clinc offers a conversational AI platform that creates advanced virtual assistants capable of understanding and responding to human speech. The platform utilizes natural language processing, machine learning, and deep neural networks to analyze various factors such as user intent, sentiment, and context, which allows it to deliver accurate and contextually relevant responses. This technology not only enhances customer experiences but also enables enterprises to build stronger relationships with their clients by continuously learning from user interactions. Clinc's expertise in the financial and banking industries further strengthens its capabilities, allowing it to provide valuable insights and improve engagement outcomes for its customers.

Fast Radius

Series B in 2019
Fast Radius, Inc. is a cloud manufacturing and digital supply chain company based in Chicago, Illinois. Established in 2014, it specializes in additive manufacturing solutions that encompass application discovery, product design, testing, production-grade manufacturing, and global fulfillment. Fast Radius offers a range of manufacturing services, including additive thermoplastic, elastomeric, and metal production, as well as CNC machining, injection and cast urethane molding, and reverse engineering. The company's innovative Cloud Manufacturing Platform integrates design, production, and fulfillment operations within a unified digital infrastructure, enhancing the accessibility and sustainability of manufacturing processes. Fast Radius also operates micro-factories in Chicago and at the UPS Worldport facility in Louisville, Kentucky, with additional offices in Atlanta and Singapore.

Path Robotics

Series A in 2018
Path Robotics, Inc., based in Cleveland, Ohio, specializes in the manufacture of autonomous welding robots. Founded in 2018, the company focuses on designing robotic welding systems that utilize artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance precision and adaptability in manufacturing processes. These advanced systems automate repetitive welding tasks, helping manufacturers boost productivity while reducing initial costs. By addressing workforce challenges in the manufacturing sector, Path Robotics offers effective automation solutions that streamline operations. Their robots are engineered to autonomously locate and weld seams, significantly reducing production time and improving quality by minimizing errors and inconsistencies. This technology enables industries to simplify their production processes and enhance overall efficiency.

Finite State

Seed Round in 2017
Finite State, Inc. is a cybersecurity company focused on securing Internet of Things (IoT) devices, networks, and supply chains. The company offers a platform that conducts in-depth firmware analysis to identify vulnerabilities that may affect connected devices. This platform generates comprehensive risk reports for each device, detailing an overall risk score, a software bill of materials, known vulnerabilities, potential backdoors, and other security deficiencies. Finite State's services are designed to enhance vulnerability management and threat intelligence for clients in various sectors, including automotive, healthcare, energy, and critical infrastructure. Established in 2017 and headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, the company employs advanced techniques such as static and dynamic analysis, reverse engineering, and machine learning to provide insights into the security posture of IoT ecosystems.

Fast Radius

Series A in 2017
Fast Radius, Inc. is a cloud manufacturing and digital supply chain company based in Chicago, Illinois. Established in 2014, it specializes in additive manufacturing solutions that encompass application discovery, product design, testing, production-grade manufacturing, and global fulfillment. Fast Radius offers a range of manufacturing services, including additive thermoplastic, elastomeric, and metal production, as well as CNC machining, injection and cast urethane molding, and reverse engineering. The company's innovative Cloud Manufacturing Platform integrates design, production, and fulfillment operations within a unified digital infrastructure, enhancing the accessibility and sustainability of manufacturing processes. Fast Radius also operates micro-factories in Chicago and at the UPS Worldport facility in Louisville, Kentucky, with additional offices in Atlanta and Singapore.

Beam

Series B in 2017
Beam Technologies Inc. is a dental benefits company based in Columbus, Ohio, founded in 2012. It specializes in providing digital-first dental insurance plans that emphasize preventive care and ease-of-use. Beam’s offerings include dental insurance, which features perks such as floss, toothpaste, and the Beam Brush—a wirelessly connected toothbrush that allows users to track and monitor their brushing habits through a smartphone app. The company incorporates rewards for maintaining good dental hygiene into its policy pricing, making it a unique player in the dental benefits market.

Hologram

Series A in 2017
Hologram, Inc. is a company that specializes in cloud-based Internet connectivity solutions for managing Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Founded in 2014 in Chicago, Illinois, Hologram offers a cellular platform that allows manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and system integrators to create devices with cellular connectivity. The company's Konekt cloud service acts as a data broker, facilitating the routing and storage of data generated by devices, which supports users in maintaining their infrastructure. Hologram also provides a Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Short Messaging Service (SMS) that enhances notifications and system integrations for Internet-connected devices. The company has established itself as a vital partner for various technology initiatives, enabling the connectivity of micromobility vehicles, self-driving cars, and drones, as well as supporting health devices in remote areas. Hologram aims to be the key operating system for global connectivity as the number of connected devices continues to grow.

Clinc

Series A in 2017
Clinc, Inc. is an artificial intelligence company that develops software applications primarily for the banking, automotive, gaming, and healthcare sectors. Founded in 2015 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Clinc offers a conversational AI platform that creates advanced virtual assistants capable of understanding and responding to human speech. The platform utilizes natural language processing, machine learning, and deep neural networks to analyze various factors such as user intent, sentiment, and context, which allows it to deliver accurate and contextually relevant responses. This technology not only enhances customer experiences but also enables enterprises to build stronger relationships with their clients by continuously learning from user interactions. Clinc's expertise in the financial and banking industries further strengthens its capabilities, allowing it to provide valuable insights and improve engagement outcomes for its customers.

Civis Analytics

Series A in 2016
Civis Analytics, Inc. is a data science software company that empowers organizations to make data-driven decisions. Founded in 2013 and based in Chicago, Illinois, Civis offers a range of tools designed to enhance data analysis and audience engagement. Its Civis platform provides predictive analytics capabilities, facilitating end-to-end data science workflows. Key offerings include the Community Outreach and Engagement Hub, which assists government and nonprofit teams in effectively reaching and influencing their target audiences, and the Census Intelligence Center, a resource for supporting census efforts. Additionally, the company features tools such as the Audience Center for customer targeting, Creative Focus for message testing, and Civis Media Optimizer for optimizing TV advertising strategies. Civis Analytics also delivers consumer insights, market research, and data science consulting services, helping clients leverage data to gain a competitive edge in their operations.

Trove

Series A in 2016
Trove is a leading company in the branded resale and trade-in industry, primarily based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The company provides a sophisticated platform that enables brands to efficiently launch, manage, and scale their resale programs, capturing over 75% of the U.S. branded resale market. Trove's platform offers advanced tools for in-store and digital trade-ins, returns processing, and inventory management, which empower brands to connect with diverse customer demographics and optimize their resale strategies through comprehensive analytics. Trove collaborates with notable brands, including Canada Goose, Michael Kors, and Patagonia, enhancing their ability to manage non-new inventory and enabling peer-to-peer sales. As a Certified B Corporation, Trove emphasizes sustainability in retail, aiming to combine commerce with environmental responsibility and drive the industry toward a more sustainable future.

Hologram

Seed Round in 2016
Hologram, Inc. is a company that specializes in cloud-based Internet connectivity solutions for managing Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Founded in 2014 in Chicago, Illinois, Hologram offers a cellular platform that allows manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and system integrators to create devices with cellular connectivity. The company's Konekt cloud service acts as a data broker, facilitating the routing and storage of data generated by devices, which supports users in maintaining their infrastructure. Hologram also provides a Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Short Messaging Service (SMS) that enhances notifications and system integrations for Internet-connected devices. The company has established itself as a vital partner for various technology initiatives, enabling the connectivity of micromobility vehicles, self-driving cars, and drones, as well as supporting health devices in remote areas. Hologram aims to be the key operating system for global connectivity as the number of connected devices continues to grow.

Olive

Series C in 2016
Olive deploys the AI workforce built specifically for healthcare, delivering hospitals and health systems increased revenue, reduced costs, and increased capacity. Olive automates repetitive, high-volume tasks and workflows, monitoring their performance, identifying improvements, and finding opportunities for new work. Olive gives power back to providers through her ever-growing, unparalleled intelligence made up of shared memories, collective wisdom, and global awareness, learning like a network so hospitals never have to solve the same problem twice. Olive was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.

Olive

Series B in 2015
Olive deploys the AI workforce built specifically for healthcare, delivering hospitals and health systems increased revenue, reduced costs, and increased capacity. Olive automates repetitive, high-volume tasks and workflows, monitoring their performance, identifying improvements, and finding opportunities for new work. Olive gives power back to providers through her ever-growing, unparalleled intelligence made up of shared memories, collective wisdom, and global awareness, learning like a network so hospitals never have to solve the same problem twice. Olive was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.

Hologram

Pre Seed Round in 2015
Hologram, Inc. is a company that specializes in cloud-based Internet connectivity solutions for managing Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Founded in 2014 in Chicago, Illinois, Hologram offers a cellular platform that allows manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and system integrators to create devices with cellular connectivity. The company's Konekt cloud service acts as a data broker, facilitating the routing and storage of data generated by devices, which supports users in maintaining their infrastructure. Hologram also provides a Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Short Messaging Service (SMS) that enhances notifications and system integrations for Internet-connected devices. The company has established itself as a vital partner for various technology initiatives, enabling the connectivity of micromobility vehicles, self-driving cars, and drones, as well as supporting health devices in remote areas. Hologram aims to be the key operating system for global connectivity as the number of connected devices continues to grow.

Comply365

Series A in 2014
Comply365, LLC is a software company based in Beloit, Wisconsin, specializing in compliance management solutions for various industries, including aviation, aerospace, import/export, and food. Founded in 2008 and formerly known as Balanced IT Solutions LLC, the company provides a comprehensive hosted platform that streamlines compliance processes such as document management, publication control, and compliance tracking. Comply365's offerings include customizable solutions like an XML-based authoring tool, content distribution systems, software integration, and training materials. This suite of enterprise mobility software is designed to address challenges in content management, enabling organizations to efficiently manage workflows and maintain compliance in a rapidly changing environment. Through its innovative solutions, Comply365 aims to empower clients with the agility and intelligence necessary to maintain a competitive edge.

Roadtrippers

Series A in 2013
Roadtrippers, Inc. operates a web and mobile platform designed for road trip enthusiasts, enabling users to discover, plan, and book travel experiences. Founded in 2011 and based in Cincinnati, Ohio, the company offers a comprehensive database of points-of-interest such as diners, roadside attractions, and accommodations, categorized for easy navigation. The platform includes features like instant fuel-cost estimation, route exploration within a specified distance, and a virtual concierge offering personalized travel suggestions and weather forecasts. Users can also create and share their own travel guides, fostering a community-oriented approach to road trip planning. Roadtrippers aims to simplify the travel experience by integrating discovery, planning, and navigation into a single, user-friendly application that synchronizes seamlessly across devices.

Olive

Series A in 2013
Olive deploys the AI workforce built specifically for healthcare, delivering hospitals and health systems increased revenue, reduced costs, and increased capacity. Olive automates repetitive, high-volume tasks and workflows, monitoring their performance, identifying improvements, and finding opportunities for new work. Olive gives power back to providers through her ever-growing, unparalleled intelligence made up of shared memories, collective wisdom, and global awareness, learning like a network so hospitals never have to solve the same problem twice. Olive was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.
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