Rev1 Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Columbus, Ohio. Established in 2005, it focuses on seed-stage investments across various sectors including enterprise software, digital health, life sciences, food tech, advanced materials, and alternative energy. With over $100 million under management, Rev1 provides strategic services alongside capital to help startups scale and corporates innovate.

CincyTech is a Cincinnati-based organization that identifies and nurtures early-stage health, technology, and life sciences startups in Southwest Ohio. It provides strategic guidance, capital, and operational support to entrepreneurs and researchers seeking to commercialize technology, and connects them with regional investors and institutions. By supporting university and hospital research commercialization and catalyzing local investment, CincyTech helps turn innovative ideas into growth companies. The organization collaborates with major regional partners such as Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, the University of Cincinnati, and the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, and leverages a broad network of funders to back seed-stage ventures across information technology, healthcare, software, and other tech sectors in Ohio and the Midwest.

North Coast Ventures, established in 2006, is a Cleveland-based investment firm focused on early-stage technology companies in the United States. It operates as a professionally managed angel fund, comprising four contributed capital funds. The firm's membership consists of prominent Ohio investors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders who actively support and mentor portfolio companies. North Coast Ventures aims to enhance the early-stage funding environment for both entrepreneurs and investors in the Northeast Ohio region.

Founded in 1999, Enhanced Capital Partners is a New York-based investment firm managing over $400 million. It specializes in equity and debt investments for small to mid-sized companies across various sectors, with a focus on healthcare technology systems and TMT industries.

Service Provider Capital is a venture capital firm established in 2014 and based in Colorado. The firm focuses on early-stage investments, notably seed-stage opportunities, and participates as a co-investor in Series A rounds led by institutional venture funds. Its portfolio interests span a broad range of technology sectors, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, cybersecurity, e-commerce, education technology, fintech, hardware, information technology, robotics, health, and cannabis.

JumpStart Inc., established in 2003, is a Cleveland, Ohio-based non-profit organization dedicated to fostering economic growth through entrepreneurship. It provides intensive support to early-stage, high-potential companies in Ohio, focusing on minority and women entrepreneurs. Additionally, JumpStart collaborates with regional leaders to strengthen Ohio's entrepreneurial ecosystem and attract resources for entrepreneurs. Its investment arm, Jumpstart Ventures, focuses on early-stage venture capital, primarily in the healthcare device and supply sectors.

Ohio Innovation Fund, established in 2016 and headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, is a venture capital firm focusing on early-stage investments. It partners with visionary founders to support the growth of disruptive companies, primarily in the technology sector. The firm's investment focus spans across medical technology, biopharma, AR/VR, advanced manufacturing, SaaS, AI/ML, cybersecurity, and mobility. Typically investing between $250,000 to $500,000 initially, with follow-on investments up to $1.25 million based on milestones, Ohio Innovation Fund aims to foster innovation and create industries of the future within the United States, with a particular emphasis on Ohio-based startups.

Founded in 2012, Drive Capital is a venture capital firm headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. It invests in innovative technology, healthcare, and consumer companies across the Midwest region.

The U.S. Department of Energy is a government agency established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. Its primary mission is to ensure the security and prosperity of the nation by tackling energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges. The Department focuses on promoting transformative scientific and technological solutions to address these issues, thereby supporting the country's energy needs and environmental sustainability.

Established in 2011, JobsOhio is a private non-profit economic development agency based in Columbus, Ohio. It drives job creation and new capital investment through business attraction, retention, and expansion efforts, focusing on strategic industry sectors.

The National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency in the United States that funds and supports research and education in science and engineering. It funds fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering and administers non-dilutive funding programs to aid early‑stage technology development, helping translate discoveries into commercially viable products and services. Through grants and fellowships, the NSF supports researchers, educators, and startups, contributing to innovation and U.S. competitiveness. The agency operates with a substantial budget to advance science, engineering, and STEM education nationwide.

Insight Partners is a global software investor that partners with growth-stage technology and software companies. The firm focuses on growth-stage software, internet, and data services, with emphasis on fintech, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and machine learning, DevOps, and healthcare. Based in New York City with offices in London, Tel Aviv, and Palo Alto, Insight Partners has backed more than 750 companies worldwide and has more than 55 portfolio companies that have achieved an IPO. As of 2022, the firm reports over $75 billion in assets under management. It seeks to fund and work closely with visionary executives, providing practical, hands-on software expertise to support growth from initial investment through to IPO.

Charter Communications is an American telecommunications company offering high-speed internet, cable TV, and mobile services under the Spectrum brand. It serves approximately 29 million residential and 2 million commercial customers across the U.S., making it the second-largest cable provider behind Comcast.

Bain Capital is a Boston-based multi-asset alternative investment firm that sources, funds, and manages investments across private equity, venture capital, credit, and public equity. Founded in 1984, it operates globally with specialized units focused on growth and buyout investments, life sciences, and impact-oriented opportunities. The firm backs companies across sectors including healthcare and life sciences, technology, software and data services, financial services, consumer, manufacturing, and industrials, spanning from early-stage ventures to growth equity and large-scale acquisitions. It emphasizes value creation through strategic support and partnerships, leveraging deep operating experience and a global network. Its life sciences arm targets pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and diagnostic companies; the Double Impact unit pursues market-rate returns alongside measurable social and environmental benefits; Bain Capital Ventures backs technology-enabled businesses from seed to growth across enterprise software, infrastructure, and services. The firm maintains offices in Boston and major markets worldwide, aiming to deliver competitive returns while supporting innovation and economic development.

Queen City Angels (QCA) is an angel investment group based in Cincinnati, Ohio, established in 2000. The organization comprises experienced, accredited investors dedicated to fostering the growth of early-stage companies in Cincinnati and its surrounding areas. QCA focuses its investments on a diverse range of sectors, including advanced materials, life sciences, media, retail, electrical devices and supplies, financial services, and information technology. Through strategic investments, QCA aims to support entrepreneurs and drive substantial returns while contributing to the economic development of the region.

Ohio TechAngel Fund III operates as an angel investment network focused on supporting early-stage companies in Ohio, particularly in the sectors of information technology, advanced materials, life sciences, healthcare, and other emerging industries. Managed by Rev1 Ventures and Ohio Tech Angels, the fund draws upon a diverse group of over 340 accredited investors, making it one of the largest angel networks in North America. This organization emphasizes the growth of promising C-Corporations based in Ohio, with investments typically ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. The fund's mission is to transform innovative ideas into successful businesses that contribute to economic growth and entrepreneurial wealth in the region. To date, it has invested significantly in numerous companies, fostering job creation and revenue generation, while also maintaining a network of collaborators to enhance the support available to its investees.

National Institutes of Health is a biomedical research agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, based in Bethesda, Maryland. It is the primary U.S. government organization devoted to biomedical and health research, conducting science through the Intramural Research Program and funding external research through the Extramural Research Program. The NIH comprises 27 institutes and centers and supports about 1,200 principal investigators and more than 4,000 postdoctoral fellows across basic, translational, and clinical research. It has contributed to major advances such as vaccines and therapies and is dedicated to advancing knowledge and translating discoveries into improvements in public health. Established in 1887, NIH operates as a central hub for medical research in the United States.

KeyBank Foundation is a nonprofit charitable organization. KeyBank Foundation supports organizations and programs that prepare individuals for thriving futures.

Founded in Columbus, Ohio in 2000, NCT Ventures is a venture capital firm focused on supporting seed and early-stage technology companies across the Midwest. They typically invest between $250k to $1 million initially, with potential follow-on investments of up to $5 million as portfolio companies grow. The firm brings over two decades of entrepreneurial experience and offers hands-on operational support to help visionary entrepreneurs succeed.

Founded in 2004, Pine Street Capital Partners is a Massachusetts-based independent firm that provides financing solutions to lower mid-market companies. They invest with experienced management teams in established businesses, offering mezzanine and equity capital for strategic acquisitions, private equity-sponsored buyouts, management buyouts, recapitalizations, and shareholder dividends.

Refinery Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Cincinnati, Ohio, founded in 2017. It focuses on investing in information technology, digital health, and human capital technology sectors, with an emphasis on helping post-seed companies bridge the gap to Series A. The firm supports its portfolio through mentorship and strategic guidance, aiming to accelerate growth for technology-enabled startups in healthcare technology systems and software, SaaS, and enterprise software.

Founded in 2017, Tamarind Hill is a venture capital firm based in Dublin, Ohio. It provides entrepreneurial stage capital to SaaS companies focused on B2B markets such as healthcare IT and enterprise IT, primarily investing throughout the Midwestern U.S.

Advantage Capital Partners is a United States‑based venture capital firm that provides growth equity, debt, and mezzanine financing to small and mid‑market companies, with a focus on underserved communities and state and local economic development. The firm invests across sectors including manufacturing, technology, business services, life sciences, and energy, and also supports real estate development projects with equity and debt. It typically makes initial investments ranging roughly from half a million to ten million in companies with modest sales, and may participate in larger follow‑on rounds or co‑invest with other firms. It uses senior debt, mezzanine debt, subordinated loans, and government‑guaranteed lending, and often pursues equity positions through preferred shares or convertible notes. Advantage Capital operates nationwide in the United States, with roots in New Orleans and offices in multiple states, and has backed thousands of jobs and housing projects as part of its mission to expand inclusive economic growth.

M25 is a Chicago-based venture capital firm established in 2015 by Victor Gutwein and Mike Asem, focused on funding pre-seed and seed-stage technology startups in the Midwest. The firm supports portfolio companies across multiple industries, with a regional footprint spanning 24 Midwest cities in 11 states. Since its inception, M25 has backed more than 90 early-stage tech startups, aiming to accelerate growth and strengthen the Midwest startup ecosystem.

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Its mission is to provide better care for the sick, investigate medical problems, and advance the education of those who serve.

Founded in 2004 and based in Ohio, Peppertree Capital Management is a private equity firm specializing in growth equity investments primarily in telecommunication infrastructure companies worldwide.

Established in 2002, Ohio Third Frontier is an economic development agency based in Columbus, Ohio. It provides funding and resources to support technology-based companies, universities, and research institutions in the state.

Founded in 2023, Fireroad is a venture capital firm based in Cincinnati, Ohio. It specializes in providing growth investments and venture capital to startups, with a focus on the technology industry.

Meritech Capital Partners is a Palo Alto-based venture capital firm founded in 1999 that provides late-stage and growth-stage funding to technology companies in North America. It concentrates on software, information technology, communications and networking, commonly referred to as TMT, as well as information and medical technology, and primarily targets United States opportunities. The firm typically makes multi-million dollar investments to support scale and expansion of later-stage companies.

Founded in 1866, Huntington National Bank offers a comprehensive range of financial services to individuals, businesses, and governments across six states. Its services include personal banking (checking, savings, loans), business banking (small business solutions, commercial banking, insurance), wealth management, treasury management, and specialty banking.

Founded in 1985, Blackstone is a global investment firm that manages capital on behalf of pension funds and large institutions across alternative asset classes. It offers services to institutional investors, including pension plans and pooled investment vehicles, through its various subsidiaries such as Blackstone Alternative Asset Management.

Tiger Global Management is a New York based investment firm that manages public and private market strategies to pursue technology-driven growth opportunities worldwide. Founded in 2001 by Charles (Chase) Coleman, the firm invests in leading global companies across various industries, with a particular emphasis on technology-enabled growth. In public markets it employs long/short and growth strategies, while in private markets it targets opportunities from early to late stage. The firm operates globally, including the United States, China, India, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, and works with portfolio companies across their lifecycle to drive long-term value.

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center is a leading institution dedicated to improving child health, attracting patients and families both regionally and internationally. Recognized for its expertise, the hospital serves as a referral center for complex surgical procedures and treatments for rare pediatric diseases. The center is committed to advancing pediatric medicine by discovering innovative and effective treatment methods, solidifying its reputation as one of the foremost facilities for pediatric care globally.

Founded in 1825, KeyBank is a major U.S. bank-based financial services company with approximately $93 billion in assets. It offers a range of retail and commercial banking, investment management, consumer finance, and investment banking products and services to individuals and businesses across the United States.

Founded in 1973, MAI Capital Management is an independent, fee-based wealth management firm based in Cleveland, Ohio. They offer comprehensive planning and investment advisory services, including financial consulting, family office administration, investment management, estate planning, and tax planning.

Draper Triangle is a venture capital firm founded in 1999, specializing in early-stage investments. Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with additional offices in Midwest states, the firm focuses on technology companies, particularly in software, digital media, robotics, and medical devices. Draper Triangle seeks to invest between $250,000 and $2 million initially, aiming for companies with high growth potential.

LOUD Capital is a venture capital and alternative investment firm founded in 2015 by Darshan Vyas and Navin Goyal. Based in Ohio, the firm provides capital, education, and advisory services to help grow impactful companies.

Zapis Capital Group is a family office firm established in 2003 and located in Westlake, Ohio. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, with a particular focus on sectors such as media and software. By providing capital and support to nascent businesses, Zapis Capital Group aims to foster innovation and growth in the technology landscape.

Founded in 1983, Silicon Valley Bank specializes in providing diversified financial services to emerging growth and mature companies in the technology, life science, private equity, and premium wine markets. With a global presence through offices in the U.S. and international operations, SVB offers industry knowledge, financing solutions, treasury management, corporate investment, and international banking services.

EVC Ventures is a private equity and venture capital firm established in 2014, with its headquarters in Miami, Florida, and additional offices in Chicago, Illinois, and Gurgaon, India. The firm focuses on early-stage and mid-stage investments, primarily in sectors such as EdTech, Artificial Intelligence, SaaS, mobile applications, security, augmented and virtual reality, drone technology, robotics, e-commerce, and gaming. EVC Ventures typically invests between $0.1 million and $5 million in its portfolio companies, and it operates two accelerator programs that provide funding ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 in exchange for equity. The firm prefers to back companies built on its I-MADE program, supporting entrepreneurs with both capital and strategic guidance to foster growth and innovation in the tech landscape.

Sica Ventures is an early-stage investment company based in Columbus, Ohio, established in 2019. The firm specializes in providing seed capital to innovative technology startups, focusing primarily on the aerospace, defense, and space sectors. Sica Ventures aims to support promising ventures through minority investments during their seed and early stages, contributing to the development of cutting-edge solutions in these critical industries.

LaunchHouse is a venture capital firm and business accelerator that invests in early-stage technology startups, with a focus on data, SaaS, healthcare software, and other innovative sectors. It provides not only capital, typically investing $0.03 million, but also incubator services and access to a curated community of founders, engineers, and investors. This community offers coliving residencies, executive coaching, fundraising support, and digital courses, fostering learning, professional development, and authentic relationships. LaunchHouse operates in major cities like Los Angeles and New York, as well as in the metaverse, with a mission to create a hub for entrepreneurial innovation and transform ideas into successful companies.

The U.S. Department of Education is a federal agency responsible for establishing policies and administering most federal assistance programs related to education. Its mission is to promote student achievement and ensure equal access to education for all individuals. The Department supports the implementation of education policies set by the President and Congress, coordinating efforts among various stakeholders, including state and local education systems, private educational institutions, and community organizations. It oversees programs that serve millions of students across public and private schools and provides financial assistance through grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Additionally, the Department enforces civil rights laws to eliminate discrimination in educational programs receiving federal funding, thereby fostering an inclusive educational environment. Established in 1979, the agency aims to enhance the quality and effectiveness of education, improve management of federal education activities, and increase accountability to the public and government entities.

Cintrifuse is a Cincinnati-based organization that connects entrepreneurs with strategic partners, mentors, researchers and investors to help launch high-growth startups. It coordinates the region’s innovation ecosystem by linking incubators, accelerators, investment sources, companies and other resources to enhance information sharing and collaboration. Founded in 2012, Cintrifuse operates as an accelerator and ecosystem builder focused on Cincinnati-area ventures, expanding access to mentorship, partnerships and capital to accelerate growth.

Resilience Capital Partners, established in 2001, is a Cleveland, Ohio-based private equity firm that specializes in acquiring and recapitalizing lower middle market companies in special situations. The firm targets distressed, underperforming, corporate divestitures, and turnaround opportunities, focusing on basic industry businesses across various sectors such as automotive, manufacturing, aviation, aerospace, and consumer goods. Resilience typically invests between $5 million and $40 million in companies with revenues between $25 million and $250 million and EBITDA of less than $20 million, preferring majority and control equity investments. The firm's value-oriented strategy is executed by a team of in-house operating experts, bringing large company resources to the lower middle market.

Nationwide Ventures, LLC is a financial investment firm based in Columbus, Ohio, established in 2016. The company focuses on investing in early, mid, and late-stage startups, particularly in the sectors of fintech, insurtech, and innovative solutions for retirement and financial services. By concentrating on customer-centric platforms that utilize digital, mobile, and analytics technologies, Nationwide Ventures aims to enhance the experiences of its clients. The firm typically invests between $1 million and $5 million, seeking to pilot new technologies and test novel solutions and business models.

Norwest Venture Partners is a global technology venture capital firm founded in 1961 and based in California. It invests across venture and growth stages in the United States, India, Israel, and other markets, targeting software, cloud and IT infrastructure, information services, enterprise software and services, financial services, consumer products and healthcare. The firm backs entrepreneurs with capital plus an extensive network and operating experience to help scale their businesses. Since its inception it has backed hundreds of companies and manages a multi-billion-dollar portfolio, deploying capital in seed to growth rounds and across sectors that drive technology-enabled growth. Norwest emphasizes building lasting relationships with founders and mentoring teams through strategic guidance and market access to accelerate expansion and scale globally.

Founded in 1857, Fifth Third Bank is a diversified financial institution offering a comprehensive range of services including personal banking, investments, wealth management, loans, mortgages, and business banking.

Brixey & Meyer Capital is a mid-market private equity firm focused on lower middle market and middle-market companies in the Eastern and Central United States. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in the Dayton/Miamisburg area with offices in Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio, it targets healthcare, manufacturing, distribution, and business services companies. The firm typically invests in businesses generating cash flow of about $1 million to $3 million and EBITDA of roughly $1 million to $4 million, and it takes controlling interests or preferred minority positions with board oversight. It emphasizes strengthening management and providing resources to execute growth strategies.

Athenian Venture Partners, established in 1997, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Athens, Ohio. It specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on innovative companies in the Information Technology, Healthcare, and Digital Health sectors across the United States. Athenian takes a hands-on, active approach, collaborating with entrepreneurs to build successful businesses and drive economic growth in its target markets. The firm aims to deliver maximum shareholder value by engaging with company management throughout the business lifecycle.