Rev1 Fund II is a venture capital fund managed by Rev1 Ventures, based in Columbus, Ohio. Established in 2005, Rev1 Ventures specializes in seed-stage investments across various sectors, including software, advanced manufacturing, fintech, health-tech, insur-tech, and life sciences. The fund typically invests between $0.5 million and $2 million in each company, focusing on startups with high growth potential. Rev1 Ventures combines access to capital with strategic support, linking innovators with corporate and research partners to facilitate market entry and business development. The firm has a strong reputation in the Great Lakes Region, recognized as one of the most active venture capital firms in recent years. With over $100 million in capital under management, Rev1 Ventures aims to help entrepreneurs address real market needs through innovative solutions.

TechGROWTH Ohio connects early-stage, technologically-innovative companies with valuable tools for growth and sources of capital.

JumpStart, Inc. is a venture capital firm based in Ohio that specializes in investing in early-stage companies led by women and minority entrepreneurs. Established in 2004, it primarily focuses on sectors such as technology, healthcare, medical technology, and advanced energy solutions. JumpStart typically invests between $50,000 and $1.5 million in companies with less than $5 million in revenues, aiming to support those with the potential to grow significantly within five to seven years. The firm emphasizes economic inclusion and actively seeks to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Northeast Ohio. It provides not only financial resources but also intensive entrepreneurial development assistance to help startups secure follow-on funding. Additionally, JumpStart aims to exit its investments through acquisitions or initial public offerings, often seeking a board observer or director seat in its portfolio companies. With a commitment to fostering high-impact ventures, JumpStart collaborates with regional leaders to enhance the startup landscape in the 21-county area surrounding Akron.

CincyTech, founded in 2007, is a Cincinnati-based private equity firm specializing in seed-stage investments in healthcare, business services, life sciences, and technology companies, primarily in southwest Ohio. The firm aims to identify and transform innovative ideas into viable businesses by providing entrepreneurs with capital and advice, while also assisting research institutions in commercializing technology through startups. CincyTech plays a crucial role in catalyzing investment from various stakeholders, including foundations, corporations, and individuals, into regional companies. It is recognized as one of the most active seed funds in the Midwest, supported by partnerships with notable institutions such as Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati. The fund focuses on sectors like information technology, bioscience, and advanced manufacturing, seeking to invest in companies that are based in or willing to relocate to Southwest Ohio.

The Cleveland Foundation, established in 1914, is the world's first community foundation and ranks as the third-largest in the United States, managing assets of $1.8 billion. As a non-profit organization based in Greater Cleveland, it is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for local residents. The foundation collaborates with donors, community members, and various partners to improve neighborhoods and public spaces. Its investment portfolio is diversified across multiple asset classes, including short-term investments, U.S. government obligations, bonds, stocks, mutual funds, and alternative investments. Through its initiatives and investments, the Cleveland Foundation aims to foster community development and address pressing local needs.

North Coast Ventures, previously known as North Coast Angel Fund, is a Cleveland-based private equity firm established in 2006 that focuses on early-stage technology investments. The firm comprises four contributed capital funds and is supported by a network of prominent investors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders from Ohio. Members of North Coast Ventures actively contribute by generating deal flow, participating in due diligence, and collaborating with portfolio companies. The firm aims to foster a supportive environment for its investments, enhancing the performance of its funds. By being the region's first professionally managed angel fund, North Coast Ventures seeks to improve the early-stage funding landscape for both entrepreneurs and investors in Northeast Ohio, where there has been a historical tradition of angel investing.

Techstars Central LLC, founded in 2006 and based in Boulder, Colorado, operates as a startup accelerator and venture capital firm focused on supporting early-stage technology-oriented companies. It specializes in a mentorship-driven accelerator program, selecting ten startups each summer to participate in a three-month incubation period, offering funding of $120,000 in exchange for equity. Techstars invests primarily in sectors such as fintech, artificial intelligence, blockchain, augmented reality, and IoT, while avoiding investments in medical devices, healthcare technology, and local service-oriented businesses. In addition to its primary accelerator, Techstars has various specialized programs, including those focused on music, retail, mobility, and social impact, with global reach extending to regions such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The firm prefers taking minority stakes, typically between six and ten percent, without seeking board representation or investor rights. Techstars has built a robust network of entrepreneurs, mentors, and corporate partners to foster innovation and growth within its portfolio, which includes over 1,000 companies with a significant collective market capitalization.

Enhanced Capital Partners, founded in 1999 and headquartered in New York, is a national investment firm that specializes in equity and debt investments in small and mid-sized companies across the United States. With over $400 million under management, the firm employs a flexible investment strategy aimed at promoting the growth and expansion of businesses. Enhanced Capital focuses on various sectors, including healthcare technology and technology, media, and telecommunications. As a subsidiary of P10 Holdings, it seeks to maximize the growth potential of companies poised for rapid development through its practical investment approach.

Drive Capital is a private equity firm based in Columbus, Ohio, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in investing in innovative technology, healthcare, and consumer companies primarily within the Midwest, targeting a region extending from Pittsburgh to Kansas City to Minneapolis. Drive Capital seeks to partner with entrepreneurs who are addressing significant market opportunities and have ambitious goals for building sustainable businesses. The firm is open to investments ranging from $100,000 to several million dollars, focusing on sectors such as technology, technology-enabled services, healthcare, and financial services. Founded by experienced venture capitalists Mark Kvamme and Chris Olsen, Drive Capital aims to support companies that have the potential for substantial growth.

Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 1992, headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, with additional offices across the United States. The firm specializes in growth equity, lending, and mezzanine debt investments, focusing primarily on small businesses at various stages of development, excluding seed stage. Advantage Capital targets investments in low-income communities, both urban and rural, and supports economic development initiatives. The firm seeks to invest in companies that utilize proprietary technologies in sectors such as communication, information technology, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and energy, among others. It offers various forms of debt capital, including senior and mezzanine debt, and has a preference for co-investing with other firms. Initial investments typically range from $0.5 million to $10 million in companies with sales under $5 million, with potential for larger investments based on milestones. Advantage Capital is committed to addressing the funding gaps in underserved areas and fostering economic growth in communities that lack traditional sources of risk capital.

Service Provider Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2014 and based in Golden, Colorado. The firm specializes in co-investing in Series A deals, primarily alongside institutional venture funds. It focuses on seed-stage companies across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, cannabis, cybersecurity, e-commerce, education technology, fintech, hardware, information technology, robotics, and healthcare. Additionally, Service Provider Capital manages funds that target specific regional markets, such as the Midwest, emphasizing investments in software and healthcare technology systems. The firm typically seeks minority stakes and engages in syndicated investments to support the growth of innovative startups.

Mutual Capital Partners is a private equity firm founded in 2004, based in Ohio, that focuses on venture investments in rapidly growing technology and healthcare businesses primarily located in the Midwest. The firm was established to address the scarcity of venture capital in the region and aims to lead or co-lead investments in promising companies seeking capital. With a network of over 100 investors, Mutual Capital Partners emphasizes the importance of management and collaborates with its investors to conduct due diligence, facilitate customer introductions, and provide ongoing support to portfolio executives. Committed to fostering entrepreneurship, the firm engages with angel funds and economic development entities to assist companies throughout the capital continuum. Additionally, Mutual Capital Partners is dedicated to responding to all potential investment inquiries within five business days, ensuring timely feedback and connections for all contacting businesses.

Signet is a global investment that embodies creativity and forward-thinking to achieve long-term success. With a diverse portfolio of operating companies, the company continually seeks new opportunities in diversified manufacturing, IT, health and wellness, energy, and emerging technologies. Founded by Anthony Manna in 1995, Signet is headquartered in Akron, Ohio.

Allos Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Carmel, Indiana, established in 2010. The firm focuses on early-stage investments primarily in business-to-business software and technology-enabled service sectors, targeting companies in the Midwest. Allos Ventures aims to bridge the funding gap for early-stage companies that have outgrown initial support from angel investors but are not yet ready for larger institutional financing. The firm manages the Allos Opportunity Fund, which emphasizes minority stake investments in revenue-generating technology and healthcare companies. By concentrating on this region, Allos Ventures addresses the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in securing necessary capital amidst a shifting investment landscape where many traditional early-stage firms have exited or moved to later-stage investments.

CB Insights ranked Queen City Angels #2 out of 370 angel organization. The Queen City Angels (QCA) is the first group of experienced, accredited investors committed to accelerating the growth of outstanding early-stage businesses in the Cincinnati area and the surrounding region, via smart investments capable of producing a substantial return.

Jumpstart Ventures is a Cleveland-based venture capital firm established in 2011. The firm focuses on investing in startups that are innovating within sectors such as software, healthcare information technology, biotechnology, and business-to-business solutions. Jumpstart Ventures aims to partner with entrepreneurs who possess a blend of humility and ambition, supporting those who are dedicated to creating meaningful and positive changes in their communities through intelligent innovation. The firm seeks to back founders who are launching companies with a strong purpose and a commitment to impactful solutions.

NCT Ventures is a Columbus, Ohio-based venture capital firm established in 1986, focusing on seed and early-stage technology companies that are disrupting major industries. The firm typically invests between $250,000 and $1 million in early funding rounds and can provide up to $5 million in growth rounds as portfolio companies expand. With over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience, NCT Ventures emphasizes hands-on operational support to assist innovative entrepreneurs in achieving their goals. The firm particularly targets the software sector and is dedicated to fostering early-stage technology-based companies throughout the Midwest.

GAMCO Investors Inc. is a diversified global financial services company that primarily serves high net worth individuals, pension plans, charitable organizations, and government entities. Founded in 1977 and headquartered in Rye, New York, with additional offices across the United States, the firm specializes in managing separate equity portfolios, mutual funds, and hedge funds. GAMCO employs a fundamental research approach with a bottom-up stock selection strategy, focusing on value stocks across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap companies. The firm benchmarks its investments against recognized indices while also incorporating socially responsible investment strategies. The company's success is rooted in its rigorous research-driven culture and a commitment to delivering superior risk-adjusted returns.

M25 is a Chicago-based venture capital firm established in 2015, focusing on early-stage investments in technology startups primarily located in the Midwest and Great Lakes regions. The firm has built a diverse portfolio by investing in over 90 startups across various sectors, including healthcare technology, information technology, financial services, and consumer products. M25's analytical and collaborative approach enables it to play a significant role within the Midwest startup ecosystem, fostering innovation and supporting the growth of emerging companies. The firm is led by Victor Gutwein and Mike Asem and seeks to identify promising investment opportunities that align with its objective of driving economic growth in the region.

LOUD Capital is a venture capital and alternative investment firm based in Columbus, Ohio, founded in 2015 by Darshan Vyas and Navin Goyal. The firm focuses on supporting the growth of impactful companies through a combination of education, services, and resources. In addition to its venture capital activities, LOUD Capital manages a debt fund, LOUD Private Growth I, which invests in companies across the United States. The firm's approach emphasizes the development of innovative businesses, aligning financial support with strategic guidance to foster long-term success.

Huntington National Bank, a subsidiary of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated, is a regional financial institution based in Columbus, Ohio, founded in 1866. It offers a comprehensive range of banking services, catering to individuals, families, small and middle-market businesses, and not-for-profit organizations. Personal banking services include checking and savings accounts, credit cards, home equity loans, mortgages, and investment products. Business banking services encompass solutions for small businesses, commercial banking, treasury management, and government banking. The bank also provides mortgage banking services, wealth management, trust services, and equipment leasing. With a focus on customer convenience, Huntington operates over 700 branches and more than 1,400 ATMs across six Midwestern states, emphasizing digital banking through online and mobile platforms. Its diverse offerings are designed to meet the financial needs of its clients while enhancing their banking experience.

Blackstone is a global investment and advisory firm that specializes in alternative asset management, serving a diverse range of institutional clients, including pension funds, endowments, and insurance companies. Founded in 1985 by Stephen A. Schwarzman and Peter G. Peterson, the firm has grown to employ nearly 1,800 people across 24 offices worldwide. Blackstone manages a broad portfolio that encompasses private equity, real estate, credit, and hedge fund investments, preserving and protecting significant assets for its clients. The firm's investment strategies are informed by thorough qualitative and quantitative analysis, focusing on creating long-term value for stakeholders. Additionally, Blackstone operates in the life sciences sector, partnering with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to address funding gaps in bringing innovative healthcare solutions to market. The firm emphasizes a strong partnership culture and integrity in its operations, striving to deliver exceptional performance across its diverse investment vehicles.

Refinery Ventures is an early-stage venture firm based in Cincinnati, Ohio, established in 2017. The firm specializes in investing in sectors such as information technology, digital health, and human capital technology. It focuses on early scale companies, providing support and mentorship to teams transitioning from post-seed to Series A funding. Refinery Ventures manages a venture capital fund that targets investments in the United States and Canada, specifically in healthcare technology systems, SaaS, and enterprise software industries. The firm aims to invest in 10 to 12 startups, fostering growth and innovation within these sectors.

Narya Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Focused on a thesis-driven investment approach, Narya Capital aims to provide long-term capital to individuals and teams that leverage technology to address significant challenges. The firm is backed by a diverse group of limited partners, including accomplished investors, entrepreneurs, and institutions. Narya Capital Fund I, launched in 2020, specifically invests in companies across the United States, fostering innovation and supporting the growth of emerging technologies.

League Park Capital is a private equity firm specializing in buyout, recapitalization, workout, and industry consolidation. The firm typically invests in middle market, mature, turnaround, and later stage investments. The firm primarily invests in industrial, information technology, consumer discretionary, consumer staples, healthcare, and materials. It typically invests in United States and Canada. The firm makes equity investments between $1 million and $20 million in companies with revenue between $10 million and $100 million, EBITDA between $0.5 million and $10 million, and enterprise value between $5 and $75 million. League Park Capital is based in Cleveland, Ohio.

Tamarind Hill is a venture capital firm founded in 2017 and based in Dublin, Ohio. The firm focuses on providing Entrepreneurial Stage Capital™ to seed and early-stage companies, primarily in the B2B software sectors such as healthcare IT and enterprise IT. With offices located in Ann Arbor and Columbus, Tamarind Hill aims to identify investment opportunities across the Midwestern U.S., including states like Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. The firm's investment strategy emphasizes automation software, workflow software, business software, productivity software, application software, vertical market software, and healthcare-related enterprise systems, with a particular focus on enhancing outcomes in the healthcare sector.

Plymouth Growth is a venture capital firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, established in 2002. The firm focuses on growth-stage investments in Midwest-based B2B software, technology, and tech-enabled service companies, primarily those generating between $3 million and $8 million in revenue. With a team that possesses extensive experience as operators, advisors, and investors, Plymouth Growth emphasizes the importance of understanding the people and culture behind a business, in addition to financial metrics. The firm is currently investing from its fourth fund, aiming to partner with entrepreneurs who have demonstrated the ability to achieve significant results with limited resources. Through its investments, Plymouth Growth seeks to foster smart and sustainable growth for the companies it supports.

Wellington Management Company LLP, founded in 1928 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, is a prominent investment management firm providing comprehensive solutions to institutional clients worldwide. The firm specializes in a diverse range of investment strategies, including equity, fixed income, multi-asset, and alternative investments, tailored to meet the unique return and risk objectives of its clients. Wellington Management employs a collaborative approach, leveraging proprietary research and analytical tools to identify opportunities and manage risks across global capital markets. The firm caters to a wide array of clients, including sovereign institutions, endowments, foundations, wealth managers, and insurance companies, spanning more than 50 countries. With a focus on long-term investment principles, Wellington Management fosters independent thought and debate within its teams, ensuring that resources are effectively utilized to deliver consistent results. The firm also emphasizes environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations in its research and investment processes, engaging with companies on key ESG topics.

Cintrifuse is a Cincinnati-based organization established in 2012 that focuses on fostering high-growth startups by connecting entrepreneurs with essential resources, including strategic businesses, research institutions, mentors, and investors. It aims to enhance the region’s innovation ecosystem by coordinating activities and resources among incubators, accelerators, and investment sources to facilitate information sharing. Cintrifuse operates as a fund of funds manager, investing in technology-related startups across the United States. By leveraging its core elements of access, place, and funding, Cintrifuse strives to cultivate a sustainable innovation economy in Ohio and beyond.

Draper Triangle, LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 1999 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The firm primarily focuses on early-stage investments in technology companies within the Midwest region of the United States, particularly in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan. Draper Triangle specializes in sectors such as information technology, life sciences, software, and medical devices, aiming to partner with entrepreneurs who are poised to create transformative businesses. The firm typically invests between $250,000 and $2 million in initial funding rounds and prefers to take a lead investor role, often seeking a board seat in its portfolio companies. With a track record of supporting notable startups, Draper Triangle is part of the Draper Venture Network, which fosters collaboration among independent venture funds globally. Through this network, Draper Triangle leverages collective insights and resources to enhance its investment strategy and generate value for its stakeholders.

Pine Street Capital Partners, founded in 2004 and based in Massachusetts, specializes in providing capital to lower mid-market companies in the United States, typically those generating between $10 million and $75 million in revenue. The firm invests in established businesses alongside experienced management teams, offering mezzanine and equity capital for various transactions, including strategic acquisitions, private equity-sponsored buyouts, management buyouts, recapitalizations, and shareholder dividends. Their investment focus spans several sectors, including commercial products, healthcare services, and manufacturing. Pine Street Capital Partners is committed to supporting the growth of its portfolio companies through tailored financing solutions and expertise.

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center based in Cleveland, Ohio, established in 1921. It combines clinical care, hospital services, research, and education with the mission of improving the care of patients, investigating medical issues, and educating healthcare providers. The organization is notable for becoming the first healthcare provider in the U.S. to sign the United Nations Global Compact in 2008. Cleveland Clinic Innovations (CCI), its commercialization arm, focuses on transforming the innovative ideas of its employees into medical products that benefit patients. CCI fosters an inclusive environment for innovation, engaging physicians, nurses, researchers, and administrators in the process. It employs a comprehensive strategy that includes investment funds, incubation facilities, and expert teams to enhance the development and deployment of new medical technologies, contributing to the economic growth of Northeast Ohio and beyond.

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is a government organization established in 1965 and headquartered in Washington, D.C. Its primary mission is to foster economic development in the Appalachian region by implementing strategic plans aimed at increasing job opportunities and enhancing infrastructure. The ARC focuses on addressing the unique challenges faced by communities in Appalachia, promoting sustainable economic growth, and improving the quality of life for residents. Through various initiatives and partnerships, the commission works to create a more prosperous and equitable future for the region.

RPM Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, founded in 2000. With $300 million under management, the firm targets seed to early-stage investments across the United States, focusing primarily on sectors where it has established itself as an industry leader, such as FinTech, InsurTech, Real Estate Tech, and Mobility and Transportation. RPM Ventures emphasizes investments in companies that cater to the Midwest's Fortune 500 manufacturing base or are based on technology developed at prominent regional research centers. The firm is particularly interested in high-tech and information technology sectors, including advanced materials processing, data discovery and analytics, and software automation. Originally established as Waypoint Ventures, the firm rebranded in 2006 to better align with its strategic focus on leveraging the strengths of the Midwest.

Flashstarts is an early-stage venture capital firm and startup accelerator based in Cleveland, Ohio, founded in 2012. It focuses on innovative applications of software and technology, particularly in Enterprise IT and Healthcare IT sectors. The firm provides essential resources, capital, and guidance to support early-stage entrepreneurs through a structured 12-week accelerator program. This program emphasizes rapid feedback, customized mentorship, and access to an extensive network of industry experts and corporate partners. Flashstarts also features specialized "R&D labs" that offer vertical-specific resources to enhance the expertise of its teams. Cleveland's robust healthcare ecosystem, which includes top hospitals and a significant number of health-related companies, positions Flashstarts teams to leverage valuable local assets. The firm is actively seeking entrepreneurs with unique ideas and also welcomes individuals without specific concepts, offering support in idea generation. In addition to its accelerator program, Flashstarts operates a venture capital fund that aims to create and support multiple software companies annually.

RC Capital, established in 1994 and based in Ohio, is a private equity firm specializing in growth-equity investments in healthcare and technology-enabled companies throughout the United States. The firm focuses on partnering with experienced management teams, providing not only capital but also substantial human resources and domain expertise to support its portfolio companies. With over $500 million raised across multiple funds, RC Capital has built a strong reputation for delivering compelling performance and is recognized as a preferred source of growth capital. Currently, the firm is actively seeking new investment opportunities through its latest fund, which has a target of $200 million.

BlackRock is a global investment management corporation headquartered in New York City, specializing in a diverse array of asset classes and investment strategies. The firm manages equity, fixed income, and balanced mutual funds, along with hedge funds and exchange-traded funds. BlackRock also provides investment advisory services and engages in private equity and venture capital through its subsidiaries, focusing on direct investments and fund of funds across various sectors, including natural resources. The firm caters to a wide range of clients, from large institutions to individual investors, aiming to help them achieve their financial goals. With a commitment to transparency and client service, BlackRock has become the largest asset manager in the world, overseeing trillions of dollars in assets. Its global presence is supported by offices in key financial hubs, allowing it to address the unique needs of clients across different regions.

Break Trail Ventures is a venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage and growth capital investments. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, the firm also maintains an office in Boulder, Colorado. Break Trail Ventures aims to support innovative companies by providing the necessary funding to help them grow and succeed in their respective markets.

Morgenthaler Ventures is a seasoned venture capital firm with over 45 years of experience in the industry, focusing primarily on the IT sector. The firm has consistently invested through various market cycles, supporting a range of notable portfolio companies such as Evernote, Lending Club, and Siri, among others. Morgenthaler Ventures emphasizes collaboration with industry-leading management teams, aiming to drive long-term growth and shareholder value. Additionally, Morgenthaler Private Equity, a related entity, specializes in lower middle market leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, and build-up investments, targeting companies with transaction values between $25 million and $150 million. This division seeks to partner with entrepreneur- and family-owned businesses, as well as corporate divestitures, particularly in high-value manufacturing and industrial services. By leveraging extensive capital resources and a strong network of advisors, Morgenthaler Ventures is committed to fostering superior operational and financial performance in its portfolio companies.

Alumni Ventures Group, LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 2013 and based in Manchester, New Hampshire, with additional offices in North America. The firm specializes in seed, early-stage, and late-stage pre-IPO investments, focusing on companies that have an alumni connection and an institutional lead investor with relevant expertise. It offers high-quality, diversified venture portfolios to individual investors, particularly accredited alumni from top entrepreneurial schools, who previously lacked access to venture capital opportunities. Alumni Ventures Group invests between $0.01 million and $3 million in various sectors and geographies, without seeking board or observer seats. Additionally, the firm provides focused funds that enable any accredited investor to access a diverse venture portfolio, allowing for investment across different types, sectors, stages, and geographical locations.

Insight Partners is a global private equity and venture capital firm established in 1995, specializing in growth-stage investments in the software, internet, and data services sectors. Headquartered in New York City, with additional offices in London, Tel Aviv, and Palo Alto, the firm manages over $75 billion in assets and has invested in more than 750 companies worldwide. Insight Partners focuses on partnering with high-growth technology and software companies that are driving significant change in their industries. The firm aims to support visionary executives by providing practical, hands-on expertise throughout their growth journey, from initial investment to public offering. With a strong commitment to fostering a culture of growth and opportunity, Insight Partners has seen over 55 portfolio companies achieve IPO status.

OCEAN Accelerator, established in 2014 and based in Cincinnati, Ohio, focuses on supporting startup founders in the technology, web, and software sectors. Recognizing the unique challenges that entrepreneurs face, OCEAN aims to foster a supportive environment that emphasizes both personal and professional growth. By integrating a curriculum that addresses business acumen and personal development, particularly through the lens of community and faith, OCEAN seeks to prevent burnout and encourage sound decision-making among founders. The organization is dedicated to educating and engaging aspiring entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the complexities of startup life while maintaining a balanced perspective.

Tecum Capital Management, Inc. is a private equity firm based in Wexford, Pennsylvania, established in 2006. The firm focuses on lower middle market investments, specifically targeting small to medium-sized companies in the United States, particularly in the Midwest and surrounding regions. Tecum Capital specializes in a range of financial activities, including add-on acquisitions, mezzanine debt investments, and growth capital investments, while excluding real estate, start-ups, and bridge loans. The firm typically invests between $3 million and $20 million in companies with an enterprise value of $10 million to $50 million and revenue between $8 million and $100 million. It seeks both majority and minority stakes in businesses across various sectors, including healthcare, consumer products, and industrial services, preferring to hold investments for up to seven years. Tecum Capital manages the Tecum Capital Partners fund, a $200 million SBIC investment fund that was launched in 2013, which includes contributions from banks, institutions, and individual investors.

The Peppertree Fund, managed by Peppertree Capital Management, is a private equity fund focused on growth equity opportunities primarily within the telecommunication infrastructure sector. Established in 2003 and based in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, Peppertree Capital Management specializes in investments in communication infrastructure companies both domestically and internationally. The firm manages various funds, including growth expansion and buyout funds, emphasizing sectors such as communication, networking, and technology. Through its strategic investments, Peppertree Capital aims to capitalize on the growing demand for advanced telecommunication solutions.

leading global alternative asset manager

Accel is a venture capital firm founded in 1983 and based in Palo Alto, California, with additional offices in San Francisco, London, and Bangalore. The firm specializes in early and growth-stage investments, focusing on technology sectors such as software, big data, cloud technologies, fintech, healthcare, and digital media. Accel is known for backing innovative entrepreneurs and has a history of investing in notable companies including Facebook, Dropbox, and Spotify. With over three decades of experience, Accel employs dedicated teams that utilize market-specific strategies to identify and support the next generation of industry leaders. The firm manages approximately $9.6 billion and carries out investments typically ranging from $5 million to $15 million, aiming to foster the development of world-class, category-defining businesses globally.

NDI Medical LLC, founded in 2002 and based in Cleveland, Ohio, operates as a venture capital firm and medical device incubator. The firm focuses on seed and startup stage investments in innovative neurostimulation technologies and medical devices aimed at addressing significant health conditions affecting the brain and nervous system. NDI Medical seeks to develop high-growth companies in sectors such as neurodevices, stimulators, surgical equipment, and related software. Its team comprises experienced entrepreneurs, scientists, and professionals well-versed in clinical and regulatory affairs, product development, quality assurance, and finance. Additionally, NDI Medical has offices in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Vine Street Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2012 and based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The firm specializes in growth capital investments, focusing on early-stage opportunities within the internet and mobile sectors. It aims to support innovative businesses across the United States, particularly those in software and technology, media, and telecommunications. With a commitment to fostering the development of promising startups, Vine Street Ventures seeks to create value through strategic investments that align with its expertise in these dynamic industries.

UpTech, LLC is a venture capital firm and accelerator based in Covington, Kentucky, specializing in pre-seed, seed/startup, and early-stage investments, primarily in the informatics industry. The firm focuses on data-driven companies developing tech-enabled solutions and seeks to invest in startups located in the United States, particularly in Northern Kentucky. UpTech operates a six-month accelerator program that accepts up to ten startups each year, providing funding between $10,000 and $50,000 in the form of convertible notes. In addition to financial support, the program offers startup education, weekly one-on-one mentoring, six months of free co-working space, and access to dedicated legal and accounting counsel. Founded in January 2012, UpTech aims to foster entrepreneurship and encourage the growth of startups in its local community.

Nationwide is a prominent group of insurance and financial services companies based in Columbus, Ohio, with a history dating back to 1926. It offers a broad range of products, including long-term savings, retirement solutions, and various insurance policies. The organization has evolved from a small mutual auto insurer into one of the largest insurance and financial services firms in the world, managing over $158 billion in statutory assets. Nationwide Ventures, LLC, established in 2016, serves as the company’s financial investment arm, focusing on early to late-stage startups in sectors such as fintech, insurtech, and customer-centric platforms. The venture firm looks to invest between $1 million and $5 million in innovative solutions that leverage digital, mobile, and analytics technologies, aiming to enhance customer experiences and explore new business models.