Rev1 Fund II is a venture capital fund managed by Rev1 Ventures, an Ohio-based investment firm established in 2005. Located in Columbus, Ohio, Rev1 Fund II focuses on 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 per company, supporting startups that address significant market needs. Rev1 Ventures operates a startup studio that combines capital and strategic services, aiming to help startups scale and facilitate innovation within corporations. With over $100 million in capital under management, Rev1 has built a reputation for being one of the most active venture capital firms in the Great Lakes Region, connecting entrepreneurs with corporate partners to enhance access to customers and markets.

CincyTech is a Cincinnati-based venture capital firm founded in 2006, specializing in seed-stage investments primarily in healthcare, technology, and life sciences. The firm focuses on transforming innovative ideas into viable companies mainly in Southwest Ohio. CincyTech offers both capital and advisory support to entrepreneurs and assists research institutions in commercializing their technologies. It is recognized as one of the most active seed funds in the Midwest, receiving backing from various sources including Ohio Third Frontier, local foundations, corporations, and municipalities. The firm actively seeks investments in sectors such as information technology, bioscience, and advanced manufacturing, targeting early-stage companies that are either based in or willing to relocate to Southwest Ohio. Through its strategic partnerships, including collaborations with Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati, CincyTech aims to catalyze investment and foster regional economic growth.

JumpStart, Inc. is a Cleveland-based venture capital firm established in 2004 that focuses on investing in early-stage companies, particularly those led by women and minority entrepreneurs. The firm specializes in a range of sectors, including technology, healthcare, cleantech, life sciences, and advanced materials. JumpStart primarily targets companies in Northeast Ohio and seeks investments between $0.05 million and $1.5 million in firms with less than $5 million in revenues, aiming for substantial growth within five to seven years. The firm’s investment strategy excludes lifestyle businesses and emphasizes high-potential ventures that can achieve significant market impact. In addition to providing capital, JumpStart offers entrepreneurial development assistance and collaborates with regional leaders to strengthen the local innovation ecosystem, promoting economic inclusion and the success of diverse entrepreneurs. The firm looks to exit its investments through acquisitions or initial public offerings, often seeking a seat on the board of its portfolio companies.

The National Science Foundation (NSF), established in 1950 and located in Alexandria, Virginia, is an independent federal agency dedicated to advancing fundamental research and education across all scientific and engineering disciplines. With an annual budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF operates America's Seed Fund, which allocates nearly $200 million each year to support startups and small businesses through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. This initiative provides non-dilutive funding of up to $1.5 million to assist in research and development efforts, thereby facilitating the transformation of scientific discoveries into commercially viable products and services. By helping to de-risk technology, the NSF plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and addressing societal challenges through scientific advancements.

North Coast Ventures, based in Cleveland, Ohio, is a venture capital firm established in 2006 that focuses on early-stage technology investments. The firm manages four contributed capital funds and is composed of prominent investors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders from the region. Members actively contribute by generating deal flow, participating in due diligence, and engaging with portfolio companies to foster their growth. North Coast Ventures aims to enhance the early-stage funding landscape in Northeast Ohio, a region with a rich history of angel investing. The firm primarily targets seed-stage and early-stage companies, with particular interest in business-to-business and software-as-a-service sectors. Through its professional management and collaborative approach, North Coast Ventures seeks to provide a supportive environment for entrepreneurs while improving investment outcomes.

Ohio Innovation Fund is a venture capital firm that specializes in early-stage investments, primarily within the technology and life sciences sectors. Founded in 2016 and based in Columbus, Ohio, the firm focuses on companies that are either based in Ohio or have connections to the state. It typically invests between $250,000 and $500,000, with potential investments of up to $1.25 million contingent on achieving specific milestones. The firm is particularly interested in sectors such as medical technology, biopharma, augmented and virtual reality, advanced manufacturing, software as a service, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, and mobility. Ohio Innovation Fund aims to provide not only financial support but also expertise to help foster innovation and growth in early-stage companies.

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.

KeyBank National Association, a subsidiary of KeyCorp, is a comprehensive financial services provider based in Cleveland, Ohio. Founded in 1849, it offers a wide array of retail and commercial banking products across the United States through its Consumer Bank and Commercial Bank segments. KeyBank provides essential services such as checking and savings accounts, loans (including home equity, personal, and auto loans), credit cards, and investment products like individual retirement accounts and mutual funds. Additionally, the bank offers wealth management, financial advisory, and community development financing. Its operations include a network of branches and ATMs, as well as online and mobile banking platforms, ensuring accessibility for customers. KeyBank's diverse offerings cater to individuals, small and medium-sized businesses, and middle-market clients, making it one of the largest bank-based financial services companies in the nation.

Enhanced Capital Partners, founded in 1999 and headquartered in New York City, is a national investment firm specializing in equity and debt investments in small and mid-sized companies across the United States. With over $400 million under management, the firm focuses on various sectors, including healthcare technology, renewable energy, and affordable housing projects. Enhanced Capital employs a flexible investment approach that includes offering tax credits, tax credit lending, and impact lending to foster the growth and expansion of businesses. The firm manages multiple funds that primarily target the lower middle market, utilizing federal and state incentive programs along with public policy investment strategies to maximize growth potential and support rapid development for its portfolio companies.

Drive Capital is a venture capital firm based in Columbus, Ohio, founded in 2012. The firm focuses on investing in innovative companies across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, financial services, and consumer products, primarily in the Midwest region of the United States. Drive Capital targets seed-stage to later-stage investments and aims to partner with entrepreneurs who have ambitious goals and are addressing significant market opportunities. The firm is known for its flexibility in investment amounts, ranging from $100,000 to tens of millions, depending on the potential of the business. Founding partners Mark Kvamme and Chris Olsen bring extensive experience in venture capital, having previously been involved in several other firms before establishing Drive Capital.

Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 1992 and based in New Orleans, Louisiana, with additional offices across the United States. The firm specializes in growth equity, lending, and mezzanine debt capital investments, primarily targeting small businesses at various stages of development, from early to later stages, excluding seed investments. Advantage Capital focuses on investing in low-income communities, both urban and rural, and supports state and local economic development initiatives. It seeks opportunities in sectors such as communication, information technology, telecommunications, business services, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, life sciences, and energy, while also considering investments in rural agricultural businesses. The firm typically makes initial investments ranging from $0.5 million to $10 million in companies with sales of less than $5 million, with potential for larger investments based on milestones. Advantage Capital also provides various forms of debt capital and prefers co-investing with other firms. The firm is committed to addressing the financing needs of underserved areas and fostering economic growth in communities lacking traditional sources of risk capital.

Service Provider Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2014 and based in Golden, Colorado. The firm focuses on co-investing in series A deals led by institutional venture funds, primarily targeting seed-stage companies across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, cybersecurity, e-commerce, education technology, fintech, hardware, information technology, robotics, and healthcare. In addition to its general investment strategy, Service Provider Capital manages the Midwest Fund I and Fund II, which concentrate on software and healthcare technology systems in the Midwest region of the United States. The firm typically prefers to take minority stakes in its investments and engages in syndication to diversify its portfolio.

Queen City Angels (QCA), founded in 2000 and based in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a distinguished angel investment group recognized for its commitment to fostering the growth of early-stage businesses within the region. Ranked as the second-best angel organization by CB Insights, QCA comprises experienced, accredited investors who focus on making strategic investments that aim for substantial returns. The group actively seeks opportunities across various sectors, including advanced materials, life sciences, media, retail, electrical devices and supplies, financial services, and information technology. Through its investments, Queen City Angels plays a crucial role in supporting innovation and economic development in the Cincinnati area.

Mutual Capital Partners is a venture capital investment firm based in Westlake, Ohio, established in 2004. The firm focuses on investing in rapidly growing technology businesses, particularly in the healthcare information technology and medical device sectors. With a network of over 100 investors, including successful executives from across the U.S., Mutual Capital Partners aims to bridge the funding gap in the Midwest by leading or co-leading investments in promising companies. The firm emphasizes collaboration, providing assistance with due diligence, customer introductions, and ongoing guidance to portfolio executives. Committed to supporting entrepreneurial efforts, it works alongside angel funds and economic development entities to facilitate access to capital. Mutual Capital Partners is known for its responsiveness, aiming to address potential investment inquiries within five business days.

Allos Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Carmel, Indiana, established in 2010. The firm focuses on early-stage investments, primarily targeting business-to-business software and technology-enabled service companies in the Midwest. Allos Ventures aims to bridge the funding gap for early-stage companies in this region, where there is a notable disparity between the number of startups seeking venture capital and the available investment. The firm primarily augments capital provided by angel investors, assisting companies in their transition to institutional financing. With a commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs, Allos Ventures has raised multiple funds, including the Allos Opportunity Fund, which targets revenue-generating technology and healthcare companies. The firm's limited partners often include experienced entrepreneurs and executives, further strengthening its connection to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Midwest.

NCT Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Columbus, Ohio, founded in 2000. It focuses on seed and early-stage technology companies that are transforming significant industries, primarily within the Midwest. The firm typically invests between $250,000 and $1 million in initial funding rounds and can commit up to $5 million as portfolio companies grow. With over two decades of entrepreneurial experience, NCT Ventures provides not only capital but also hands-on operational support to help innovative entrepreneurs succeed. The firm has a particular emphasis on the software sector and aims to partner with visionary founders to drive their business growth.

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.

LOUD Capital is a venture capital and alternative investment firm founded in 2015 by Darshan Vyas and Navin Goyal. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, the firm focuses on supporting the growth of impactful companies through education, services, and various resources. In addition to venture capital, LOUD Capital manages a debt fund, LOUD Private Growth I, which also targets investments in the United States. The firm is dedicated to fostering innovation and development across diverse sectors.

M25 is a venture capital firm based in Chicago, founded in 2015, that focuses on early-stage investments primarily in the Midwest. The firm has invested in over 90 startups across more than 24 cities in 11 states, establishing itself as a significant player in the regional startup ecosystem. M25 employs an analytical and collaborative approach to identify opportunities across a diverse range of sectors, including technology, healthcare, finance, consumer products, and more. The firm aims to provide minority stake investments, targeting companies that demonstrate potential for growth in various industries such as analytics, e-commerce, and information technology. Through its strategic investments, M25 seeks to foster innovation and support the development of emerging businesses in the Midwest.

Refinery Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2017 and located in Cincinnati, Ohio. The firm specializes in investing in the information technology, digital health, and human capital technology sectors. Refinery Ventures focuses on supporting startups that are in the post-seed to Series A funding stages, offering mentorship and guidance to help bridge the gap between these funding rounds. Additionally, their recent fund, Refinery Venture Fund II, aims to invest in 10 to 12 startups across the United States and Canada, with a particular focus on healthcare technology systems, SaaS, and enterprise software industries.

Bounce Innovation Hub is a nonprofit organization based in downtown Akron, Ohio, that supports entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses in northeast Ohio. Established in January 2018, it offers over 300,000 square feet of coworking, event, meeting, and professional office space, housing more than 50 organizations and accommodating over 250 individuals. Bounce serves as an accelerator and incubator, focusing on technology startups by providing essential services such as one-on-one sessions with entrepreneurs in residence, access to a network of advisors, and connections to potential investors. Through its resources and collaborative environment, Bounce Innovation Hub fosters innovation and growth within the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Narya is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2020 and based in Ohio, with a focus on investing in technology-driven solutions that address significant challenges. The firm manages Narya Capital Fund I, a venture capital fund that invests in innovative startups within the United States. Narya is supported by a diverse group of limited partners, including accomplished investors, entrepreneurs, and institutions, who share a commitment to long-term investment in promising technologies and scientific advancements.

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.

Blackstone is a global investment firm headquartered in New York, specializing in alternative asset management across various sectors, including private equity, real estate, credit, and life sciences. Founded in 1985 by Stephen A. Schwarzman and Peter G. Peterson, the firm serves a diverse clientele, including pension funds, institutional investors, and charitable organizations, managing significant assets on their behalf. Blackstone employs a comprehensive investment strategy that integrates qualitative and quantitative analyses to identify opportunities across public and private markets. The firm also includes subsidiaries focused on secondary private equity investments and life sciences, partnering with industries to support the development of innovative healthcare solutions. With a presence in major financial centers worldwide, Blackstone is recognized for its commitment to creating long-term value for its investors and the broader community.

Valley Growth Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2015 and based in Youngstown, Ohio. It focuses on supporting high-growth, early-stage companies, particularly in the Mahoning Valley region. The firm prioritizes investments in various sectors, including software, information technology, healthcare, energy, additive manufacturing, and advanced materials, with a preference for seed-stage opportunities. Formed through collaboration among five local organizations, Valley Growth Ventures aims to stimulate regional economic development by nurturing local startups and attracting out-of-region companies to relocate to the Mahoning Valley. By leveraging the expertise and resources of its investment team and partner organizations, the firm strives to cultivate successful businesses and deliver significant returns for its investors.

Plymouth Growth is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, that focuses on growth-stage investments in B2B software and technology companies located primarily in the Midwest. Established in 2002, Plymouth Growth targets companies with revenues between $3 million and $8 million that have proven business models and strong management teams. The firm emphasizes the importance of both metrics and the people behind the business, seeking partnerships with entrepreneurs who have demonstrated resourcefulness and capability. Plymouth Growth operates its fourth fund, which is dedicated to investing in the business product, service, and software sectors. With a team that possesses extensive experience as operators, advisors, and investors, Plymouth Growth aims to foster smart, sustainable growth for its portfolio companies.

Draper Triangle, LLC is a venture capital firm based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with additional offices in Cleveland, Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Columbus. Founded in 1999, the firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on technology-driven sectors such as software, information technology, life sciences, robotics, medical devices, and digital media. Draper Triangle primarily targets companies located in the Midwest, particularly in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan, investing between $250,000 and $2 million in initial funding rounds. The firm seeks to partner with entrepreneurs who have the potential to achieve significant sales growth within three to five years and prefers to take a lead investor role, often seeking a board seat in its portfolio companies. Over the years, Draper Triangle has invested in notable startups and is part of the Draper Venture Network, allowing it to collaborate with a global network of investors and leverage shared resources.

LaunchHouse is a venture capital firm based in Highland Heights, Ohio, that specializes in pre-seed, seed, startup, and early-stage investments across various sectors, including technology, internet, hardware, robotics, mobile, and consumer products. The firm's technology focus includes data, SaaS, healthcare software, security, and storage, while its internet investments target e-commerce, gaming, social networking, and media. LaunchHouse also emphasizes mobile applications and disruptive hardware innovations. In addition to its investment activities, LaunchHouse operates as a business accelerator, providing incubator services that foster collaboration and entrepreneurial success. The firm aims to create a vibrant community for startups, facilitating both physical and digital spaces that encourage learning and growth among entrepreneurs.

Pine Street Capital Partners, established in 2004 and based in Albany, New York, specializes in providing capital to lower mid-market companies in the United States, typically those with revenues between $10 million and $75 million. The firm focuses on investing in established companies alongside experienced management teams, offering mezzanine and equity capital for various transactions, including strategic acquisitions, management buyouts, and recapitalizations. Pine Street Capital Partners targets several sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare services, business services, consumer products, and media, while also providing transactional services to facilitate its investments.

Cintrifuse is a Cincinnati-based organization founded in 2012 that connects entrepreneurs with essential resources to foster high-growth startups. It serves as a hub within the region's innovation ecosystem, linking incubators, accelerators, mentors, and investors to enhance collaboration and information sharing. Cintrifuse operates as a fund of funds, investing in venture capital firms that focus on technology-related startups across the United States, particularly in sectors like life sciences, consumer goods, technology, and energy. By developing a network of venture capital sources, Cintrifuse aims to support early-stage funding and prioritize investments that benefit the Cincinnati startup community. The organization does not invest directly in startups but instead seeks to empower them through strategic partnerships and access to capital.

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.

Cleveland Clinic Foundation, established in 1921 and headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, operates as a non-profit academic medical center that integrates clinical care, hospital services, research, and education. Its mission is focused on enhancing patient care, investigating medical challenges, and educating healthcare professionals. The organization is also home to Cleveland Clinic Innovations, which serves as its commercialization arm. This division transforms groundbreaking inventions from Cleveland Clinic employees into medical products that benefit patients. By fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial environment, Cleveland Clinic Innovations encourages participation from various stakeholders, including physicians, nurses, researchers, and administrators. Its comprehensive approach encompasses deal teams, domain experts, investment funds, and incubation facilities, all geared towards creating companies and deploying innovative medical technologies in the commercial market, thereby supporting economic growth in Northeast Ohio and beyond.

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.

Sica Ventures is an early-stage investment firm based in Columbus, Ohio, founded in 2019. The company specializes in providing seed capital to innovative technology startups, focusing on minority seed and early-stage investments. Sica Ventures targets a diverse range of sectors, including aerospace, defense, biotechnology, communications, networking, software, advanced manufacturing, agriculture technology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, autonomous vehicles, and big data. The firm aims to support the growth of emerging companies by investing in areas that drive technological advancement and innovation.

Gar Foundation is an independent non-profit foundation based in Akron, Ohio. Established in 1967, the mission of the foundation is to strengthen communities through the discerning and creative support of worthy organizations. It provides grants for education, arts and arts education, health and social services, civic enhancement, and nonprofit enhancement. The assets of the foundation are managed by the executive management team.

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.

RPM Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, founded in 2000. With $300 million under management, the firm focuses on seed to early-stage investments in a variety of sectors, including FinTech, InsurTech, Real Estate Tech, and Mobility and Transportation. RPM Ventures is known for its expertise in disrupting multi-billion-dollar markets and primarily invests in companies that cater to the Midwest Fortune 500 manufacturing base or startups emerging from leading Midwest research centers. The firm targets industries such as business-to-business solutions, enterprise software, automotive technologies, and advanced materials processing, among others. Originally established as Waypoint Ventures, it rebranded in 2006 to better align with its strategy of leveraging regional strengths in high-tech and information technology.

Ikove Venture Partners is a venture capital firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in early-stage investments, particularly in the technology sector. Founded in 2014, Ikove focuses on identifying and validating high-impact technologies that are currently in development at leading universities in the Midwest. The firm emphasizes technology commercialization through its proprietary Startup Nursery, which collaborates with multiple U.S. research institutions to bridge the gap between research and venture capital funding. Ikove invests in a diverse range of areas including fintech, robotics, edtech, artificial intelligence, medical devices, agritech, and deep tech. Additionally, the firm aims to take active board-level participation in its portfolio companies, providing both capital and advisory services to support their growth.

Break Trail Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2018, with offices in Columbus, Ohio, and Boulder, Colorado. The firm specializes in early-stage and growth capital investments, focusing on sectors such as consumer products, advanced manufacturing, big data, digital health, e-commerce, mobile, software as a service (SaaS), and the Internet of Things. By targeting these diverse areas, Break Trail Ventures aims to support innovative companies and foster their development in the ever-evolving market landscape.

Alumni Ventures Group, LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 2013 and based in Manchester, New Hampshire, with additional offices in major cities across North America. The firm specializes in seed, early-stage, and late-stage pre-IPO investments, focusing on companies with an alumni connection and supported by established institutional lead investors. Alumni Ventures aims to provide accredited investors, particularly alumni from top entrepreneurial schools, with access to diversified venture portfolios that span various sectors and geographic regions. The firm typically invests between $0.01 million and $3 million and does not require board or observer seats in its portfolio companies. Through its managed fund families, Alumni Ventures enables investors to participate in a collaborative investment approach, fostering connections among alumni while facilitating investment opportunities in innovative ventures.

Insight Partners is a global private equity and venture capital firm founded in 1995 and headquartered in New York City, with additional offices in London, Tel Aviv, and Palo Alto. The firm specializes in investing in growth-stage technology, software, and internet companies, focusing on sectors such as B2B, B2C, cybersecurity, cloud technology, and financial technology. With over $75 billion in assets under management, Insight Partners has invested in more than 750 companies worldwide, helping many achieve significant milestones, including over 55 initial public offerings. The firm’s approach emphasizes hands-on collaboration with visionary executives, providing practical expertise to support companies throughout their growth journey. Insight Partners is committed to fostering a culture that views growth as an opportunity, driving transformative change across various industries.

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.

Fifth Third Bank, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a diversified financial services company that was established in 1857. It operates in four main business segments: Commercial Banking, Branch Banking, Consumer Lending, and Wealth & Asset Management. The bank offers a comprehensive range of services, including personal banking, checking and savings accounts, credit and debit cards, loans, mortgages, and investment management. Additionally, Fifth Third provides vehicle financing, student loans, and various banking solutions for businesses, including treasury management and merchant services. With a focus on building strategic relationships, the bank's Capital Markets team delivers tailored advice and solutions to help clients navigate complex challenges and seize opportunities for growth, leveraging the expertise of experienced bankers to ensure integrated and effective service.

BlackRock is a global investment management corporation founded in 1988 and headquartered in New York City. It provides a diverse array of services, including investment advisory, risk management, and asset management across various asset classes and sectors, such as real estate, energy, and technology. The firm manages funds for a wide range of clients, including large institutions and individual investors, focusing on delivering tailored investment solutions to help secure better financial futures. BlackRock operates through its subsidiaries, including BlackRock Capital Investment Advisors, which offers investment advisory services, and BlackRock Private Equity Partners, which specializes in direct and fund investments in private equity and venture capital. With a strong emphasis on both public and private markets, BlackRock’s expertise spans multiple strategies and geographic regions, making it one of the world's largest asset managers, with trillions of dollars entrusted to its care.

Morgenthaler Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Portola Valley, California, with over 45 years of experience in the industry. Founded in 1968, the firm focuses on investing across various sectors, including business-to-business (B2B), business-to-consumer (B2C), healthcare, information technology, software as a service (SaaS), manufacturing, and life sciences. Morgenthaler Ventures aims to partner with innovative companies and supports their growth through strategic guidance and substantial capital investment. The firm has a history of investing in notable IT companies, including Evernote, Lending Club, and Siri. In addition to its venture capital activities, Morgenthaler also engages in lower middle market private equity through Morgenthaler Private Equity, focusing on leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, and investments in entrepreneurial and family-owned businesses. The firm seeks to create long-term shareholder value by collaborating closely with management teams to enhance operational and financial performance.

Patients and families from across the region and around the world come to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center because we are dedicated to improving child health. Other medical providers often turn to us when a child needs a complex surgical procedure or treatment for a rare pediatric disease. We discover new and better ways to treat the conditions that affect children, maintaining our status as one of the world’s foremost centers for pediatric care.

Spark Growth Ventures, founded in 2020 and based in San Diego, California, is a venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage investments across various technology sectors, including software-enabled products and services, B2B, B2C, and hardware-as-a-service. The firm is dedicated to supporting exceptional founders by leveraging a robust global network of entrepreneurs, industry experts, institutional investors, and high-net-worth individuals. With a team possessing extensive experience in venture capital, entrepreneurship, and advisory roles, Spark Growth Ventures aims to create long-term value for both startups and investors. Their approach emphasizes active participation in the growth of their portfolio companies, providing support in areas such as sales, operations, fundraising, and exit planning. The firm values authenticity, collaboration, and integrity, striving to ensure that all stakeholders benefit from their business practices.

Tecum Capital is a private equity firm based in Wexford, Pennsylvania, specializing in investments in lower middle market companies across various sectors, including business services, healthcare, consumer goods, and precision manufacturing. Founded in 2006, the firm focuses on providing mezzanine debt and equity capital to stable and growing enterprises in the United States, particularly in the Midwest and surrounding regions. Tecum Capital typically invests between $3 million and $20 million, targeting companies with an enterprise value of $10 million to $50 million and revenues between $8 million and $100 million. The firm aims for either majority or minority stakes and prefers to hold investments for up to seven years. Tecum Capital also manages Tecum Capital Partners, a $200 million SBIC investment fund launched in 2013, which seeks to enhance its portfolio through strategic acquisitions and growth capital investments.

Peppertree Capital Management is an Ohio-based private equity firm established in 2004, specializing in growth equity investments primarily within the telecommunications infrastructure sector. With its headquarters in Chagrin Falls, the firm focuses on identifying and capitalizing on opportunities in communication, networking, and related infrastructure, both domestically and internationally. The firm operates multiple funds, including investment vehicles aimed at buyouts and growth expansions, catering to various aspects of telecommunication and technology markets. As a registered investment adviser, Peppertree Capital Management is committed to fostering the development of critical infrastructure in the communication sector.

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.