Rev1 Ventures, established in 2005, is a Columbus, Ohio-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups across various sectors, including enterprise software, digital health, life sciences, and more. With over $100 million in capital under management, Rev1 provides not only funding but also strategic services to help startups scale and corporates innovate. It facilitates connections between entrepreneurs, corporate partners, and research institutions to access markets and customers, fostering company growth. Rev1 has been recognized as one of the most active venture capital firms in the Great Lakes region.

CincyTech, established in 2006, is a Cincinnati-based venture capital firm focused on transforming innovation into venture-worthy companies, primarily in southwest Ohio. The firm provides advice and capital to entrepreneurs, helping research institutions commercialize technology through startups, and catalyzes investment from various sources. CincyTech specializes in seed-stage investments, targeting sectors such as information technology, healthcare, life sciences, and technology-based companies. The firm has raised multiple funds, with its most recent, CincyTech Fund V, investing in up to 25 companies over five years, focusing on high-potential life science and technology startups in or willing to move to southwest Ohio. CincyTech is supported by Ohio Third Frontier, foundations, corporations, municipalities, and individual investors, with founding partners including Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, the University of Cincinnati, and the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber.

Enhanced Capital, established in 1999, is a New York-based investment firm managing over $400 million. It specializes in providing flexible equity and debt financing to small and mid-sized businesses, promoting their growth and expansion. The firm's investment approach is practical and tailored, aiming to maximize the growth potential of companies poised for rapid growth. Enhanced Capital also invests in renewable energy, historic real estate rehabilitation, and affordable housing projects, often leveraging federal and state incentive programs.

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.

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.

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.

Service Provider Capital is a venture capital firm established in 2014 and located in Golden, Colorado. The firm focuses on co-investing in seed and series A rounds, primarily in collaboration with institutional venture funds. It targets a diverse range of sectors, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, cannabis, cybersecurity, e-commerce, education technology, fintech, hardware, information technology, robotics, and health. By concentrating on these industries, Service Provider Capital aims to support innovative companies at critical stages of their development.

Drive Capital, established in 2012, is a Columbus, Ohio-based venture capital firm focused on investing in innovative technology, healthcare, and consumer companies in the Midwest. The firm seeks to partner with audacious entrepreneurs addressing large market opportunities, with a particular interest in information technology, financial services, and mobile sectors. Drive Capital invests at various stages, from seed to later-stage, with a flexible investment size ranging from $100,000 to tens of millions. The firm's mission is to support entrepreneurs building large, sustainable companies in the Heartland region, stretching from Pittsburgh to Kansas City to Minneapolis.

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 (NSF) is an independent federal agency established in 1950 and based in Alexandria, Virginia. It is dedicated to supporting research and education in science and engineering across a wide range of disciplines. The NSF provides significant non-dilutive funding, up to $1.5 million, to startups and small businesses through its America's Seed Fund initiative, which is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program mandated by Congress. With an operating budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF is committed to advancing fundamental research and education, thus fostering innovation and technological development in the United States.

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.

Insight Partners, established in 1995, is a global private equity and venture capital firm headquartered in New York City, with additional offices in London, Tel Aviv, and Palo Alto. The company specializes in investing in growth-stage technology and software companies, with a particular focus on sectors such as Fintech, Cybersecurity, AI/ML, DevOps, and Healthcare. As of December 31, 2022, Insight Partners has over $75 billion in regulatory assets under management. The firm has invested in more than 750 companies worldwide and has seen over 55 portfolio companies achieve an IPO. Insight Partners' mission is to partner with visionary executives, providing practical, hands-on software expertise along their growth journey, from initial investment to IPO.

Techstars is a global platform that invests in and supports early-stage technology companies. Founded in 2006, it operates a mentorship-driven accelerator program, providing seed funding, intensive mentorship, and access to a network of investors and entrepreneurs. Techstars has programs in various locations worldwide, including Boston, Boulder, New York, Seattle, London, Chicago, and Austin. It invests $118,000 in each company, with $18,000 in seed funding and an optional $100,000 convertible debt note. Techstars also has industry-specific accelerator programs, such as Techstars Retail and Techstars Music, focusing on retail and music technology, respectively. Its portfolio includes over 1,000 companies with a combined market cap of $8.1 billion.

Bain Capital, established in 1984, is a global multi-asset alternative investment firm with over $100 billion in assets under management. Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, the firm operates through several business units: Private Equity, Public Equity, Credit, and Venture Capital. Bain Capital Private Equity invests in various sectors, including consumer, healthcare, industrials, and technology, across North America, Europe, and Asia. Bain Capital Ventures, the venture capital arm, focuses on seed to growth-stage investments in enterprise software, infrastructure software, and industries being transformed by data. Bain Capital Life Sciences, a dedicated life sciences investment platform, invests in biopharmaceutical, specialty pharmaceutical, medical device, diagnostics, and enabling life science technology companies globally. Bain Capital Double Impact, the firm's impact investing arm, builds great companies that deliver both competitive financial returns and meaningful, measurable social and environmental good.

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.

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

Plug and Play Tech Center, established in 2006, is a global innovation platform that connects startups, investors, and corporations. Based in Sunnyvale, California, with operations in 22 locations worldwide, the company runs 12 industry-specific accelerator programs twice a year, fostering collaboration between major corporations and high-quality startups. These programs span sectors such as Fintech, Insurtech, IoT, Brand & Retail, Mobility, and Health & Wellness, among others. Plug and Play invests in seed, angel, and Series A rounds, with a focus on great teams leading emerging growth companies. Since inception, their startup community has raised over $9 billion in venture funding, with notable success stories including Dropbox, PayPal, and LendingClub.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a leading biomedical research facility in the United States, operating under the Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1887 and based in Bethesda, Maryland, NIH is the primary agency responsible for biomedical and health-related research in the country. It comprises 27 separate institutes and centers, each focusing on different disciplines within biomedical science. NIH conducts its own scientific research through the Intramural Research Program and provides significant funding for research at external institutions via the Extramural Research Program. With a workforce that includes 1,200 principal investigators and over 4,000 postdoctoral fellows, NIH has been instrumental in major medical breakthroughs, such as the development of vaccines for hepatitis and human papillomavirus, as well as the discovery of treatments for various health conditions. As the world's largest source of medical research funding, NIH continues to advance scientific knowledge and contribute to public health improvements.

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.

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.

NCT Ventures, established in 2000 and headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, is a venture capital firm focusing on early-stage technology companies in the Midwest. The firm invests in seed and early-stage rounds, typically committing $250k to $1 million, and up to $5 million in growth rounds as portfolio companies scale. NCT Ventures provides operational support to entrepreneurs, leveraging over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience to help visionary founders succeed. The firm's investment sectors include business products and services, consumer products and services, healthcare, information technology, and software.

Founded in 2017, Refinery Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Cincinnati, Ohio. It focuses on investing in information technology, digital health, and human capital technology sectors, aiming to bridge the gap between post-seed and Series A funding.

Tamarind Hill, established in 2017 and headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, is a venture capital firm specializing in seed and early-stage investments. The company focuses on SaaS businesses operating in B2B markets, particularly healthcare IT and enterprise IT, across the Midwestern U.S., including Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois. Tamarind Hill seeks to support innovative startups in sectors such as automation software, workflow software, and healthcare technology systems, aiming to foster growth and success in the region's tech ecosystem.

Advantage Capital Partners is a United States–based venture capital firm established in 1992 that provides equity and debt investments to small and growth-stage companies, with a focus on underserved communities and state and local economic development. The firm targets sectors including information technology, manufacturing, business services, healthcare, life sciences, energy, agribusiness, and related industries, and also supports real estate development and affordable housing initiatives. It typically makes initial investments between 0.5 million and 10 million and can participate in larger rounds based on milestones; it often co-invests with other investors. Capital offerings include senior debt, mezzanine debt, subordinated loans, and government-guaranteed lending, with instruments such as preferred equity or convertible debt. Advantage Capital operates nationwide in the United States, maintaining offices in multiple cities and focusing on communities underserved by traditional risk capital to drive economic development and job growth.

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 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.

Peppertree Capital Management, founded in 2003, is a growth equity investment firm based in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. It specializes in managing private equity funds, primarily investing in growth opportunities within the global telecommunication infrastructure sector. Established as an asset management firm in 2004, Peppertree focuses on companies in the United States and internationally, aiming to support their expansion and development. As a Registered Investment Adviser, the firm provides expert guidance and capital to foster growth in its portfolio companies.

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.

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.

Meritech Capital, established in 1999 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, is a venture capital firm specializing in late-stage investments. It focuses on technology companies, particularly in the software, information technology, and communication sectors. Meritech typically invests between $10 million to $40 million in growth-stage and later-stage companies based in the United States.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

The Brandery, established in 2010 and based in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a highly regarded seed-stage startup accelerator, consistently ranked among the top programs in the United States. It focuses on helping startups build strong brands by leveraging the region's expertise in branding, marketing, and design. The program operates annually, selecting 10 to 12 companies for a four-month accelerator experience. Startups receive a $50,000 investment, a year of complimentary office space, and over $200,000 in additional resources and support. The Brandery partners with leading creative agencies and offers access to major corporations, such as Procter & Gamble, dunnhumby, and Kroger. In return for its investment, The Brandery takes a 6% equity stake in each startup, emphasizing the importance of brand development alongside product creation to enhance resource efficiency and success potential. The accelerator targets various sectors, including retail, information technology, e-commerce, marketing technology, advertisement technology, big data, the Internet of Things, and mobile and SaaS.

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.

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.

Draper Triangle Ventures, established in 1999, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with additional offices in Cleveland, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan; Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Columbus, Ohio. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on technology companies in the Midwest, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio. Draper Triangle Ventures typically invests between $250,000 and $2 million in first-round financing, seeking a board seat in its portfolio companies. It targets software, internet, high-technology, and medical device companies, aiming to support entrepreneurs who can create iconic and disruptive businesses in emerging markets. The firm's goal is to help these companies achieve sales of up to $50 million within three to five years. Draper Triangle Ventures is a member of the Draper Venture Network, collaborating with other independent venture funds globally to share resources and create greater value.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.