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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Charter Communications is an American telecommunications and mass media company that operates under the Spectrum brand. Formed in 2016 through the merger of Legacy Charter, Time Warner Cable, and Bright House Networks, it has a long history in the industry. Charter provides a range of services, including high-speed Internet, premium cable television, and 5G mobile services, often offering these without contracts and at competitive monthly rates. The company serves approximately 58 million homes and businesses across the United States, accounting for around 40% of the market. With 30 million residential and 2 million commercial customer accounts, Charter is the second-largest cable provider in the country. Additionally, it owns various sports and news networks, further enhancing its media offerings.

JobsOhio is a private non-profit economic development agency based in Columbus, Ohio, established in 2011. Its primary mission is to drive job creation and stimulate capital investment across the state. The organization focuses on attracting, retaining, and expanding businesses in strategic industry sectors that leverage Ohio's strengths. With a team of industry experts, JobsOhio provides essential resources and support to meet the needs of growing businesses, ensuring they have the tools necessary for success. Through its efforts, JobsOhio plays a crucial role in enhancing the economic landscape of Ohio.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Mutual Capital Partners, established in 2004, is a private equity firm headquartered in Westlake, Ohio. The company specializes in venture capital investments, focusing on medical device and healthcare IT companies across the United States. It typically leads or co-leads investments, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance and operational support to its portfolio companies. The firm works closely with its network of over 100 investors, leveraging their expertise for due diligence, customer introductions, and ongoing executive counsel.

Refinery Ventures, established in 2017 and headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, is an early-stage venture capital firm. It invests in technology-focused startups, particularly in the information technology, digital health, and human capital technology sectors. The firm bridges the gap between post-seed and Series A funding, providing not just capital but also mentorship to help these companies scale.

Fireroad is a venture capital firm founded in 2023 and based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The firm specializes in providing both venture capital and growth investments to startups, primarily focusing on the technology industry. With a particular emphasis on the software and technology sectors, Fireroad aims to support innovative companies as they develop and scale their operations.

Blackstone, founded in 1985, is a global investment firm headquartered in New York. It manages capital on behalf of pension funds and large institutions across various alternative asset classes, including private equity, real estate, debt, and real assets. The firm also offers fund of funds and multi-manager programs. Blackstone operates globally with offices in key financial hubs and is led by Chairman and CEO Stephen A. Schwarzman, President and COO Jonathan Gray, and Executive Vice Chairman Hamilton E. "Tony" James.

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.

Pine Street Capital Partners, established in 2004, is a Massachusetts-based independent firm that provides financing solutions and transactional services to lower mid-market companies in the United States. They focus on established businesses with revenues typically ranging from $10 to $75 million, investing alongside experienced management teams. Pine Street offers mezzanine and equity capital for strategic acquisitions, private equity-sponsored buyouts, management buyouts, recapitalizations, and shareholder dividends. Their investment preferences include manufacturing, business services, healthcare, and industrial sectors, with a typical investment size of $2 to $6 million.

M25, established in 2015, is a Chicago-based venture capital firm focused on investing in early-stage technology startups across the Midwest. Led by Victor Gutwein and Mike Asem, the firm has invested in over 90 companies across 11 states, spanning various industries such as software, TMT, analytics, big data, and more. M25's strategic, collaborative approach has positioned it as a significant player in the region's startup ecosystem.

Silicon Valley Bank, established in 1983, is a leading commercial bank headquartered in Santa Clara, California. It specializes in providing a wide array of financial services, including banking, treasury management, and international banking, to innovative technology, life science, and premium wine businesses, as well as venture capital and private equity firms. With a global presence through 27 U.S. offices and seven international operations, the bank leverages its industry knowledge, connections, and world-class service to support the success of its clients.

Tiger Global Management, established in 2001 by Charles Coleman, is a global investment firm headquartered in New York. It specializes in both public and private equity investments, focusing on companies that drive growth through technological innovation. The firm's public equity strategy encompasses long/short and growth-oriented investments, while its private equity arm targets early to late-stage companies across diverse industries. Tiger Global takes a long-term view, collaborating with portfolio companies throughout their lifecycle to identify and capitalize on high-quality growth opportunities worldwide, with a particular focus on emerging markets like China, India, and Latin America.

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.

Cleveland State University, established in 1964, is a comprehensive public university located in Cleveland, Ohio. It offers a wide range of academic programs, spanning liberal arts, sciences, humanities, and professional fields, with over 200 options for students. The university is known for its affordable tuition rates and generous scholarship programs, including automatic scholarships for high-achieving freshmen. Cleveland State University also provides numerous opportunities for students to gain practical experience through internships and over 200 student clubs and organizations. The university's professional programs, such as the Marshall College of Law and pre-medical fields, are particularly notable. Cleveland State University is managed by a board of trustees.

Advantage Capital, established in 1992, is a venture capital firm specializing in growth equity, lending, and mezzanine debt capital investments. It focuses on small businesses, particularly those in low-income communities and underserved areas, supporting state and local economic development efforts. The firm invests across various industries, including manufacturing, technology, business services, and renewable energy, with a typical initial investment range of $0.5 million to $10 million. Advantage Capital provides debt capital in forms such as senior debt, subordinated loans, and government-guaranteed lending, as well as equity capital to real estate development firms. It operates from multiple offices across the United States, with a headquarters in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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.

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.

The Huntington National Bank, established in 1866 and headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, is a comprehensive commercial banking institution that offers a wide range of personal, business, and investment banking services. For individuals and families, the bank provides checking and savings accounts, loans, mortgages, and wealth management services. Its business banking solutions cater to small and middle-market enterprises, offering services such as payment processing, treasury management, and commercial lending. Additionally, Huntington National Bank serves not-for-profit organizations and government entities with specialized banking services. The bank operates over 700 branches across six states, including Ohio, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, and provides various digital banking options through online and mobile platforms. As a subsidiary of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated, it plays a significant role in the regional financial landscape, focusing on customer-centric solutions and community engagement.

KeyBank, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, is a significant player in the banking and financial services sector, with assets totaling approximately $92.9 billion. As a bank holding company, it primarily operates through its subsidiary, KeyBank National Association, offering a wide array of services that encompass retail and commercial banking, investment management, consumer finance, and investment banking. The bank serves individual, corporate, and institutional clients across the United States and, in certain cases, internationally. KeyBank's operations are organized into two main segments: Key Community Bank and Key Corporate Bank. Its services include commercial lending, treasury management, derivatives, foreign exchange, and equity and debt underwriting, among others. KeyBank maintains a robust presence with a network of branches, ATMs, and digital platforms, ensuring accessibility and convenience for its customers.

MAI Capital Management is a fee-based wealth management firm located in Cleveland, Ohio, specializing in comprehensive financial planning and investment advisory services. The firm provides a range of offerings, including financial and retirement planning, investment management, insurance and risk assessment, as well as trust, estate planning, and tax solutions. MAI Capital Management focuses on delivering objective recommendations tailored to help clients achieve their financial goals and build wealth effectively.

BlackRock, established in 1988, is a global investment management corporation headquartered in New York City. It offers a wide range of services, including investment management, financial technology, and advisory services, catering to diverse clients such as institutions, intermediaries, and individual investors. BlackRock's investment focus spans multiple asset classes, strategies, sectors, and regions. Its private equity arm, BlackRock Private Equity Partners, founded in 1999, specializes in direct investments and fund of fund investments across various stages and sectors, with a global investment scope.

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, established in 2015, is a venture capital firm based in Columbus, Ohio. It focuses on early-stage investments, primarily in the United States. The company supports impactful businesses by providing educational resources, services, and other growth-enabling tools. LOUD Capital's investment interests span across healthcare, energy, clean tech, artificial intelligence, and machine learning sectors.

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.

Markd is a venture capital firm established in 2022 and based in Boulder, Colorado. The company specializes in funding and partnering with innovative businesses in the insurtech sector. As a Registered Investment Adviser, Markd aims to support transformative insurtech companies, helping them grow and succeed in a rapidly evolving industry.

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.

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.

Cintrifuse is a Cincinnati-based organization dedicated to fostering high-growth startups by connecting entrepreneurs with strategic businesses, research institutions, mentors, and investors. It plays a pivotal role in coordinating the activities and resources of the region's innovation ecosystem, linking incubators, accelerators, and various investment sources to enhance collaboration and information sharing. Cintrifuse focuses on three essential elements to cultivate a sustainable innovation economy: Access, Place, and Fund. By leveraging these core components, the organization aims to support the successful launch and growth of startups in the area, while also promoting the overall development of the local entrepreneurial landscape.

Rocket Ventures is a resource dedicated to supporting technology-based companies in Northwest Ohio by providing capital and commercialization assistance. The organization offers funding consideration to signed client companies, granting them access to a professional team with significant expertise in launching early-stage tech ventures. Rocket Ventures focuses on high-tech, early-stage companies, leveraging its knowledge and track record to help these businesses succeed in a competitive environment.

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.

Sixth Street Partners, established in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, is a financial services company that offers a range of solutions to businesses. These include industry-specific services in healthcare and digital media, as well as market solutions through its platform. The company manages growth expansion funds, focusing on investments in market-leading software, fintech, and healthcare IT businesses.

Brixey & Meyer is a private equity firm headquartered in Miamisburg, Ohio, with offices in Cincinnati and Columbus. Established in 2015, the firm specializes in mid-market investments, focusing on healthcare, manufacturing, and business services companies located in the Eastern and Central United States. Brixey & Meyer seeks to invest in companies generating cash flow between $1 million and $3 million and EBITDA between $1 and $4 million, typically taking controlling or preferred minority interests with board control. The firm leverages its extensive professional experience to grow investee companies by ensuring top-grade management and providing necessary resources to execute sound business strategies.

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.

Norwest Venture Partners, established in 1961, is a global venture capital and growth equity firm based in Palo Alto, California. With nearly $5 billion under management, the firm invests in early to late-stage companies across various sectors, including technology, business services, financial services, consumer products, and healthcare. Norwest focuses on providing capital and operational support to help CEOs and founders scale their businesses, with typical investments ranging from $10 million to $50 million, and sometimes up to $100 million for growth equity companies. The firm has invested in over 600 companies and currently partners with over 140 active companies across its portfolio.

Virgo Investment Group, established in 2009, is a California-based private investment firm that provides equity and debt investments to mid-market companies in the United States. It employs a value-oriented strategy, focusing on special situations and credit opportunities across various sectors, including healthcare, financial services, software, media, aviation, and energy. The firm leverages macroeconomic insights to identify mispriced investments with less correlation to market credit spreads and valuation multiples, aiming to preserve capital and generate current yields.