Startups + VC
The energy of Ohio’s venture ecosystem was on display at Ohio VC Fest 2025 in Cleveland. Hosted by JumpStart, the two-day gathering united founders, investors, and leaders to spark connections and highlight Ohio's rapidly growing role as a key center for venture capital and innovation.
Startups + VC
Cleveland-based Splash Financial has secured more than $70 million in Series C funding, a round that highlights both the company’s rapid growth and the increasing role of Ohio-based capital in scaling local startups. The investment comes as Splash launches a new home equity line of credit (HELOC) product and
Startups + VC
Techstars Columbus Powered by OSU marks its two-year anniversary with its fourth cohort launch. Since 2023, the accelerator backed 42 companies, invested nearly $6M, and helped its portfolio raise four times that amount, creating tens of millions in market value.
Spotlights
JumpStart's CEO, Lorne Novick, sees Ohio VC Fest as key for creating "collisions" between founders and funders. The Cleveland event showcases Ohio's promising startups, helping entrepreneurs secure meetings and ensuring capital and opportunity flow through the state's growing economy.
Bounce Innovation Hub CEO Jessica Sublett supports high-growth startups in software, MedTech, and polymers from Akron's former tire factory. Her mission is to use her corporate and tech transfer background to make Bounce an advocate, helping Northeast Ohio founders realize their full potential.
Cleveland startup Beacon, founded by entrepreneur Rob Reznick, officially launched this week with a simple promise: get paid for helping your network get hired. The new platform changes how people find jobs and how they are rewarded for successful referrals.
Ohio’s startup scene just got a fresh infusion of early-stage capital. 71/70 Angels, a new Columbus-based fund, has closed its first round and already placed bets on two tech startups—a signal of growing momentum for seed-stage investment in the Midwest. Backed by nearly 50 investors and supported
Governor DeWine announced a $7.1 million investment to expand career-connected learning for Ohio students. The two-year funding boosts career-technical education and mentoring, preparing students for high-wage, in-demand jobs and strengthening school/business partnerships.
The third annual Ohio VC Fest ’25 will bring top investors, founders, and leaders to Cleveland next month. Produced by JumpStart, the conference is a can't-miss event, highlighting Ohio's growing role in technology and innovation for those shaping the state's future.
JobsOhio launched the Relocation Incentive, offering employers $15,000 for each qualified STEM or technical hire who moves to Ohio. Capped at $225,000 per company, the program aims to bolster the workforce to fill hundreds of thousands of new STEM and technical jobs by 2032.
Youngstown
SoftBank purchased Foxconn's massive Lordstown facility for $375M. Foxconn will convert the site into a hub for AI server and cloud computing hardware production. The deal links Lordstown to SoftBank's $500 billion "Stargate" data center initiative with OpenAI and Oracle.
Out of Office
Rackspace VP Ben Blanquera has seen Ohio's tech evolution for 25 years. He advises global enterprises on hybrid cloud, AI strategy, and modernization. In Columbus, he's a mentor and champion of the Midwest innovation ecosystem, continually driving the region forward.