Artificial Intelligence
The O.H.I.O. Fund invested in Dublin-based EASE Logistics, a tech-enabled freight leader and eight-time Inc. 5000 honoree. The minority investment will help EASE expand its AI capabilities and accelerate its position as one of Ohio's top growth stories.
Corprorate Innovation
Cleveland Clinic is teaming up with Silicon Valley’s Khosla Ventures in a new collaboration designed to fast-track the future of healthcare innovation. The partnership links Ohio’s world-class medical research and clinical expertise with one of the nation’s top venture firms.
Startups + VC
Ohio tech company Heylo, built in Vessel Shipyard, aims to modernize care for people with I/DD. New CEO Brian Hart will scale Heylo's platform, which uses software/hardware to deliver remote supports, boosting independence and easing the human services workforce pressure.
Startups + VC
The Synthe6 Materials Accelerator by Bounce Innovation Hub and the Polymer Industry Cluster announced its first cohort of eight startups. To speed polymer innovation in Northeast Ohio, the 12-month program offers each company $25,000 in non-dilutive funding and $20,000 in services.
Startups + VC
DEXA (Drone Express), a Dayton-based drone logistics startup, has closed an oversubscribed $15 million seed round to scale its operations and introduce at-home drone delivery in major U.S. cities. The raise positions DEXA as one of the only companies of its size with all three critical FAA certifications — a
Startups + VC
Youngstown startup REMPY launched a real estate matchmaking platform using AI to personalize connecting buyers, sellers, and agents. The company bets that technology, not chance, should guide this major financial decision.
Out of Office
Yon Raz-Fridman focuses on building ventures at the intersection of emerging technology and human advancement, guided by compassion and curiosity. Fresh off a successful exit, the New Albany resident discussed his work using AI and VR to democratize computing and foster emotional resilience.
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
JumpStart’s Ohio VC Fest is back in Cleveland this week, September 16–17. The two-day event brings together hundreds of founders, investors, and leaders for dealmaking, conversations, and collaboration. Why it matters VC Fest, in its third year, has become one of the Midwest’s signature gatherings for venture
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.