The O.H.I.O. Fund enters 2026 at full throttle, lures California tech company to Columbus

The O.H.I.O. Fund has hit a $356M capital milestone, generating $75M in returns while bringing Hyperframe’s manufacturing from California to Columbus. With new leadership and 30 deals closed, the firm is proving that Ohio’s "balanced" investment model is the new engine for Midwest growth.

The O.H.I.O. Fund enters 2026 at full throttle, lures California tech company to Columbus

The O.H.I.O. Fund is kicking off 2026 by proving that Ohio’s "flywheel effect" is more than just a theory. The private investment firm announced today the close of its 30th investment—California-born Hyperframe—which has officially relocated its operations to Columbus.

Since its launch in June 2024, The O.H.I.O. Fund has rapidly deployed capital to bridge what leadership describes as a multi-billion dollar funding gap in the state. With $356 million in committed capital now under management, the firm is aggressively executing a "balanced" strategy: splitting investments across real estate, growth equity, and later-stage venture opportunities.

The 30th Deal: Relocating Hyperframe

Hyperframe represents the quintessential O.H.I.O. Fund target. The company uses proprietary software to transform digital building plans into pre-organized, snap-together framing kits—eliminating the need for on-site measuring or cutting.

By relocating from California to Columbus, Hyperframe is establishing a local manufacturing hub to serve the Midwest and East Coast. The investment was a joint effort between The O.H.I.O. Fund and JobsOhio Ventures, highlighting a coordinated "full court press" by state leaders to capture high-growth firms.

“Hyperframe’s decision to relocate here not only accelerates innovation in construction, but it also strengthens a growing ecosystem of companies redefining how America builds. We’re thrilled to welcome the team to Ohio,” said The O.H.I.O. Fund CEO and Chief Investment Officer Mark Kvamme.

"We're thrilled to bring Hyperframe's next chapter to Columbus," said Hyperframe
Founder and CEO Ken Sobel. "Ohio's momentum in advanced manufacturing and technology—fueled by partners like The O.H.I.O. Fund and JobsOhio - creates the perfect environment for us to scale.”

Performance by the Numbers

The firm’s early progress report paints a picture of high-velocity deployment and tangible returns:

  • Total Committed Capital: $356 Million
  • Capital Invested: $196 Million
  • Total Returns Generated: $75 Million+
  • Total Investments: 30 Companies & Real Estate Projects
  • Geographic Reach: 12 Ohio Counties

"The balanced nature of the investment portfolio is by design," explained Ray Leach, Co-Founder and President of The O.H.I.O. Fund. "We allocate roughly one-third of the committed capital to real estate, one-third to growth equity, and one-third to later-stage venture opportunities. This allows us to support operating companies while simultaneously addressing their physical real estate requirements."

Expanding the bench

To manage this scaling portfolio, the fund has expanded its team to 11 members, including three high-profile additions in early 2026:

  • Steve Briggs (Principal): A veteran of M&A and private equity with deep roots in Ohio valuation and real estate.
  • Kristi Tanner (Chief Marketing & Engagement Officer): A founding member of JobsOhio, Tanner brings decades of experience in statewide business attraction.
  • Peeyush Shrivastava (Principal): A healthcare tech entrepreneur and founder of Genetesis, Shrivastava adds deep technical expertise in medical innovations.

What’s next for 2026?

The O.H.I.O. Fund isn't slowing down. Kvamme confirmed that the 2026 investment pipeline remains "strong" and the firm is currently exploring the launch of additional private funds to keep pace with demand.

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