geographic focus

We focus on companies in Ohio, with a preference for Northeast Ohio, particularly the Mahoning Valley. We know the strengths of this region and believe that bringing venture capital to the Valley can change the mindset of people in the region.

how we work with companies

We make investments with companies that will allow us to be strong partners, leveraging the expertise of our five partner organizations as appropriate. We also offer assistance in management, defining strategy, planning tactics, facilitating mergers and strategic partnerships, and attracting key talent. We practice a detailed due diligence process that is led by our fund manager in which all of our partner organizations participate. Our investment model includes a hands-on relationship with portfolio companies post-investment. Typically, we seek a seat on a portfolio company’s Board of Directors, where we strive to actively participate in adding value.

We are currently investing out of our initial fund. Our capital comes from privately committed corporations, institutions, and individuals from locations ranging from the Mahoning Valley to New York, California, and everywhere in between. We are also proud to have the State of Ohio as an investor through its Third Frontier Program and have been awarded an operational grant from the Economic Development Agency.

investment criteria

We invest in B2B software, IT, energy, additive manufacturing, and advanced materials industries. Companies that have a strong management team, are working in the beta product through market entry stages, and have a minimum $500 million market size fall within our ideal criteria for investment.