The leaders of an investment fund are launching their first startup company in Cincinnati, backed by some of the region’s and state’s biggest names in venture capital.
Heylo is the tech startup that will be based in Greater Cincinnati, though its staff is currently working remotely. It has created a platform that provides remote support for caregiving agencies to help people in their homes.
Vessel, a Columbus-based venture investment firm led by managing partners including Cincinnati-based Corey Myers, is launching Heylo as the first company being formed within its Flagship Studio Fund, which just wrapped up its first close for fundraising. The fund plans to launch six startups created by Vessel’s leaders, who are tech founders and operators, said Will Zell, a Vessel managing partner.
The Ohio High-Growth Investment Opportunities Fund, known as the O.H.I.O. Fund, is the lead investor in the studio fund. The amount of its investment was not disclosed.
This article first appeared in CincyInno on August 6, 2025.