Former SpaceX engineers are building a robotic factory for making steel parts
The startup, called 1872, officially launched on July 22 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its Factory One facility in Cincinnati, Ohio.
1872 launches autonomous steel factory in Cincinnati, raises $15 million seed round
SpaceX alumni behind 1872 are using one of Ohio’s largest seed rounds to build an AI-native factory model for energy, utility and industrial customers, aiming to cut steel fabrication lead times from months to weeks with software, robotics and physical AI.
Robotic welding firm launched by SpaceX alum opens in Cincinnati with $15M seed round
1872.ai Inc. moved into its Camp Washington factory in April and began production at the end of May.
1872 Launches Autonomous Steel Fabrication Factory Model in Cincinnati and Closes $15 million Seed Funding Round
The O.H.I.O. Fund, investing through its private funds, leads one of Ohio’s largest-ever seed rounds to support AI-driven, autonomous manufacturing that meets growing market demand.
Ohio 4.0 campaign makes the case for Ohio’s fourth economic era
The O.H.I.O. Fund has launched Ohio 4.0, a statewide [...]
Folio Photonics leads Northeast Ohio startup fundraising in Q2 with $8M raise
Folio Photonics Inc. led fundraising by Northeast Ohio startups in the second quarter, according to the latest Venture Monitor.
Central Ohio Becomes Hub for Tech and Manufacturing
Columbus, the state capital known as the headquarters for insurance companies and retail brands like Victoria’s Secret, has been transformed. The metropolitan area has become a critical hub for advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence.
The O.H.I.O. Fund Hits $647 Million: New capital, AI healthcare, and coast-to-Ohio moves
The evergreen platform added 18 new institutional and private investors in Q1, expanding its total backer base to 155 across the state. Total active deployment reached $217M across 33 multi-asset investments, including a $25M manufacturing expansion.
The O.H.I.O. Fund Reports Strong Q1 Momentum as Committed Capital Climbs to $647 Million, Makes Four New Investments
The O.H.I.O. Fund today reported strong first-quarter momentum, increasing total committed capital to its private funds from $356 million at the end of Q4 2025 to $647 million on March 31, 2026.
Ohio investment fund raised $290M, backed Dublin company in Q1
The private investment fund focused on growing Ohio's economy raised $290 million in the first quarter and made five investments across the state – including a Dublin telehealth company.