Ohio presents a compelling case for investment due to its diverse economy encompassing manufacturing, healthcare, finance, education, and technology sectors, with notable growth in all areas of the state. The state benefits from affordable real estate, a strategic Midwestern location that’s ideal for logistics, and significant industrial projects like Intel’s large-scale chip manufacturing, which are set to boost both employment and local economies. Ohio’s focus on educational and workforce development further enhances its appeal by ensuring a skilled labor pool, while its market resilience, lower cost of living, and stable property values provide a favorable environment for both real estate and business investments.

Here in Ohio, I’ve combined my Silicon Valley venture capital experience from Sequoia Capital with my deep involvement in Ohio’s public sector. I helped shape economic development by founding JobsOhio. My work at Drive Capital has been all about betting on the Midwest’s potential, especially Ohio, to become a new tech hub. We’ve proven there’s untapped talent here waiting to be nurtured. With The O.H.I.O. Fund®, we’re not just investing in tech but also in high-growth companies, real estate, and infrastructure inspired by impact funds like Temasek in Singapore. Ohio’s future is bright, and I’m proud to be part of its journey toward innovation and economic prosperity.

The O.H.I.O. Fund is specifically designed to keep capital within Ohio, enabling local companies to grow and scale without selling to out-of-state private equity firms. By acting as an evergreen fund, The O.H.I.O. Fund reinvests its returns into the Ohio economy, providing a continuous source of capital for local businesses at various growth stages. This approach mitigates the need for Ohio companies to seek external investors, who might demand control or significant equity stakes, potentially leading to relocating business operations or intellectual property outside of Ohio. The fund’s strategy includes investing in a diverse portfolio, from high-growth companies to real estate and infrastructure projects, ensuring that companies can access funding that aligns with their growth objectives while maintaining local control and benefits. This local investment model fosters a nurturing environment for Ohio-based companies to thrive, innovate, and contribute to the state’s economy.