OH Rev1

Rev1 Ventures is a leading Midwest venture development studio combining seed/pre-seed capital with comprehensive strategic services to help startups scale and corporates innovate. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Rev1 has helped launch 150+ startups, invested in 300+ companies, and supported 70+ successful exits. Rev1 offers equity investments through multiple funds, hands-on services including market research, customer validation, talent acquisition, and corporate connections, plus physical lab space and programming.

Rev1 is particularly focused on the Midwest startup ecosystem, offering an alternative to coastal VC for Ohio-based companies and those willing to relocate. The venture studio model provides capital plus operational support to reduce startup risk and accelerate growth.

Investment Focus

Stage

• Pre-seed and seed stage companies
• Early-stage validation through Series A
• Companies showing high-growth potential

Sectors

• Enterprise/B2B software
• Technology-enabled services
• Life sciences and biotechnology
• Digital health and healthcare IT
• Fintech and insurtech
• Advanced materials and manufacturing
• Data analytics and AI

Geography

• Ohio-based or willing to establish operations
• Midwest focus with national reach
• Strong preference for Central Ohio presence
• Access to Columbus ecosystem and resources

Investment Structure

• Equity investments (not grants)
• Seed: $250K-$750K typical
• Series A: Up to $2M
• Follow-on rounds for portfolio companies

Rev1 Funds

Future Value Fund I

• $10M pre-seed fund (launched 2021)
• Partnership with Ohio State University and Ohio Third Frontier
• Digital health, healthcare IT, HR tech, fintech, insurtech, data analytics, enterprise SaaS
• OSU spinouts in advanced materials, alternative energy, sensors, ag/food tech
• Up to 15 companies

Future Value Fund II

• $6M pre-seed/seed fund (launched 2024)
• $3M Rev1 + $3M Ohio SSBCI match
• Targets companies underserved by venture capital
• Focus on CDFI investment areas
• Enterprise/B2B software and advanced technology
• ~10 startups over 4-year investment period
• Majority woman investment committee

Rev1 Capital

• Top seed investor in the Midwest
• Manages >$100M in capital
• Generated >$4B in capital creation since 2014
• One of most active investors nationally (25 companies funded in 2020)

Services Provided (Beyond Capital)

Core Services

• Market research and customer discovery
• Customer validation and go-to-market strategy
• Talent services and team building
• Corporate connections and partnerships
• Product development support
• Financial modeling and fundraising strategy

Infrastructure

• Rev1 Labs (1275 Kinnear Rd, Columbus)
• Rev1 at The Peninsula (330 Rush Alley, Columbus)
• Physical workspace and lab facilities
• Access to equipment and resources

Programming

• Concept to Customer Bootcamp
• Startup Weekend events
• Techstars partnerships
• Networking and community events

Requirements

• Scalable business model with high-growth potential
• Strong founding team with relevant expertise
• Clear path to venture fundability or revenue sustainability
• Willingness to engage with Rev1 services and mentorship
• For Future Value Fund II: Additional focus on underserved entrepreneurs and CDFI areas

ZHC-Specific Fit

✅ Excellent for:

• Ohio-based startups (especially Central Ohio)
• Midwest ecosystem participants
• Companies needing hands-on operational support
• Early-stage validation and customer development
• B2B software and enterprise technology
• Life sciences with commercial potential
• Companies valuing mentorship and services alongside capital
• Underrepresented founders (Future Value Fund II focus)

❌ Poor fit if:

• No Midwest connection or unwilling to relocate
• Late-stage companies (Series B+)
• Lifestyle businesses without venture scale
• High-capex with long commercialization timeline
• Outside core sector focus

Engagement Process

Investment Size and Terms

• Pre-Seed: Typically $100K-$250K
• Seed: $250K-$750K typical range
• Series A: Up to $2M for portfolio companies
• Structure: Equity investments (convertible notes, SAFE, priced rounds)
• Follow-on: Additional capital in subsequent rounds

Service Engagement

All portfolio companies receive:

• Dedicated Rev1 team support
• Access to service providers and experts
• Corporate partnership introductions
• Investor network connections
• Workspace and lab access (Columbus)
• Programming and community events

Expected Outcomes

Future Value Fund II Projections (through 2028):

• $100M+ in co- and follow-on investment across portfolio
• $10M+ revenue per company
• 58+ high-paying tech jobs created (avg $90K+ salary)
• Significant regional economic impact

Historical Performance:

• 150+ startups launched
• 300+ companies invested
• 70+ successful exits
• $4B+ in value creation since 2014

Partnership Ecosystem

Strategic Partners

• Ohio State University (research commercialization)
• Techstars (accelerator programs)
• Columbus Partnership (regional development)
• Local corporations for pilot customers and partnerships
• Ohio Third Frontier (state innovation funding)
• Ohio SSBCI (federal-state capital programs)

• Official Website
• Portfolio Companies
• Services
• Team
• Apply/Contact
• Phone: (614) 487-3700
• Rev1 Labs: 1275 Kinnear Rd, Columbus, OH 43212
• Rev1 at The Peninsula: 330 Rush Alley Suite 100, Columbus, OH 43215
• Email: Contact form on website
• Events: Regular programming at both Columbus locations