#USA #Cleveland #Ohio VC Fest #JumpStart Inc #Innovation Conference

Ohio VC Fest 2025: A Platform for Growth and Innovation

The Ohio VC Fest 2025 is set to take place at the Huntington Convention Center in Downtown Cleveland on September 16-17. Hosted once more by JumpStart Inc., this event aims to connect prominent venture capitalists, angel investors, innovative founders, and tech leaders for two days packed with high-impact programming, networking opportunities, and potential deal-making.

In its third year, Ohio VC Fest is emphasizing its role in accelerating Ohio's burgeoning tech ecosystem and innovation economy, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence and other emerging trends poised to shape the future of entrepreneurship and venture capital. Attendees can look forward to an array of programming, including founder showcases, investor panels, curated meetings, and expert-led discussions about the convergence of technology, capital, and real-world impact.

According to Lorne Novick, Interim CEO of JumpStart Inc., the festival is committed to bridging the gap between capital and innovation, reflecting Ohio's expanding role in the national tech economy. "This year's agenda features our most ambitious lineup to date, and we're thrilled to facilitate these groundbreaking conversations," Novick stated.

Highlights of Ohio VC Fest 2025

Elite Networking: Attendees will enjoy tailored meetings designed to match specific interests and investment needs, setting the stage for fruitful partnerships.
Exclusive Startup Deals: Investors will have the opportunity to engage with Ohio's most promising startups, enhancing deal-making potentials.
Thought Leadership: The event will host world-class experts sharing insights that drive the innovation economy.
Demo Zone: Participants can experience showcases featuring the most cutting-edge companies and technologies.
Pitch Competitions: High-stakes pitch competitions will spotlight top startups and their innovative solutions.

A New Addition in 2025

This year, Ohio VC Fest will serve as the regional hub for the Startup World Cup, a globally recognized competition. On September 17, ten promising startups will compete for a chance to win a $1 million investment prize by advancing to the finals in San Francisco.

Inspiring Keynote Speakers

Ohio VC Fest 2025 will feature a lineup of dynamic speakers, including:
Amy Jo Martin – A New York Times best-selling author, Martin is a pioneer of modern personal branding and founder of Renegade Global. She will deliver the Day 1 keynote address, followed by a live podcast recording.
* Vivek Ramaswamy – Known for his innovative perspectives, Ramaswamy will present the Day 2 keynote on the unique opportunities Ohio offers for innovation in technology and business. He aims to demonstrate how Ohio's rich heritage in various industries, skilled workforce, and strong research institutions create a formidable environment for tech scale-ups.

One-on-One Meetings to Foster Connections

Throughout the festival, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in exclusive, curated one-on-one meetings based on relevant industry sectors and specific capital needs. These personalized meetings are designed to encourage new relationships and explore strategic partnerships.
Startups will have the chance to present concise elevator pitches to potential investors, further enhancing their prospects of securing funding and strategic partnerships.

Investors will be matched with pre-screened entrepreneurs looking for capital based on various criteria such as industry stage and focus. This focused approach aims to streamline capital access for Ohio-based founders, thereby facilitating deal flow for institutional and corporate investors alike.

Sponsorship and Participation

Sponsorship opportunities for the Ohio VC Fest are currently available, providing brands with premium visibility, access to investment-ready startups, and exclusive networking with a vibrant community of over 500 founders and investors.

Corporate sponsors include notable organizations like Cyrannus, Thompson Hine, JobsOhio, Key Bank, Rev1 Ventures, and Cleveland Clinic Innovations, among others. Registration for the event is now open, and interested parties can purchase tickets and get further details on the official website, OhioVCFest.com.

About JumpStart Inc.

JumpStart Inc. is a nationally recognized entrepreneurial support organization dedicated to empowering Ohio's tech startups and small businesses with the crucial resources they need for sustainable growth. To learn more about JumpStart and its mission, visit jumpstartinc.org.