Rev1 Ventures Welcomes Jennifer Hankins as New Leader to Drive Growth and Innovation
Rev1 Ventures, the prominent venture studio in the Midwest, has taken a significant step forward by appointing Jennifer Hankins as its new Chief Executive Officer and President. With a focus on fostering innovation in sectors such as SaaS, AI, and life sciences, Hankins is poised to lead Rev1 to new heights following a comprehensive national search for a suitable leader.
Having previously served as the Managing Director at Tulsa Innovation Labs, Hankins brings over a decade of vital experience in entrepreneurship, economic development, and ecosystem building that will enhance Rev1's established reputation for empowering entrepreneurs and promoting sustainable economic growth throughout Ohio.
Under her leadership at Tulsa Innovation Labs, Hankins made a notable impact by steering strategies and initiatives aimed at strengthening the innovation ecosystem. Her contributions were pivotal in securing one of only two U.S. regions to win both the EDA Build Back Better Regional Challenge and Tech Hubs Implementation Funding.
In her new role, Hankins is enthusiastic about the mission of Rev1 Ventures. "Rev1 has played an important role in putting Columbus on the map as a hub for entrepreneurs, and we have an incredible opportunity to expand on that momentum. I aim to connect more founders, investors, and institutions to innovate and create more pathways for entrepreneurial success. I am excited to work with the Rev1 team to push this forward across Central Ohio and beyond," she expressed.
Previously, Hankins served as Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Small Business at the Tulsa Regional Chamber, where she was responsible for nurturing the entrepreneurial ecosystem and managing a business incubator that catered to high-growth startups. Her extensive background also includes experience as Manager of Business Retention and Expansion on the Economic Development team at the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, coupled with her earlier work with the Wyandotte Economic Development Council in the Kansas City region.
Sue Zazon, Rev1 Board Chair and President of Huntington Bank's Central Ohio Region, highlighted Hankins' unique blend of experience, stating, "Jennifer possesses a rare combination of skills in entrepreneurial ecosystem development, economic expertise, and collaborative leadership. She has a keen ability to unite founders, investors, businesses, and community leaders around shared goals that elevate an entire region's potential. Her vision will undoubtedly keep Rev1 thriving and connected to the needs of entrepreneurs and innovators."
The recognition of Rev1 Ventures continues to soar, as the organization has recently been featured in TIME's inaugural list of America’s Best Incubators and Accelerators for 2026, where it was ranked as the top organization from Ohio. Since its inception, Rev1 has played a crucial role in supporting more than 1,700 startups, facilitating funding for over 200 distinct companies, and contributing an impressive economic impact of more than $7.7 billion statewide.
With the recent expansion into downtown Columbus with the launch of Rev1 at The Peninsula, a new innovation hub centered on founders, Rev1 aims to further accelerate the growth of software and advanced technology startups.
Tom Walker, Executive Chairman of the Rev1 Ventures Board, expressed confidence in Hankins' capabilities, stating, "Jennifer brings the strategic vision, energy, and determination that are essential for Rev1 as we move forward. Success in creating a flourishing innovation economy goes beyond merely having great ideas; it requires the right people, resources, and opportunities to transform those ideas into thriving enterprises. I am assured that Jennifer will inspire us to envision larger concepts, act with intent, and elevate Rev1's impact significantly."
Rev1 Ventures' ongoing support is greatly strengthened by the backing of Ohio's Third Frontier program as well as the dedication of its corporate partners. For those looking to learn more about Rev1 Ventures and its initiatives, further information can be found on their official website.
Having previously served as the Managing Director at Tulsa Innovation Labs, Hankins brings over a decade of vital experience in entrepreneurship, economic development, and ecosystem building that will enhance Rev1's established reputation for empowering entrepreneurs and promoting sustainable economic growth throughout Ohio.
Under her leadership at Tulsa Innovation Labs, Hankins made a notable impact by steering strategies and initiatives aimed at strengthening the innovation ecosystem. Her contributions were pivotal in securing one of only two U.S. regions to win both the EDA Build Back Better Regional Challenge and Tech Hubs Implementation Funding.
In her new role, Hankins is enthusiastic about the mission of Rev1 Ventures. "Rev1 has played an important role in putting Columbus on the map as a hub for entrepreneurs, and we have an incredible opportunity to expand on that momentum. I aim to connect more founders, investors, and institutions to innovate and create more pathways for entrepreneurial success. I am excited to work with the Rev1 team to push this forward across Central Ohio and beyond," she expressed.
Previously, Hankins served as Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Small Business at the Tulsa Regional Chamber, where she was responsible for nurturing the entrepreneurial ecosystem and managing a business incubator that catered to high-growth startups. Her extensive background also includes experience as Manager of Business Retention and Expansion on the Economic Development team at the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, coupled with her earlier work with the Wyandotte Economic Development Council in the Kansas City region.
Sue Zazon, Rev1 Board Chair and President of Huntington Bank's Central Ohio Region, highlighted Hankins' unique blend of experience, stating, "Jennifer possesses a rare combination of skills in entrepreneurial ecosystem development, economic expertise, and collaborative leadership. She has a keen ability to unite founders, investors, businesses, and community leaders around shared goals that elevate an entire region's potential. Her vision will undoubtedly keep Rev1 thriving and connected to the needs of entrepreneurs and innovators."
The recognition of Rev1 Ventures continues to soar, as the organization has recently been featured in TIME's inaugural list of America’s Best Incubators and Accelerators for 2026, where it was ranked as the top organization from Ohio. Since its inception, Rev1 has played a crucial role in supporting more than 1,700 startups, facilitating funding for over 200 distinct companies, and contributing an impressive economic impact of more than $7.7 billion statewide.
With the recent expansion into downtown Columbus with the launch of Rev1 at The Peninsula, a new innovation hub centered on founders, Rev1 aims to further accelerate the growth of software and advanced technology startups.
Tom Walker, Executive Chairman of the Rev1 Ventures Board, expressed confidence in Hankins' capabilities, stating, "Jennifer brings the strategic vision, energy, and determination that are essential for Rev1 as we move forward. Success in creating a flourishing innovation economy goes beyond merely having great ideas; it requires the right people, resources, and opportunities to transform those ideas into thriving enterprises. I am assured that Jennifer will inspire us to envision larger concepts, act with intent, and elevate Rev1's impact significantly."
Rev1 Ventures' ongoing support is greatly strengthened by the backing of Ohio's Third Frontier program as well as the dedication of its corporate partners. For those looking to learn more about Rev1 Ventures and its initiatives, further information can be found on their official website.
Topics Business Technology）
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