Columbus Region on Track for $2B in Startup Impact by 2018
The 2015 Startup Impact Report, released today, is a celebration of the Central Ohio startup scene.
Something unique is happening here. To quote TechCrunch, “The Midwest startup formula will change the status quo for building businesses.”
Columbus was named the #1 fastest-growing city for startup activity. Why? Because we’re starting more companies than ever before. Last year Rev1 made 29 investments, a 62% increase over 2014. And our portfolio is having a real impact on our region, including:
Rev1 was also named the #1 Seed Fund in the region.
We are achieving results like these because – from our first meeting with an entrepreneur to our first investment – we focus on market validation, signing up customers, and matching milestones to capital.
In 2015, connections with advisors generated 78 qualified leads for our portfolio companies. These startups are doing business with the likes of Worthington Industries, Kellogg’s, Sargento Foods, Battelle, Cardinal Health, Yale School of Management, just to name a few.
It’s one thing when entrepreneurs tell their own story; it’s a whole different level of validation when others do the telling.
From the customers of our portfolio companies to national and regional publications such as TechCrunch, Inc., Entrepreneur, and Columbus Business First, 2015’s Impact Report reflects the growing recognition from outside in, that here in Central Ohio, we are doing entrepreneurship right.
Earlier this week, more than 350 entrepreneurs and investors, business people, and community leaders attended Rev 1’s Annual Meeting and Open House where Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther and Columbus Partnership CEO Alex Fischer announced a $90MM commitment from the city and major stakeholders to fund the City of Columbus as an innovation district.
This is a huge indication of the scope and depth of our region’s commitment to entrepreneurs and the new companies they create.
As a startup hub, Columbus is on a roll. Our goal is to achieve $2B in economic impact by 2018 that will come from a combination of revenue generated and capital attracted by our portfolio. We’re at $1.2B already.
If you aren’t part of Central Ohio’s startup scene, maybe you want to join in the excitement and fun. There are all kinds of ways to become engaged and to give entrepreneurs a boost.
Start by reading the full Startup Impact Report here.
