2024 has been a transformative year for Cintrifuse and for Cincinnati’s startup ecosystem. With more startups supported than ever before, millions in capital raised, and new investments flowing into local companies, we’re seeing real traction—and real change.
A Region on the Rise: Cincinnati’s Startup Growth
Cincinnati’s startup ecosystem is growing steadily. In 2024, we saw more startups building here, more follow-on capital secured, and more national investors placing bets on local innovation. Founders are moving faster—raising capital, creating jobs, and scaling companies that strengthen our economy.
This momentum matters. Startups are a powerful engine for job creation, innovation, and long-term growth. And when early-stage companies have access to the right resources, the entire region benefits. Every deal closed, job created, and founder supported fuels a stronger, more competitive Cincinnati.
01. STARTUP ACTIVITY
A high number of startups signals a healthy, growing economy fueled by innovation and new opportunities.
02. JOB ACTIVITY
Every job created signals a startup scaling—and the region’s economy growing.
03. VENTURE ACTIVITY
A strong mix of dilutive and non-dilutive funding empowers startups to scale, attract talent, and reinvest locally.
These numbers reflect momentum. Later-stage rounds like Series A and B indicate traction, strong business models, and investor confidence, proving that Cincinnati startups aren’t just launching—they’re scaling, hiring, and driving economic growth across the region.
This ranking is according to Midwest-focused venture firm M25 and is based on startup activity, access to capital and resources, and business climate—including infrastructure, cost of living, and local investor presence.
Nicole’s story is a clear example of how Cincinnati’s startup ecosystem is intentionally designed to meet founders where they are—guiding them through the right resources at the right moments. From early validation to investor readiness, her path shows what’s possible when support is aligned, strategic, and built to move startups forward.
Cintrifuse operates across three core areas: Cintrifuse Capital, Cintrifuse, and StartupCincy. Together, these branches address critical gaps, accelerate founder growth, and position Cincinnati as a top destination for high-growth startups.
01. CINTRIFUSE CAPITAL
Cintrifuse Capital is a venture firm that backs Cincinnati’s most promising pre-seed & seed stage startups and invests in national funds to drive capital into our region and create a robust startup ecosystem.
Invests in Pre-seed & seed stage companies and top-tier national venture firms
02. CINTRIFUSE
Cintrifuse is a non-profit entrepreneur support organization that works to increase the velocity of venture-backable startup growth to improve the likelihood of transformational outcomes in our region.
Supports high-growth potential early stage startups
03. STARTUPCINCY
StartupCincy is a coalition of startups, founders, and support organizations working together to fuel innovation, share resources, and grow a vibrant, inclusive entrepreneurial community.
Builds community for all entrepreneurs & support organizations
Cintrifuse Capital:
Backing bold founders. Attracting national capital. Changing how the world sees Cincinnati.
Every deal we touch builds trust in Cincinnati as a place to invest. We’re not just funding startups—we’re proving that Cincinnati companies are worthy of national attention and transforming the region into a magnet for high-growth innovation.
Investment statistics are from November 2023 to December 2024. Enterprise value is cumulative from company’s valuation at the time of Cintrifuse Capital’s investment.
We are closing the early stage capital gap.
Cintrifuse Capital is addressing a key economic bottleneck: the shortage of early-stage venture capital that stifles growth before it begins. we have over $170mm in assets under management across three funds and invest directly in pre-seed and seed-stage startups. We’re fueling the companies that drive job creation, attract follow-on funding, and generate long-term economic returns for the region.
Unlocking national capital through the Fund of Funds.
Our Fund of Funds model is a force multiplier. By backing top-tier venture firms across the country, we unlock co-investment dollars and introduce Cincinnati startups to firms capable of leading large, follow-on rounds.
These relationships are fueling outside capital into the region and helping validate the strength of our ecosystem.
Deep support powering real growth.
Our role goes far beyond funding. We work closely with each company we support, connecting founders with resources like customers, talent, and strategic guidance. This hands-on approach helps de-risk early-stage companies and prepares them to raise from national venture firms—many of whom wouldn’t consider Cincinnati deals without our involvement.
Cintrifuse Capital invested early in Vixiv, providing not just capital, but the connections and credibility needed to accelerate their growth. Through Cintrifuse’s network, Vixiv was introduced to Outlander Capital, who went on to lead their seed round.
Cintrifuse:
Empowering Transformational Growth
Over 90% of startups fail, with most struggles stemming from a lack of funding, traction, or support.
Early-stage founders face steep barriers—limited capital and investor connections, gaps in their business models, or struggles building teams. For founders from historically underrepresented backgrounds, these challenges are even more pronounced. Cintrifuse steps in at this critical moment, providing the capital, mentorship, and connections needed to help these overlooked founders build investable companies and gain traction. The result: a more inclusive, resilient, and high-performing startup ecosystem in Cincinnati.
Statistics are from Jan 1, 2024 – Dec 31, 2024.
Sharpened Focus. Stronger Outcomes.
In 2024, Cintrifuse refocused its programming around two core pillars—Founder Development and Community Building—to drive deeper, more strategic impact. This shift ensures we meet founders where they are and concentrate our efforts where they unlock the most growth.
Founder Development Programming
We built a targeted suite of programs to help founders overcome early-stage challenges and grow into venture-ready companies—each designed to meet them where they are.
Venture 101: For entrepreneurs, the venture-curious, and first-time founders. This foundational series covers how to raise capital, structure a business, and navigate the startup journey.
Venture Foundations: For idea-stage entrepreneurs refining their approach. This deep dive focuses on financial modeling, go-to-market execution, and how to position your company for sustainable growth.
Venture Velocity Program: Cohort 1
This cohort-based program delivers catalytic funding, hands-on mentorship, and strategic support to help high-potential, early-stage startups break through barriers and secure institutional capital. The program is committed to building a more diverse and investable startup community in Cincinnati by intentionally including founders who have been historically overlooked in traditional funding pipelines.
Community Building Programming
Ongoing Community Events: Throughout the year, we hosted tactical meetups and informal gatherings to foster connection, collaboration, and support among founders, builders, and operators.
Demo Nights & Showcases
Visibility-building events where founders share their work, connect with investors, and build momentum.
After joining the Cintrifuse Venture Velocity program, the Lyceum team gained key mentorship, refined their go-to-market strategy, and tapped into valuable investor and customer connections. That foundation helped them close a $600K pre-seed round and secure pilots with enterprise clients—momentum that followed a smart pivot to better meet customer needs.
StartupCincy:
Deeping the Power of Our Community
A thriving startup community powers founder success by enabling them to tap into the funding, talent, and momentum needed to scale.
Expanding the pipeline of founders entering into the ecosystem fuels innovation, creates jobs, and strengthens Cincinnati’s position as a top destination for investment and entrepreneurship—driving long-term growth for the region.
Statistics are from Jan 1, 2024 – Dec 31, 2024.
Building a Connected Community
In 2024, Cintrifuse focused on reducing friction for founders by bringing greater clarity, coordination, and collaboration across the ecosystem. We worked closely with partners to streamline access to resources, eliminate duplicative efforts, and ensure entrepreneurs could easily find the right support at the right time. This alignment made it easier for founders to navigate their journeys—and for investors to deeply engage with what’s happening here. It’s this kind of connective work that builds long-term infrastructure and sets the stage for scalable, sustained startup growth in Cincinnati.
StartupCincy Week 2024, back for its seventh year, proved to be more than a celebration—it was a catalyst for momentum, investment, and long-term impact.
Putting local startups on a national stage.
StartupCincy Week drives attention to the breakthrough ideas being built here. That visibility fuels new opportunities for founders and puts our region on the map for investors, talent, and national partners.
Reaching the next generation of entrepreneurs.
This influx of new entrepreneurs signals a bright future for Cincinnati’s startup ecosystem. As they scale, they drive the next wave of growth and ensure a steady pipeline of fresh ideas and talent to the region.
Matchmaking that matters.
Hundreds of strategic connections between local founders and investors were made throughout the week. This kind of intentional matchmaking is what drives capital access and accelerates startup growth in our region.
Spurring local impact.
StartupCincy Week channels real spending into local venues, vendors, and businesses—ensuring the broader community shares in the economic momentum.
Cintrifuse is empowering transformative outcomes for our region’s startups, connecting founders with the capital and support they need to succeed. We’re building a future where Cincinnati’s startups don’t just survive—they thrive—and we couldn’t do it without you.
The following information is being provided for informational and illustrative purposes only and should not be considered a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
This report, the information contained herein as well as any related materials and discussions (collectively, the “Information”), is confidential, proprietary and trade secret information of Cintrifuse Fund Management d/b/a Cintrifuse Capital (“Cintrifuse”) and may include material non-public information. This report, as well as any related materials, is provided for informational and discussion purposes only – it is not intended to be, and shall not be regarded or construed as, a recommendation for any transaction or investment, financial or other advice of any kind, nor constitute or imply any commitment whatsoever, including, without limitation, an offer to purchase, sell or hold any security, investment, loan or other financial product or to enter into or arrange any type of transaction or investment.
This report contains information that is general in nature and accordingly has been prepared without consideration of the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular investor. Nothing contained herein shall be relied upon as a promise or representation whether as to the past or future performance. Cintrifuse makes no representations or warranties express or implied as to the completeness or accuracy of the Information contained herein. Cintrifuse does not have or undertake any obligation to update or keep current the information contained herein. These materials were prepared exclusively by Cintrifuse, and the opinions expressed herein are current as of May 2025. Information prepared from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of writing and are subject to change without notice. Cintrifuse Fund Management is an SEC registered investment advisor. Registration does not imply any level of skill or training.
Our focus has been clear: close the early-stage capital gap, support more high-growth founders at critical moments, and build a stronger, more connected ecosystem. Across Cintrifuse Capital, our Cintrifuse programming, and the StartupCincy community, every effort is aligned around a single goal—making Cincinnati the best place in the Midwest to launch and scale a high-growth potential startup.
This year, we helped more startups break through the early-stage barrier—companies that might have stalled without targeted support, access to capital, and community. Our investments catalyzed national co-investment, our programs accelerated founder growth, and our events expanded the regional startup pipeline.
Why does it matter? Because thriving startups build more than products—they build jobs, attract outside investment, and create the kind of momentum that lifts entire communities. The stronger our founder pipeline, the more companies we’ll see scale, exit, and reinvest into the region.
Thank you to our partners, investors, and the broader StartupCincy network for building this future with us. We’re just getting started.
J.B. Kropp
CEO, Cintrifuse
Managing Director, Cintrifuse Capital
Nikki Boehmker
Executive Director, Cintrifuse
Intentional support
Nicole’s story is a clear example of how Cincinnati’s startup ecosystem is intentionally designed to meet founders where they are—guiding them through the right resources at the right moments. From early validation to investor readiness, her path shows what’s possible when support is aligned, strategic, and built to move startups forward.
Every stage of my journey—from early validation to growth—has been backed by this ecosystem. Cincinnati gave me mentors when I needed clarity, experts when I needed education, and investors when I was ready to take the leap. That kind of support makes all the difference.
Nicole develops idea for planeKrafty while working as an aircraft mechanic.
Nicole participates in Aviatra’s Explore Spring Program
Nicole becomes an Alloy member, getting access to mentors & coaching.
Nicole officially establishes planeKrafty as a startup business
planeKrafty selected to go through gBeta, equity-free accelerator program
planeKrafty raises a $50,000 angel investment round
planeKrafty named as one of the 24 Startups to Watch in 2024 by Cincy Inno
planeKrafty participates in Cintrifuse’s Venture Velocity Program, unlocking a $100,000 equity investment
About planeKrafty: From intelligent records organization and compliance tracking, to providing relevant, timely access to crucial documents, planeKrafty makes managing aircraft seamless and efficient.
Nicole Dyehouse is the founder of a Cintrifuse Capital portfolio company. No compensation (cash or non-cash) was exchanged for the testimonial or endorsement. There are no other material relationships between Nicole Dyehouse and Cintrifuse Capital.
Providing capital and credibility
Cintrifuse Capital invested early in Vixiv, providing not just capital, but the connections and credibility needed to accelerate their growth. Through Cintrifuse’s network, Vixiv was introduced to Outlander Capital, who went on to lead their seed round.
After spending several years in Cincinnati’s startup ecosystem, I’ve seen how critical early-stage capital is—and how rare it can be. Cintrifuse Capital didn’t just write a check. They showed up when it mattered most, opened doors to national investors, and gave us the momentum we needed to scale. That kind of support doesn’t just help you grow—it helps you stay and build in Cincinnati.
About Vixiv: Vixiv is an AI driven design platform that automatically identifies optimal engineering solutions. Vixiv’s product utilizes unique metamaterial mathematics and artificial intelligence to rapidly generate superior engineering designs and prototypes.
Aaron Chow is the founder of a Cintrifuse Capital portfolio company. No compensation (cash or non-cash) was exchanged for the testimonial or endorsement. There are no other material relationships between Aaron Chow and Cintrifuse Capital.
Lyceum Closes $600K After Venture Velocity Pivot and Pilots
After joining the Cintrifuse Venture Velocity program, the Lyceum team gained key mentorship, refined their go-to-market strategy, and tapped into valuable investor and customer connections. That foundation helped them close a $600K pre-seed round and secure pilots with enterprise clients—momentum that followed a smart pivot to better meet customer needs.
We had a strong founding team and a big idea—but navigating the early stages still came with a lot of unknowns. The Venture Velocity Program gave us the guidance, mentorship, and strategic connections to shape our vision into something scalable. We also shared what we’re building at Demo Nights, which adds to the incredibly fertile ground we have for growing a company here in Cincinnati.
About Lyceum: Lyceum is an enterprise training platform that transforms existing content into interactive, AI-driven learning experiences, enabling teams to develop effective training programs in minutes and measure real-time competency and ROI.
Glenn Platt is the founder of a Cintrifuse Capital portfolio company. No compensation (cash or non-cash) was exchanged for the testimonial or endorsement. There are no other material relationships between Glenn Platt and Cintrifuse Capital.
