Ohio’s Premier Startup & Venture Capital Event is Back!

September 16th & 17th, 2025
Huntington Convention Center
Cleveland, Ohio

Two days of high-impact programming designed to spark connections, showcase innovation, and accelerate venture opportunities across the Midwest.

2025 Featured Keynotes & Guests

Day 1

Amy Jo Martin

Author, Founder/CEO, Innovation Advocate & Podcast Host

Michael Loeb

Serial Entrepreneur, Investor & Founder/CEO of Loeb.nyc

Day 2

Vivek Ramaswamy

Founder & Former CEO, Roviant Science

Plus …

  • Expert Panel Discussions

  • 1:1 Curated Matchmaking

  • Trailblazer Accelerator Showcase

  • Startup World Cup Pitch Competition

  • World-Class Networking
    700+ Tech Founders and Investors

Ohio VC Fest is THE destination for tech startups and venture capital investments.

This year, Ohio VC Fest will spotlight AI and emerging trends shaping the future of innovation and venture capital. Featuring impactful speakers and industry leaders, our programming will dive into how AI is redefining industries and creating the next phase of venture growth.

Join leading VCs, angel investors, founders, and industry pioneers for two days of high-impact networking, deal-making, and world-class thought leadership. Don’t miss your chance to be part of Ohio’s thriving VC and startup scene.

Register today to connect with industry innovators, disruptors, and motivated founders and investors who are fueling growth and shaping the Midwest’s tech economy.

FULL PANEL AND SPEAKER AGENDA COMING SOON!FULL PANEL AND SPEAKER AGENDA COMING SOON!

Who’s Coming to Ohio VC Fest ’25?

  • Founders & Tech Entrepreneurs

  • VCs and Angel Investors

  • Corporate Innovation Leaders

  • State Leaders & Policy Makers

  • Research Institution & University
    Commercialization Professionals

  • University Spin-Outs

  • Service Providers

  • Advisors & Consultants

Confirmed VC Firms

New this year: Startup World Cup

Your Shot at $1,000,000 Starts Here.

Ohio VC Fest ’25 is proud to serve as the Cleveland Regional for the Startup World Cup, a global pitch competition where top startups from around the world compete for a $1 million investment prize, presented by Pegasus Ventures.

Ten startups will pitch at Ohio VC Fest. One will go on to represent Ohio at the Startup World Cup grand finale in San Francisco on October 17th.*

*Airfare and two nights of hotel accommodations (courtesy of Thomson Hine) will be provided to the regional winner selected to travel to San Francisco to compete for $1M at the Startup World Cup Grand Finale.

Stay Where The Action Is

Located just steps away from the Huntington Convention Center, Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Tower is the official hotel partner of Ohio VC Fest.

Book your stay by August 25th to take advantage of the special $294/night group rate.

Sponsorship Opportunities Are Still Available

Partner with JumpStart for exclusive access to cutting-edge startups, top investors and key decision-makers shaping the next wave of innovation. With 1:1 Venture Connection meetings, thought leadership panels and industry meetups, this is where connections ignite, innovation sparks and impact is accelerated.

Last year’s Ohio VC Fest featured:

700+
Attendees

250+
Startups

100+
VCs & Investors

30+
Tech Demos

20+
Startup Pitches

​Join us in fueling the future of venture and innovation in the Midwest.
Let’s build boldly and thrive together!

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