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TechGROWTH Ohio
TechGROWTH Ohio, initiated in 2008, connects early-stage, technologically-innovative companies with valuable tools for growth and sources of capital.
TechGROWTH Ohio
TechGROWTH Ohio, initiated in 2008, connects early-stage, technologically-innovative companies with valuable tools for growth and sources of capital. The program focuses on four technology industries: digital interactive media, bio-sciences, bio-agriculture and advanced energy. Companies in other industries are also encouraged to apply. The mission of TechGROWTH Ohio is to significantly increase revenue growth and capital investments in technology-based businesses within the 19-county region of southeast Ohio. Funded by the Third Frontier Initiative – a $1.6 billion Ohio Department of Development project – it is a part of the Entrepreneurial Signature Program. TechGROWTH Ohio is located at the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs at Ohio University and works with many distinguished partners, including the Edison Biotechnology Institute, Ohio University’s Innovation Center, Adena Ventures, the OSU South Centers, the Muskingham County Business Incubator, and the East Central Ohio Tech Angel Fund (ECOTAF). TechGROWTH Ohio Services: • Protecting intellectual property • Identifying market opportunities • Validating product performance • Testing market acceptance • Management assistance & strategic planning • Business, sale, & marketing plans • Regulatory assistance • Needs assessments • Professional service providers • Financial structuring, modeling, & projections • Understanding investment capital • Preparing & presenting • Access to investment capital
General information
Firm type
Generalist
Year founded
2008
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
Athens
Corporate office
Athens, OH, United States
Principals
Lynn Gellermann
Executive Director
John Glazer
Director
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
How does TechGROWTH Ohio source its deal flow?
Deal flow originates primarily from Ohio University's research labs and technology transfer office. The program also reviews companies relocating to or operating in southeast Ohio that align with the state's Third Frontier technology priorities. Its physical location in Athens and its mandate to develop the regional economy mean a significant portion of portfolio companies license university-owned patents.
What is TechGROWTH Ohio's relationship with Ohio University?
TechGROWTH Ohio is not a separate legal entity but a program housed within Ohio University's Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs. Its Executive Director, Lynn Gellermann, also serves as an Associate Dean. This structure gives the investment team direct access to university research but also means investment outcomes are measured partly against regional job creation and technology commercialization metrics.
Is TechGROWTH Ohio a venture capital fund or an economic development program?
It operates as both. Funding comes from the Ohio Third Frontier, a state-level technology-based economic development initiative, and the entity makes equity investments in for-profit startups. The return expectations are blended: producing venture-style financial outcomes while meeting job-creation and commercialization mandates for the state of Ohio.
Who co-invests alongside TechGROWTH Ohio?
Frequent co-investors include the Ohio Innovation Fund, a statewide venture fund of funds, and the Athens Ohio Investment Alliance, a locally organized angel group that formed around portfolio-company successes such as Stirling Ultracold. These partnerships help the firm syndicate later-stage capital that exceeds its own check-size capacity.
What was the Stirling Ultracold exit and why does it matter?
Stirling Ultracold manufactured portable ultra-low temperature freezers based on Ohio University research. It was acquired by BioLife Solutions for a reported $72 million in 2021 (per BioLife Solutions, 2021). The exit validated the program's model of retaining high-skilled manufacturing and research talent in Athens, and proceeds helped seed follow-on investment groups like the Athens Ohio Investment Alliance.
What investment stages does TechGROWTH Ohio target?
The firm writes pre-seed and seed-stage checks, often as the first institutional capital into a company. It will also participate in early growth rounds alongside partners like the Ohio Innovation Fund. The program does not typically lead Series B or later-stage financings directly, instead facilitating introductions to its network of in-state and regional venture firms.
Does TechGROWTH Ohio invest only in companies with ties to Ohio University?
No. While many portfolio companies originate inside Ohio University labs, the program's economic development mandate covers all of southeast Ohio. Companies without a direct university research license can qualify if they locate operations, hire from the regional workforce, or align with the Ohio Third Frontier's advanced technology focus areas.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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