QCA Ventures announced it has officially rebranded from Queen City Angels, positioning the new name as a marker of the group’s expansion from a Cincinnati-based angel collective into what it describes as a nationally recognized venture organization backing early-stage founders with capital and hands-on support.
Founded in 2000, the organization said it has grown into a network of more than 219 accredited members across 25 states. QCA Ventures said the rebrand reflects a broader national footprint, the buildout of an institutional fund platform, and more structured venture operations alongside its direct investment activity.
The group highlighted its investing history since inception, saying it has invested nearly $130 million across 123 portfolio companies and helped attract more than $1 billion in follow-on syndicated capital. QCA Ventures said it operates multiple venture funds in addition to its direct investment platform. Its latest vehicle, QCA First Fund VII, launched in late 2024 and has already invested in 12 companies, with the fund remaining open to new accredited investors through 2026.
QCA Ventures also emphasized its model of member involvement, saying investors contribute time as well as capital through strategic guidance, board participation, introductions, talent connections, and follow-on fundraising support. While maintaining ties to the Cincinnati entrepreneurial ecosystem, the organization said it now deploys capital nationally while continuing to support startup growth in its home market.
Alongside the name change, QCA Ventures introduced a new brand identity and the tagline “Capital. Connections. Commitment.” The organization said it focuses on four major sectors, including life sciences, IT (B2B SaaS), advanced materials, and advanced manufacturing, and uses its Standards + Practices Guide to educate and mentor both entrepreneurs and early-stage investor members.
KEY QUOTES:
“We started with five investors in Cincinnati and have grown into a professionally structured venture organization with national reach. QCA Ventures reflects who we’ve become — disciplined investors, active mentors, and long-term partners to founders building successful, high-growth companies.”
“Our roots in Cincinnati remain strong. At the same time, this rebrand reflects the national scope of our investing activity and the professionalism of our investor community.”
Founder and Chairman Tony Shipley
“We measure our success by the success of our founders. The quality of companies we’ve backed through this fund reflects both the strength of today’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and the rigor of our investment process.”
Michelle Gibbs, QCA Ventures member and co-fund manager of First Fund VII
“Our members invest both capital and time. That hands-on involvement is a major differentiator and one of the reasons founders consistently seek out QCA Ventures as a long-term partner.”
Executive Director Scott Jacobs
“The tagline captures what makes QCA Ventures unique. We provide capital, open doors through meaningful connections, and stay committed to founders from the first check through successful exit.”
Mike Halloran, QCA Ventures member and professor at Xavier University’s Williams College of Business
