To advance the region’s burgeoning startup ecosystem, the University of Cincinnati 1819 Innovation Hub announced that Main Street Ventures (MSV), a non-profit capital deployment powerhouse for early-stage technology, retail, and product manufacturing companies, moved into the building this month. The partnership is expected to ramp up Cincinnati’s startup and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
As the 1819 Innovation Hub continues its goal of cultivating and supporting groundbreaking ideas, this collaboration with MSV marks an opportunity to continue reshaping the entrepreneurial landscape of the region. Main Street Ventures now focuses on providing capital support to empower good ideas, create a diverse and inclusive startup community, attract and retain qualified talent and build resilient businesses with long-term viability. Since 2018, Main Street Ventures distributed over $3.5 million to more than 160 companies across the Greater Cincinnati region. Over 75% of these companies are led by underrepresented founders.
MSV strives to equalize entrepreneurship across Greater Cincinnati. Their goal aligns with the 1819 Innovation Hub to provide aspiring industry visionaries with essential support and resources. And Main Street Ventures joins a lineup of global powerhouses inside the 1819 Innovation Hub, including Procter & Gamble, Co. Kroger Co., Fifth Third Bank and Western & Southern Financial Group.
The University of Cincinnati delivers a major economic boost to the region and state of Ohio thanks to alumni impact, operations and research spending, student demand for goods and services, the launch of startup companies, etc.
KEY QUOTES:
“Main Street Ventures is excited to embark on the next evolution of our organizational journey in partnership with the University of Cincinnati. Moving into a space that is both physically and figuratively on the forefront of making connections and inspiring younger generations, this is a great fit for MSV as we continue raising money to support new and innovative business ideas.”
– Sean Parker, executive director of MSV
“Main Street Ventures has been a trailblazer for our region’s innovation ecosystem for more than two decades. Their commitment to serving under-represented entrepreneurs ranks second to none. We are honored and excited to welcome them to 1819 and the Cincinnati Innovation District.”
– Ryan Hays, UC executive vice president and chief innovation and strategy officer
