Ohio is home to a vibrant investment community, with numerous investment firms, hedge funds, private equity groups, and venture capital funds based in the state. Major cities like Cleveland and Columbus have developed into financial hubs, attracting top talent from across the country. This article provides an overview of some of the most prominent investment groups in Ohio. It looks at their investment strategies, assets under management, portfolio companies, and investment performance. Understanding the landscape of investment groups in Ohio provides insights into the state’s business environment and investment opportunities.
Drive Capital – Early stage venture capital firm based in Columbus
Drive Capital is one of Ohio’s most active venture capital firms, focused on investing in early stage technology startups based in the Midwest. Founded in 2013 by two former Sequoia Capital partners, Drive Capital has raised over $1.2 billion across three funds. The firm has invested in around 60 companies, with over 20 exits so far. Drive Capital targets sectors like enterprise software, fintech, healthcare IT, consumer internet, and automation. Its portfolio includes successful companies like Duolingo, Root Insurance, and Olive. The firm’s connections and operational expertise make it a sought after investor for Midwest startups.
Cleveland Avenue – Private equity firm focused on consumer products
Founded in 2019 by former executives from Kraft Foods, Cleveland Avenue is a Cleveland-based private equity firm focused on the consumer products sector. The firm invests in established middle-market companies selling branded consumer goods. Cleveland Avenue looks to partner with founders and entrepreneurs to accelerate growth through operational improvements and strategic acquisitions. Its current portfolio includes well-known brands likexAH EYEn, fieldtrip and GoodBelly. The firm manages over $330 million in assets and closed its second fund in 2022.
Blue Point Capital – Cleveland-based private equity firm
Blue Point Capital is a Cleveland-based private equity firm managing over $1.5 billion in committed capital. Founded in 1999, the firm invests in lower middle-market companies across diverse sectors like industrial manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and technology. Blue Point Capital looks to create value through operational improvements, commercial expansion, and add-on acquisitions. Its recent Ohio investments include Imperial Beverage, Laser Tools, and Patton Medical Devices. Blue Point has successfully exited portfolio companies like Travel Centers of America and Atrium Staffing.
Cresset Asset Management – Wealth management & investment advisor
Founded in 2010 and based in Cleveland, Cresset Asset Management offers comprehensive wealth management and investment advisory services to individuals, families, and institutions. It provides asset allocation, investment management, financial planning, and private equity access to clients. Cresset manages over $20 billion in assets across its wealth management, asset management, and private equity divisions. Through its Cresset Partners private equity arm, the firm invests in lower middle-market companies in healthcare, financial services, and technology.
Ohio is home to a diverse mix of investment firms actively deploying capital across the state. Venture capital, private equity, and wealth management groups provide capital and expertise to startups, small businesses, and investors in Ohio. The investment landscape reflects the state’s strengths in sectors like financial services, consumer goods, healthcare, and technology.