Ohio Angel Collective

?? Exciting Event Announcement - BistroCat Pitch! ?? Date: Tomorrow, virtually at 12 PM at the Ohio Angel Collective We have an exciting opportunity that you won't want to miss! Cecelia Carrera, the Founder of BistroCat, will be presenting her groundbreaking innovation: the world’s first fully automated wet cat food feeder ??. Cecelia has been making significant strides in the pet technology industry, and we are thrilled to hear her insights and the journey behind BistroCat. Following the pitch, we will hold an interactive Q&A session ??, offering our members the opportunity to delve deeper into the technology, ask questions, and engage directly with Cecelia. This is an ideal chance to understand how BistroCat is transforming pet care through technological innovation. The meeting will be recorded, so if you cannot attend live, you will still be able to access all the valuable information shared. If you would like to attend this pitch, please contact Mike Supeck to join the OAC. Remember, its free to join! #Startup #AngelInvesting #OhioEntrepreneurs #BistroCat #OhioAngelCollective #Innovation #PetTech Will Zell, Corey Myers, Tom Schoger, Patrick Klein, Ryan J. Beal, Jeff (J.D.) Davids, Mike Supeck, Roen McCullough

??Reflections on #StartupCincy Week?? We are thrilled to reflect on an incredible experience at StartupCincy Week. A huge thank you to Cintrifuse for making this event such a powerful platform for Cincinnati's entrepreneurial ?? ecosystem. Our very own Mike Supeck took part in two impactful sessions, sharing his insights and experiences as part of the Ohio Angel Collective. During the LUNCHPAD: Behind the Scenes with Our Next Generation of Emerging Managers ???, Mike joined Christy Johnson, Mike Veith, CFA, and Patrick Henshaw to demystify the process of building venture funds. They shared personal stories, key lessons, and debunked common misconceptions—offering aspiring VCs and fund managers a genuine look behind the curtain??. Mike also participated in the Investor Reverse Pitch, where he and fellow investors, including Triet Nguyen, Katie Kopan, Mario Mazzone, Peter Schmidt, Christy Johnson, and Joshua Kline, flipped the script and pitched to founders. It was a valuable opportunity to connect with founders, highlighting how Ohio Angel Collective supports them not just through funding, but also through mentorship and a collaborative network. We are grateful to Cintrifuse for creating an environment that fosters meaningful connections ?? and powerful conversations —it’s events like these that help us build a more collaborative and thriving startup community in Ohio. To everyone who attended: thank you for your energy, engagement, and ideas! ?? Let’s keep driving innovation and growing together ?? #StartupCincyWeek #Cintrifuse #OhioAngelCollective #VC #Entrepreneurship #ThankYou #CincinnatiStartups Will Zell, Corey Myers, Tom Schoger, Patrick Klein, Ryan J. Beal, Jeff (J.D.) Davids, Mike Supeck, Roen McCullough

?? Founder Spotlight: Evan Delahanty, Founder & CEO of Peaceful Fruits ?? At Ohio Angel Collective (OAC), we are committed to supporting entrepreneurs who not only drive innovation but also make a positive social impact. This month, we’re proud to shine our spotlight on Evan Delahanty, the inspiring founder of Peaceful Fruits. Evan’s company stands out as a remarkable example of how purpose and profit can go hand in hand, and we are honored to have contributed to its growth. ?? From the Heart of the Amazon to Ohio: Evan’s entrepreneurial journey began in an unexpected place—the remote rainforests of Suriname. While serving as a Peace Corps volunteer from 2011 to 2013, Evan witnessed firsthand the economic challenges faced by indigenous communities. His role as a Community Economic Development Specialist opened his eyes to the potential of socially responsible business ventures to drive positive change. It was here that Evan was inspired to create Peaceful Fruits, a company that would sustainably source a?ai berries from the Amazon, provide fair wages to local farmers, and bring 100% natural, healthy fruit snacks to consumers in the U.S. This dual mission—connecting the natural bounty of the Amazon with consumers looking for clean, sustainable snacks—has been at the heart of Peaceful Fruits ever since. ?? A Social Enterprise Rooted in Community: Peaceful Fruits is not just about healthy snacking; it’s about creating social impact. Evan’s vision extends beyond the Amazonian communities he supports. The company’s production facility in Akron, Ohio, is staffed by individuals with developmental disabilities, providing them with meaningful employment opportunities. This inclusive model is one of the defining characteristics of Peaceful Fruits—offering a chance for marginalized individuals to be part of something bigger. The company focuses on ethical sourcing, environmentally friendly practices, and social inclusion, all while delivering delicious snacks that are free from added sugars, preservatives, or artificial ingredients ?? What’s Next for Peaceful Fruits? Evan and his team at Peaceful Fruits are just getting started. The company is continuously innovating, with new products, expanded distribution channels, and ambitious plans to reach more consumers while making an even greater social impact. Peaceful Fruits embodies the future of business—one where profits and purpose coexist harmoniously. ?? At OAC, we look for businesses that blend profitability with purpose, and Peaceful Fruits is a perfect example of this synergy. OAC was proud to provide the early-stage capital that helped the company scale from a local startup to a rapidly growing brand with national reach. #FounderSpotlight #PeacefulFruits #SocialEnterprise #ImpactInvesting #OhioEntrepreneurs #Sustainability #InclusiveEmployment #EthicalSourcing #OAC Will Zell, Corey Myers, Tom Schoger, Patrick Klein, Ryan J. Beal, Jeff (J.D.) Davids, Mike Supeck, Roen McCullough

?? Team Spotlight: Meet Tom Schoger, Syndication Lead at Ohio Angel Collective ?? We’re proud to spotlight Tom Schoger, Syndication Lead at Ohio Angel Collective (OAC), whose strategic vision is transforming the way startups and investors connect in Ohio. With a background in finance and a passion for building impactful relationships, Tom plays a crucial role in helping OAC fuel innovation across the state. ?? About Tom Tom is a Miami University alumnus, where he earned his BS in Finance, consistently demonstrating excellence. Alongside OAC, he serves as Head of Research at Vessel, gaining extensive experience in investment analysis and due diligence, skills he now leverages to maximize the impact of OAC’s syndication process. ?? Championing Innovation at Ohio Angel Collective At OAC, Tom leads the charge in managing syndication efforts, coordinating investment opportunities, and building a dynamic network of angel investors. His role is vital in implementing OAC’s subscription-based model, which lowers the barrier for investors to engage with high-potential startups. This model enables investors to diversify their portfolios with as little as $1,000, making angel investing more accessible and supporting a diverse range of Ohio-based ventures. ?? Fostering a Collaborative Ecosystem Tom is dedicated to not just funding startups but also building a collaborative ecosystem where founders can thrive. He works closely with entrepreneurs and investors to ensure that OAC is more than just a source of capital—it’s a strategic partner that provides resources, mentorship, and connections. His efforts contribute to OAC’s mission of creating a robust support system that accelerates the growth of local startups and strengthens Ohio’s position as a hub for entrepreneurial innovation. #TeamSpotlight #AngelInvesting #OhioStartups #FinanceLeadership #Innovation #OAC #Entrepreneurship #StartupEcosystem Will Zell, Corey Myers, Patrick Klein, Ryan J. Beal, Jeff (J.D.) Davids, Mike Supeck

?Founder Spotlight: Naveed Iqbal - The Visionary Turning the Tide on Student Debt! ? Naveed Iqbal, Ph.D., embarked on a mission to tackle one of the biggest financial challenges of our time—student debt. What began as a personal drive to find a solution to an increasingly overwhelming problem has evolved into a groundbreaking platform that is revolutionizing how we think about debt repayment. Dolr is leading this charge, offering innovative solutions that make paying off student loans faster, easier, and more collaborative. Ohio Angel Collective is proud to collaborate with Dolr, supporting their mission to reshape the financial future for countless individuals burdened by student loans. ?? Meet Naveed Iqbal, Ph.D. Growing up in Tanzania and later earning a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, Naveed’s journey is a unique blend of global perspective and academic rigor. His time in consumer risk management at a major U.S. bank opened his eyes to the crippling burden of student loans and the lack of effective solutions. Driven by a deep passion for education and financial freedom, Naveed founded Dolr to not only address the debt crisis but to make the repayment process more efficient, accessible, and supportive. His leadership has turned Dolr into a lifeline for borrowers, reshaping the way we approach debt. ?? What is Dolr? Dolr is not just a platform; it’s a movement that empowers individuals to pay off their student loans faster with smarter, community-backed strategies. By integrating cashback from everyday purchases, contributions from employers, and support from family and friends, Dolr turns debt repayment into a team effort. It automates payments, maximizes savings, and accelerates the journey to financial freedom—helping users shave years off their loan terms while saving thousands in interest. Dolr is reimagining debt repayment as a collective effort, making it a revolutionary tool in the fight against student debt. ?? Learn more about how Dolr is reshaping the future of student debt repayment: https://www.getdolr.com/ #InnovativeFinance #Fintech #StudentLoans #Leadership #FinancialFreedom #OhioStartups Will Zell, Corey Myers, Tom Schoger, Patrick Klein, Ryan J. Beal, Jeff (J.D.) Davids, Mike Supeck, Roen McCullough

?? Milestone Alert! ?? In the short time since our inception, Ohio Angel Collective has proudly funded 7 dynamic companies! Each investment highlights our commitment to catalyzing growth and bringing groundbreaking ideas to life right here in Ohio. This remarkable journey wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support and commitment from our incredible investors. ?? Let's continue to empower local founders and transform the entrepreneurial landscape together! ?? #OhioAngelCollective #Startups #InvestmentImpact #Entrepreneurship Will Zell, Corey Myers, Tom Schoger, Patrick Klein, Ryan J. Beal, Jeff (J.D.) Davids, Roen McCullough, Mike Supeck

What a powerful and inspiring close to #OhioVCFest24! ?? The energy around Ohio’s startup scene has never been stronger, and it’s clear we’re on the brink of something special. ??? Former Congressman Steve Stivers captured the moment perfectly: “One thing we need to do is increase the angel investors in Ohio. We need more Ohio-based funds and encourage through tax incentives more Angels in Ohio.” At Ohio Angel Collective, we couldn’t agree more. ?? Ohio is brimming with innovation, but to unlock its full potential, we must grow our network of angel investors. It’s these early-stage investments that will enable the next wave of Ohio startups to flourish, creating jobs, driving economic growth, and cementing our state’s position as a leader in entrepreneurship. ??? A big thank you to JumpStart Inc. for organizing such an impactful event! ?? We were honored to hear from incredible leaders including: Julie Jacono, CEO, JumpStart Inc. Chris Heivly, Co-founder, MapQuest Maria Bennett, CEO, SPR Therapeutics Kris Snyder, Chief Revenue Officer, Ninety.IO Conor Kenney, VP of Product & Technology, Cleveland Cavaliers As we look ahead, we invite you to join us at OAC and be part of Ohio’s exciting future. Let’s work together to fuel the next generation of entrepreneurs! ?? #OhioVCFest #AngelInvesting #OhioStartups #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #OAC #JumpStart #VentureCapital #InvestInOhio Will Zell, Corey Myers, Tom Schoger, Patrick Klein, Ryan J. Beal, Jeff (J.D.) Davids, Mike Supeck

?? Team Spotlight: Meet Mike Supeck, Managing Director at Ohio Angel Collective ?? We’re thrilled to spotlight Mike Supeck, one of the visionary founding partners at Ohio Angel Collective! With a Bachelor’s in Computer Software Engineering from Miami University, Mike’s deep technical knowledge and problem-solving mindset have played a key role in shaping the innovative investment strategies at OAC. ?? At OAC, Mike helped introduce a groundbreaking subscription-based investment model, allowing investors to support early-stage startups with a minimum commitment of $1,000. This approach opens up the world of angel investing to more participants, fueling the growth of Ohio’s startup ecosystem. ?? With Mike’s leadership, OAC has already invested in 7 startups, offering crucial early-stage funding and creating new opportunities for innovation. ?? Beyond his work at OAC, Mike is also a Techstars mentor, where he shares his expertise with rising tech founders, guiding them through the challenges of scaling their businesses. He’s passionate about supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs. ?? Additionally, as an OhioX ambassador, Mike is an advocate for the state’s growing tech community, working to expand Ohio’s influence as a thriving hub for technology and entrepreneurship. ??? What makes Mike’s contributions truly stand out is his focus on building a more accessible startup landscape. At OAC, he’s helped cultivate an inclusive space where founders can access not only funding but also the strategic advice and partnerships that drive long-term growth. His goal is simple: to help innovative ideas take off — and that is at the heart of OAC’s mission to make Ohio a national leader in entrepreneurship. ?? #TeamSpotlight #AngelInvesting #Innovation #TechMentor #OhioStartups #TechLeadership #OAC #Techstars #InclusiveInvesting #OhioTech Will Zell, Corey Myers, Tom Schoger, Patrick Klein, Ryan J. Beal, Jeff (J.D.) Davids

?? Meet the Visionaries Behind Narratize: Revolutionizing Storytelling Through AI ?? We're thrilled to spotlight the brilliant minds behind Narratize. This innovative company isn’t just changing the game; it’s redefining how we communicate complex ideas in science and technology. In recognizing the synergy between our organisations, OAC made a strategic investment in Narratize in Q1. ?? Katie Trauth Taylor, PhD, CEO & Co-founder - A powerhouse with a Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Technical Communication, Katie has made it her life’s work to ensure that groundbreaking ideas are presented as compelling stories. Her leadership at Narratize drives the vision forward, turning sophisticated scientific data into engaging narratives that resonate across industries. ?? Catherine O'Shea, COO & Co-founder - With a rich background in literature and nonprofit management, Catherine excels at bridging the gap between complex ideas and their societal impacts. At Narratize, she integrates strategic operational frameworks that enhance the storytelling capabilities of innovators and creators. ?? Kara Uchtman, P.E. Chief Product Officer & Co-founder - Kara translates technical challenges into user-centric product solutions. Her expertise ensures that Narratize’s technology is not only cutting-edge but also accessible, empowering users to seamlessly transform their insights into influential stories. About Narratize: How Bold Ideas Get Told. Narratize empowers innovative product teams to launch products and discoveries to market 20X faster. Saving 9 hours per person per week, teams at Boeing, Comcast, Kao, NASA, Beck's, and the United Nations accelerate documentation across the product lifecycle with the AI research and writing platform trusted by the world's top innovators. ?? Discover how Narratize is pioneering the future of communication by integrating AI with human creativity to create stories that are not just heard, but truly understood. Explore Narratize’s transformative approach: https://www.narratize.com/ #Innovation #TechStartup #AI #NarrativeScience #Storytelling #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #WomenInTech #ScienceCommunication #DataScience Will Zell, Corey Myers, Tom Schoger, Patrick Klein, Ryan J. Beal, Jeff (J.D.) Davids, Mike Supeck

?? Exciting Takeaways from the Ohio Venture Pipeline Mid-Year Review! ?? We're still buzzing from the insights and connections at the recent OVP event, and we're thrilled to share these highlights: ? Impressive Funding — Ohio's startups have shown exceptional growth, raising $800M across 163 companies in the first half of 2024! ?? ? AI Leading the Charge — Artificial Intelligence continues to dominate, with AI companies securing a record 28% of VC funding in Q2 2024. ?? ? Support for Startups — The increasing number of early-stage deals reflects strong investor confidence in Ohio’s burgeoning talent. ?? ? More to Come — The energy doesn’t stop here—we’re planning more events to keep this momentum going! ?? ?? Event Deck Available — For those who want a deeper dive into the data and discussions, we’ve shared the event presentation deck by Jeff (J.D.) Davids. Check it out to relive the insights and prepare for what’s next! (https://lnkd.in/gwnQMS2Z) ?? Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making this event a success. Together, we’re pushing Ohio to the forefront of innovation. ?? Connect and Contribute: Thoughts, ideas or questions? Comment below or send a DM. Your insights could lead our next big breakthrough. Engage with us today, and let’s shape tomorrow together! #OhioVenturePipeline #StartupOhio #VentureCapital #AI #Innovation Will Zell, Corey Myers, Tom Schoger, Patrick Klein, Ryan J. Beal, Jeff (J.D.) Davids, Mike Supeck