Become a Startup Scout
in
at
Ohio State University

Embark on a dynamic journey as a VC startup scout. Unleash your innovative spirit, gain panoramic exposure to emerging industries, and transform lives at the intersection of academia and entrepreneurship. Dive in now!

About

Ohio State University (OSU) has a thriving startup and Venture Capital ecosystem, supported by numerous resources and initiatives by the university itself. OSU provides education, opportunities, and resources to encourage entrepreneurial ventures among its students and alumni.

One of the notable initiatives is the Technology Commercialization Office (TCO) at OSU, which works to transfer university-developed technologies to the commercial sector. It aids in the startup creation process, patent application, and provides resources and mentorship to startups.

In addition to TCO, the university also runs Ohio State's Business Builder, a support program that aids students in developing their business ideas. The program offers an array of resources including networking events, guest speakers, and business development workshops.

The university's student-led organization, Buckeye Entrepreneurship Network, is another pillar of the startup culture at OSU, which organizes entrepreneurship-focused events and provides resources to help students launch and grow their businesses.

OSU has incubated numerous successful startups, like Nikola Labs, a wireless power company that has raised over $9M in funding. The university also fosters innovative ventures through competitions like the annual Business Plan Competition that gives students and alumni an opportunity to develop and showcase their business ideas.

Notable individuals from OSU's ecosystem include Cheryl Krueger, an alumna and the founder of Cheryl’s Cookies, and Mark Kvamme, a Venture Capitalist who was a partner at Sequoia Capital and now a co-founder of Drive Capital, a Midwest Venture Capital firm that has raised over $1.2 billion.

Overall, the Ohio State University’s commitment to nurturing a thriving startup and VC ecosystem is evident in its various initiatives, a supportive environment, and the successful startups it's producing.

As a Scout, You Can...

Kickstart Your Venture Capital Career

Showing your skills in picking successful startups and advising founders is the surest way to build your reputation and secure a venture capital role.

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Help Your Ecosystem Thrive

Your community, region, or group thrives when its founders are given the chance to succeed before going back and reinvesting in their comunities.

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Earn a Share in Startups Without Investing in Them

Earn a share in startups you scout without the funds to invest directly just like a VC partner.

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Monetise Your Content & Community

As a podcaster, community manager, or event organiser you have a front-row seat to interesting startups which you can monetise by helping them fundraise.

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Create a Fairer Society

By identifying under-represented founders you're level the playing field for anyone to success based on merit independent from their social or ethnic background.

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Help Friends Get Funded

Help your friends who are neck-deep in their startups get the funding they need to succeed.

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Grow Your Personal Brand

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Join as a Scout at Your University

Available Programs

Startup Investor?

Invest in the future of innovation coming out of Ohio State University! Receive dealflow opportunities from individuals, startups, and innovations right from the source. Make the right investment today.

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Scout Programs in Other Global Startup Hubs

Podcaster

Do you interview founders & startups? Take your conversation insights to the next level by scouting your favourite podcast guests.

Scout founders you interview →

Co-Working Space Organiser

Do you help run a co-working space as an organiser or a greeter? Do you come across interesting entrepreneurs and startups?

Scout startups you sit next to→

Event Organiser

Do you organise an event, conference, or trade show? Help your founder attendees get discovered.

Scout startups at your event →

Student

Are you active in the entrepreneurship club at your college? Doing an MBA? Or are you a PHD student at a technical university? Help your fellow students get funded.

Scout startups at your university →

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