About StartupCincy

Cincinnati isn’t just a place to launch your startup—it’s where startups scale, connect, and thrive, powered by a collaborative community and unmatched access to customers, capital, and talent.

StartupCincy is the driving force behind the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

StartupCincy is a community and coalition of entrepreneurial support organizations that inspires entrepreneurship at all stages and works to expand the pipeline of startups launching and scaling in the region.

We are a region defined by connection.

Cincinnati’s startup ecosystem thrives on collaboration, innovation, and access. Positioned at the crossroads of industry, investment, and talent, it’s a region where startups grow and scale with unparalleled support.

Customers +

Customers

9 Fortune 500 companies, representing over $360 billion in annual revenue, are headquartered here.

Cincinnati offers startups direct access to decision-makers at industry-leading corporations like Procter & Gamble, Kroger, and Fifth Third Bank.

Capital +

Capital

Cincinnati has attracted over $1.68 billion in startup funding over the past 5 years

With strong local investors and connections to a national network, the region offers startups early-stage funding and access to capital from across the country.

Talent +

Talent

Cincinnati produces over 33,000 STEM graduates annually from institutions like the University of Cincinnati and Miami University.

This offers a vibrant, skilled workforce ready to power innovation.

According to Startup Genome and other ecosystem reports, these startups in strong ecosystems can achieve 2.3 times higher survival rates and raise up to 3.5 times more funding compared to those in underdeveloped ecosystems

Why Cincinnati is the Best Place to Launch and Scale Your Business.

Whether you’re launching your first startup or scaling your latest venture, Cincinnati’s unique combination of resources, talent, and community offers the ideal foundation for long-term success.

Location

Situated within a one-day drive of 60% of the U.S. population, Cincinnati provides unparalleled logistical advantages for startups looking to scale rapidly.

Affordability

With a cost of living 8% lower than the national average, your startup’s resources stretch further, enabling sustainable growth.

Community

Cincinnati is a place where founders help founders. Experienced entrepreneurs actively mentor and guide newcomers, creating a ripple effect of success.

Support

Through partnerships with leading entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs), startups gain access to tailored resources and expertise designed to help them succeed.

Get started growing your business today.

Access Resources

Find funding, workspaces, and support.

Explore Venture Activity

Track startups, funding, and growth across Cincinnati.

Tap into Jobs & Talent

Post jobs, recruit to talent, and grow your business (or find your next role!)

Find Networking Opportunities

Connect at happy hours, meetups, demo nights, and events.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is StartupCincy?

StartupCincy is a community and coalition of entrepreneurial support organizations that inspire and support startups at all stages of their journey, from idea to scale.

You can get involved by attending events, exploring our Resource Hub, signing up for our newsletter and checking out our digital “Welcome to the Ecosystem” kit, or by signing up for our next “Welcome to the Ecosystem” session.

StartupCincy Week is an annual event that brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and community leaders to celebrate and support the region’s startup ecosystem. Learn more here.

Our Resource Hub makes it easy to navigate the ecosystem and access key resources, including:

  • Resource Compass – A curated guide to accelerators, workshops, funding, and startup programs.
  • Ecosystem Calendar – A single place to find startup events, updated automatically.
  • Ecosystem Passport – Free access to coworking spaces, maker studios, and innovation hubs.
  • Startup Job Board – A direct connection between talent and hiring startups.
  • Slack Community – A real-time space for founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders.
  • Dealroom – A live dashboard showcasing Cincinnati’s top startups, funding rounds, and investment activity.

 

The Digital Front Door, aka our Resource Hub, is a curated collection of tools, events, and opportunities tailored to help startups and entrepreneurs find the right support at any stage of their journey.

Start by exploring the Resource Hub, attending local events, and connecting with StartupCincy’s network of support organizations, mentors, and funding opportunities to kickstart your journey.
The region boasts a strong network of local investors, access to national venture capital, and early-stage funding opportunities.

The ecosystem includes job boards, university partnerships, and a network of skilled professionals, helping startups find and retain the right team to grow.

Check out the StartupCincy ecosystem calendar for details on events, workshops, and networking opportunities happening across the region.

Absolutely. While tech startups are prominent, Cincinnati supports ventures across industries like consumer goods, healthcare, logistics, and creative services.

Entrepreneurs, startup founders, startups at any stage, small business owners, investors, and anyone interested in Cincinnati’s entrepreneurial ecosystem can benefit.

Yes, Cincinnati has several coworking spaces and innovation hubs, such as Union Hall and 1819 Innovation Hub, which serve as collaborative spaces for entrepreneurs and innovators. You can explore our ecosystem’s coworking spaces through the Ecosystem Passport.

You can connect with mentors and advisors through StartupCincy events, our online community Slack, or by reaching out to entrepreneurial support organizations in the region.

Cincinnati offers unique advantages like access to corporations, robust local and national investment networks, and a collaborative community of experienced founders and entrepreneur support organizations. With 9 Fortune 500 companies headquartered here, Cincinnati offers startups unique access to industry leaders for partnerships, pilots, and procurement opportunities. Cincinnati is also defined by its connections. From the willingness of experienced founders to mentor new entrepreneurs to its strategic position as a logistics hub, the city offers advantages that other ecosystems can’t match.
Key industries include technology, consumer goods, healthcare innovation, and supply chain logistics, bolstered by the presence of major corporations and a skilled workforce.

Stay in the loop with our news & insights.

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