Ohio presents a supportive setting for startups in need of funding and mentorship.

JumpStart Inc. is a major contributor with over 160 investments in regional companies. North Coast Ventures also adds to the activity, having funded over 90 startups.

Below is our list of the best 26 accelerators and incubators in Ohio.

Failory's Top 10 Picks

JumpStart Inc. champions entrepreneurs in Northeast Ohio by providing development assistance and non-dilutive capital through its non-profit model. Focusing on the software and healthtech sectors, they offer founders significant funding without taking any equity, a key advantage for early-stage growth.

Year Founded2003
FoundersRay Leach
Investment AmountTrailblazer Software: up to $125K non-dilutive; Trailblazer HealthTech: $50K covered
Equity Taken0%
Nº of Investments165
Nº of Exits17
Duration (Weeks)12

North Coast Ventures brings together capital and connections to fuel the growth of early-stage B2B SaaS companies. Drawing from a network of more than 250 investors and entrepreneurs, they provide critical funding and strategic guidance to help startups succeed.

Year Founded2006
FoundersTodd Federman, Claiborne Rankin
Nº of Investments92
Nº of Exits9

The Brandery accelerates tech and retail startups by focusing intensely on the art and science of brand building. Its nationally-ranked program connects founders with world-class creative mentorship and resources to launch powerful consumer-facing companies.

Year Founded2010
FoundersDave Knox, Rob McDonald, Bryan Radtke, J.B. Kropp
Nº of Investments81
Nº of Exits9
Program TypeOn-Site
Duration (Weeks)12

dunnhumby Ventures invests in and partners with startups using AI, data, and analytics to innovate within the retail and CPG ecosystem. They offer both capital and strategic partnership, giving companies access to deep expertise from a global leader in customer data science.

Year Founded2013
FoundersLeo Nagdas
Nº of Investments20
Nº of Exits6
Bizdom Logo

5. Bizdom

Bizdom provides seed funding and intense mentorship sessions to help launch early-stage startups. They are dedicated to building the entrepreneurial communities in Detroit and Cleveland.

Year Founded1997
FoundersDan Gilbert
Nº of Investments29
Nº of Exits4

10Xelerator runs a mentor-driven accelerator program that helps entrepreneurs, including those in the non-profit space, convert their ideas into viable businesses. The program's focus is providing the hands-on guidance necessary for founders to successfully navigate the journey from concept to launch.

Year Founded2011
Founders—
Nº of Investments21
Nº of Exits3

Pairing seasoned experts with talented interns, Flashstarts provides hands-on acceleration and venture funding for early-stage software startups. They offer crucial mentorship and capital to help founders in sectors like healthcare IT and digital media build and scale their businesses.

Year Founded2013
FoundersJennifer Keiser Neundorfer, Charles Stack
Nº of Investments26
Nº of Exits2

Focusing on B2B SaaS companies, Reach Ventures helps founders build repeatable and profitable growth engines. The accelerator provides capital and dedicated programs to help startups scale their operations effectively.

Year Founded2000
Founders—
Nº of Investments3
Nº of Exits2

As a non-profit, faith-based accelerator, OCEAN Programs helps founders of tech-enabled startups build scalable businesses. They provide seed capital and a curriculum focused on spiritual, personal, and professional development, uniquely integrating faith with entrepreneurship.

Year Founded2014
FoundersTim Metzner, Chad Reynolds, Tim Brunk
Nº of Investments22
Nº of Exits2
Program TypeOn-Site
Duration (Weeks)16

Ohio Third Frontier champions technology-based startups and early-stage companies throughout the state. It connects these companies with vital capital and resources, aiming to build a robust, job-creating tech economy within the state.

Year Founded2002
Founders—
Nº of Investments29
Nº of Exits1

16 Additional Ohio Accelerators and Incubators Worth Applying To

The support for founders in Ohio doesn't stop with our favorite picks. Together, the programs below have funded over 100 startups, helping founders get their ideas off the ground.

Many of these organizations offer unique resources and community connections. Here’s a look at the other accelerators and incubators helping founders build their businesses in Ohio.