CLEVELAND, Ohio – March 4, 2025 – JumpStart Ventures has announced a successful first close of its NEXT Fund III, raising nearly $25 million towards a $50 million target. This milestone underscores JumpStart Ventures’ ongoing commitment to providing crucial capital to tech founders, enabling them to scale their startups.
NEXT Fund III is supported by the innovative State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Ohio, alongside institutional and private investors. The fund will focus on investing in Seed and Series A startups, building on JumpStart Ventures’ two decades of experience in supporting high-growth companies with risk capital, while also generating strong returns for its investment partners. This is JumpStart Ventures’ third fund under the NEXT model, and its eighth venture capital fund overall.
“This close represents a significant step forward in supporting our region’s most ambitious founders,” said Hardik Desai, Managing Partner of JumpStart Ventures. “With the backing of our committed partners, we are focused on providing the capital and resources needed to help founders scale their businesses and bring groundbreaking technologies to market.”
JumpStart Ventures’ portfolio companies have significantly contributed to the venture capital ecosystem in recent years. Several venture-backed startups, including Abre, Centerline Biomedical, OnStation, Cleveland Diagnostics, Orthobrain, Axuall and Onshift, show significant growth. Over 30 portfolio companies like CoverMyMeds, Able Software, Wireless Environment, CardioInsight, and Vizzle have been acquired, generating significant returns for investors.
JumpStart Ventures manages four distinct investment funds to drive startup growth. NEXT Fund III plans to invest in approximately 15 startups in the coming years. As one of Ohio’s most active early-stage investors, JumpStart Ventures’ investment activities have generated top quartile investment returns through notable exits and successful fundraises.
About JumpStart Ventures JumpStart Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in Seed and Series A technology startups across Ohio and beyond. With over $200 million under management, the organization provides a comprehensive capital continuum to founders as they navigate critical growth phases. For more information, please visit JumpStart.VC.
