
Grow your company.
How to become an Ohio State Early Investor Network Portfolio Company
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Ohio State Connection
Have as a company founder or C-level executive a person who is an Ohio State alumni, a current student, faculty or staff member, Certificate recipient or a former student who enrolled but did not complete their degree, OR
License technology from the Ohio State University.
Company Size and Sector
OSEIN is open to startup ventures at all stages of growth and funding seeking capital.
OSEIN is open to companies in all sectors other than alcohol, tobacco, pornography, firearms, gambling or marijuana.
Capital Raise and Follow-On
There are no minimum raise requirements to approach the network.
Companies that have already received an investment through the OSEIN may approach the network to seek follow-on investments.
Limitations
Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee access to the network or that you will receive a certain amount of investment. Investment decisions are made by the individual investors. OSEIN cannot guarantee any outcomes for the pitch.
Companies will be selected to pitch by a committee of network investors.
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Exposure to Accredited Investors: OSEIN is a network of accredited investors interested in financing early or growth stage business ventures and open to providing capital in exchange for equity. Through OSEIN, a company can gain exposure to a pool of potential investors with a specific interest in supporting Ohio State-related ventures.
Simplified Investor Outreach: OSEIN provides a streamlined approach for companies to reach Buckeye investors. Instead of individually seeking out investors, entrepreneurs can leverage the network to present their business and investment proposition to a targeted audience actively looking for investment opportunities.
Collaboration and Expertise Sharing: OSEIN facilitates collaboration and networking opportunities between like-minded investors and entrepreneurs. As a company pitching to the network, you can tap into the expertise, experience, and industry knowledge of network investors. This collaboration can provide valuable insights, mentorship, and guidance to help your company grow and succeed.
Potential for Funding and Capital Support: The primary goal of pitching to OSEIN is to secure funding for your company. If your pitch resonates with network investors, they may express interest in investing capital in your venture. The network utilizes a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) structure to consolidate interested investors into one entity, making it easier for companies to manage their investor relationships.
Ohio State Alumni and Network Connections: The Ohio State Early Investor Network focuses on fostering an entrepreneurial relationship between Ohio State-related investors and entrepreneurs. By engaging with OSEIN, your company can leverage the Ohio State alumni network and tap into the extensive resources, connections, and support offered by the Buckeye community.
Potential for Follow-on Investments: If a company receives an initial investment through OSEIN, there is the opportunity to approach the network again in the future for follow-on investments. This can provide continued support and capital infusion for your company as it progresses through different stages of growth.
Engagement with Ohio State's Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: By participating in OSEIN, your company can engage with Ohio State's expanding entrepreneurial activities, ecosystem, and research. This engagement can open doors to additional resources, partnerships, and collaborations that can benefit your company's growth and development.
Applying to pitch, sharing company information and/or meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee access to the network or that you will receive a certain amount of investment. Investment decisions are made by the individual investors. OSEIN cannot guarantee any outcomes. Companies will be invited to create a profile based on initial information provided; contacting the network and providing information does not guarantee a company will be invited to create a profile. Companies are selected to pitch by a committee of network investors. Staff and committee members reserve the right to limit access to the network as needed.
Ohio State Early Investor Network Portfolio Companies
DASI Simulations delivers AI-driven digital twin software for structural heart procedures—enabling personalized, optimized treatment planning. Based in Dublin, Ohio, the company recently added three eminent cardiologists to its Medical Advisory Board and is now pre-planning complex TAVR cases in real-world clinical settings . With FDA clearance for its Dasi Dimensions product and new Medicare reimbursement for PrecisionTAVI, DASI continues to shape the future of structural heart care .
An OSU spinout founded in 2021 under Prof. Carlos Castro, DNA Nanobots engineers DNA origami–based nanoparticles for precision delivery of therapeutics. Recently closed its pre‑seed round, licensed UC Berkeley tech for non-viral CRISPR-Cas gene delivery, and welcomed Dr. John C. Byrd to its Scientific Advisory Board. Their BioPharma Partner Program supports in vivo development of targeted payloads, with strategic partnerships in oncology and rare disease therapeutics.
Led by OSU College of Medicine alum Dr. Kimberly Langdon ’91, Coologics is advancing Vlisse—a patented, non-hormonal intravaginal cooling device targeting yeast infections, BV, and preterm birth prevention. Fueling its progress, the company recently closed an oversubscribed $3M+ seed round and launched multi-center clinical trials this spring .
Five Star Fans is transforming NIL fundraising with its platform that allows fans to reward student-athletes directly during live plays. Co‑founded by former Buckeye cheerleaders, the startup has seen explosive growth—tens of thousands of dollars in rewards paid and a major NIL campaign featuring Ohio State athletes during the Spring Game . Tailored for the energetic college sports community, their PlayCast feature puts fans at the heart of recruitment and support.