About:

JumpStart is a nationally recognized venture development organization that accelerates the progress of high potential, early-stage businesses and includes a special focus on diverse entrepreneurs working in the highest growth industries. Through the depth of its entrepreneurial team and the breadth of its high value resources, JumpStart improves client success in achieving significant milestones, including raising the follow-on capital necessary to create wealth. JumpStart strives to create a more prosperous future for Northeast Ohio.

Fund Support:

$10.6 million

Performance:

Through the end of 2009 JumpStart directly invested in 45 companies which have raised more than $100 million in follow-on capital. It has also helped hundreds of other entrepreneurs by providing a variety of business consulting services. JumpStart is ranked among the nation’s top 10 most active early-stage investments funds, and it has strengthened the region’s entrepreneurial climate.

2010 Update:

  • In July, CEO Ray Leach was named to the National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship by the U.S. Commerce Department. The council is designed to support President Obama's ''innovation strategy''. Read more.
  • JumpStart closed fiscal year 2010 on June 30 with 13 investments that include nine investments in new companies and four additional investments in existing portfolio companies.  This is a fiscal year record for the organization formed in 2004. Read more.
  • Healthcare technology and services company CoverMyMeds LLC of Twinsburg is JumpStart’s newest portfolio company. Read more.
  • In June, JumpStart announced it made a second investment in Electron Database Company.
  • DIY Real Estate Solutions, a JumpStart Ventures portfolio company, was acquired by Yardi Systems in May, generating a positive return for JumpStart.
  • In April, an economic analysis estimated JumpStart's economic impact in 2009 at $90 million. Read more.
  • In March, JumpStart invested in Thermalin Diabetes Inc., which is developing insulin treatments for patients with diabetes. Read more.
  • JumpStart partnered with the State of Ohio to launch a new initiative to accelerate the growth of urban-based and minority-owned entrepreneurial ventures. Read more.
  • JumpStart invested in Melody Management, a software company serving the music industry. Read more.