Leveraging the strengths of The Ohio State University, we provide capital, mentorship, and world-class technical expertise to emerging companies that are working to transform society for the better.
Companies founded, led, or substantially backed by OSU alumni
Technology developed by researchers and technologists at OSU
Ohio-based ventures who can strategically benefit from OSU’s resources and alumni
We are a team of veteran operators who have built companies from napkin sketches to profitability and 9-figure exits. When it comes to our portfolio companies, Carmen’s dollars go further than any other investor on the cap table, because when a check is cut, this is only the beginning of our work.
Capital from Carmen goes further than typical early stage venture dollars. Our investments are active partnerships, and our team works alongside yours to drive positive outcomes from day one.
From to customers and partners to potential acquirers, we tap into our 650k member alumni network to make introductions that profoundly alter the course of a company’s trajectory, early on.
Gain direct access to labs, R&D facilities, award-winning researchers, strategic partnerships, and other exclusive benefits made possible through our adjacency to The Ohio State University.
Like any Buckeye, servant leadership is embedded in our ethos. We leverage our team, resources, and connections to create value for our portfolio companies as soon as we invest.
Our LPs and advisors serve in fractional executive roles, mitigating the cost of senior hires that aren’t fully required yet.
We curate board members with direct expertise to help founders get ahead and avoid common obstacles.
With our relationships to OSU's Colleges and researchers, our portfolio companies are one call away from world-class technical expertise in any domain.
The untapped value of the OSU’s $1.4 billion annual research investment represents a generational opportunity for investors. With investments in new centers for innovation, the gap in early stage venture capital is only widening. Carmen exists to harness the potential of these world-class technologies that have remained largely unrealized due to lack of capital.
THE INNOVATION INFRASTRUCTURE
Created by OSU Alums Since 2016
Our LPs benefit from access to university spin-out's, as well as deal flow sourced from the nation's largest living alumni network
Our relationships with OSU’s Colleges and renowned researchers instantly removes the barrier of technical knowledge gaps
Our team has taken companies from napkin sketches to 9-figure exits. As founders ourselves, we're able to spot opportunities to create value for founders and LPs early on.
Leveraging our adjacency to OSU and its network of corporate partners, Carmen is positioned at the mouth of Ohio's technology commercialization pipeline.
When one Buckeye succeeds, we all succeed.
We see our firm is a vehicle for living legacy, to support the next wave of Buckeyes and Ohio founders while fostering the culture of entrepreneurship present at rival universities.
Gifting the most valuable resource: knowledge.
From board positions and advisory seats to fractional executive roles, we lean actively on our LP network to support our portfolio companies throughout the entrepreneurial journey.
Investing in tomorrow's leaders.
As Woody Hayes ingrained in us the obligation to "Pay it Forward," so too reflects the mission of Carmen. 20% of our GP carry supports the Carmen Foundation, which provides grant funding to student entrepreneurial and commercialization pursuits.
The Carmen Venture Network™ is a closed community of LPs, corporate investors, fund managers, and founders who are working together to drive innovation forward in Buckeye Nation, and to shepherd the ecosystem we need to remain a leading force in innovation and entrepreneurship at a pivotal stage of growth for our region, and for the university.
MEMBER BENEFITS:
Our investment committee was thoughtfully assembled to serve as stewards of our LP's funds, a curated mix of disciplined investment acumens that culminate in a well-rounded diligence paradigm for our firm, while complementing the operational prowess of our management team. With a carefully crafted mix of seasoned Silicon Valley alumni experienced in early-stage venture investing and private equity managers focused on profitability and timely returns, we bring the value-conscious mindset of Ohioans to the table at every deal.
Carmen Ventures is based in the Midwest, Columbus, Ohio to be exact. We are born and raised Buckeyes. Sure, we have done business around the country and in some cases, around the world. One thing that has not changed is that we have been raised to be conservative (this is not about politics!) – frugal, careful, blue-collar, or agricultural backgrounds. The Midwest is to a certain extent, insulated from what happens on the coasts. We are not naïve, but we are not the type to take a flyer on something we do not understand.
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Read MoreDiscover the Carmen advantage when the time is right for you. With our partnerships, industry knowledge, and unwavering support, we're here to help founders thrive, LPs win, and our ecosystem succeed.
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