Is Columbus a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Columbus has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Columbus gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Columbus

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Columbus offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

Columbus has a developing early-stage funding environment, supported by local players like Drive Capital and Rev1 Ventures, which actively invest in seed and early-stage companies across various tech sectors. Government initiatives such as the Ohio Third Frontier program and the new Ohio Venture Fund and Ohio Early Stage Focus Fund also provide crucial capital and support, particularly for tech-based companies and those in underserved communities. Angel networks like Ohio TechAngels Fund and the recently launched 71/70 Angels are working to bridge the seed capital gap. While venture funding in Ohio, including Columbus, has seen significant growth in recent years, particularly in sectors like healthcare, challenges remain, including ensuring sufficient pre-seed investment and fostering a more connected ecosystem. Despite a national trend of decreased angel funding, local efforts are aiming to energize the investor community.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Columbus has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Columbus has a growing startup and innovation ecosystem characterized by a collaborative community and increasing entrepreneurial activity. The city offers numerous coworking spaces, with over 40 locations available. Tech events and entrepreneurial activities are also prevalent, including regular meetups, workshops, and conferences like Founders Live Columbus and various tech-specific gatherings. The ecosystem provides support for early-stage founders through various resources. Organizations like Rev1 Ventures act as a venture development studio, offering seed funding, services, mentoring, and connections from concept through early growth. The Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Columbus State provides advising, training, and programs like B.A.S.E. for early-stage entrepreneurs. Incubators such as Idea Foundry and initiatives like Accelerate Columbus also offer tailored support, mentorship, and resources. While there are competitive programs, there's a strong emphasis on personalized support and community building for founders at various stages, including those just starting out. The ecosystem appears to support both early-stage and more mature startups, with resources catering to different growth phases.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Columbus can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Columbus, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Columbus is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Columbus has a strong and growing talent pool for startups, fueled by its numerous educational institutions like The Ohio State University and Columbus State Community College, which produce over 22,000 graduates annually. These institutions offer programs aligned with in-demand skills for startups, including those in technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. The region is a hub for specific industries such as fintech, health tech, logistics, and manufacturing technology, providing a skilled workforce in these areas. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through a diverse and educated workforce, contributing to Columbus being recognized as a top metro for scaling young companies. The presence of major companies and a supportive ecosystem with incubators and accelerators further enhances the talent landscape for startups.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Columbus can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Columbus boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Columbus, Ohio offers a robust ecosystem for startups, featuring numerous support systems and infrastructure. Key resources include accelerators and incubators like Rev1 Ventures, Idea Foundry, and the President's Buckeye Accelerator, providing mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities. Co-working spaces and technology incubators offer physical infrastructure and specialized support. Government initiatives, such as the Ohio Third Frontier and programs through the Ohio Department of Development, provide grants, loans, and resources to fuel technology commercialization and business growth. Organizations like the Ohio Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) offer free advising and training. These combined efforts help startups access capital, expertise, and networks crucial for thriving in the Columbus market.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Columbus. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Columbus Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Columbus provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

While Columbus has a growing startup ecosystem, entrepreneurs may face challenges. Competition exists within the developing tech and innovation sectors. While the cost of living is generally lower than national averages, impacting affordability positively, securing significant venture capital can be more challenging compared to established coastal hubs. Regulatory issues can include navigating various local, state, and federal laws, requiring attention to business licenses, permits, and compliance to avoid potential legal pitfalls.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Columbus or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Columbus offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash