Podcast

Episode 40: The Future of Investing in Ohio: Insights from Jeffrey Stern’s Journey and Vision

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Jeffrey Stern, O.H.I.O. FundAshtyn Morris, VividFront

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In this episode of Marketing Moves, Jeffrey Stern, Principal of O.H.I.O. Fund and Co-Founder of Axuall, talks about his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the significance of open communication in startups. He discusses his Lay of the Land podcast, designed to inspire Cleveland's entrepreneurial community. Jeffrey shares insights on the O.H.I.O. Fund and highlights the power of storytelling in attracting venture capital.

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Jeffrey, co-founder of Axuall, creator of the Lay of the Land podcast, and principal of The Ohio Fund, shares his journey and insights into investing in Ohio. With The O.H.I.O. Fund recently raising $108 million, Jeffrey’s perspective offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in Ohio's robust economic potential.

Jeffrey Stern’s journey to Cleveland began serendipitously through a Venture for America fellowship, leading him to co-found Axuall, a workforce intelligence company. Axuall focuses on transforming healthcare credentialing, a critical issue in the industry. Jeffrey’s passion for building meaningful products that solve real problems was a key takeaway from his Axuall experience.His curiosity and love for storytelling led him to create the Lay of the Land podcast, which amplifies stories of entrepreneurship in Northeast Ohio. This grassroots effort has grown significantly, highlighting the region's untapped potential and fostering a sense of community among local entrepreneurs.Jeffrey’s latest venture, The O.H.I.O. Fund, aims to catalyze economic growth in Ohio. The fund’s mission is to leverage Ohio’s historical strengths in manufacturing and innovation, positioning the state to capitalize on current technological and industrial trends.

Investing in Ohio: Technological Trends and Opportunities

Jeffrey Stern’s insights into investing in Ohio are rooted in several key technological trends:

Domestic, Secure, and Robust Supply Chains: The increasing need for secure supply chains makes Ohio an attractive location for manufacturing and logistics investments.
Software and Automation in Hardware: The infusion of software and automation into hardware presents significant opportunities for innovation and efficiency in Ohio’s industrial sector.
Energy Storage and AI Growth: Rising demand for energy storage and usage tied to AI growth underscores Ohio’s potential in the tech-driven energy sector.
Declining Cost of Computing and Electricity Production: The exponential decline in the cost of computing and falling costs of electricity production make Ohio a competitive location for tech startups and energy companies.
Renewables and Nuclear Visibility: The increasingly competitive positioning of renewables and the visibility of nuclear within the Overton window highlight Ohio’s potential in the clean energy sector.

The O.H.I.O. Fund: A Catalyst for Reindustrialization

The O.H.I.O. Fund, inspired by Singapore’s Temasek model, aims to be a flexible and impactful investment vehicle. It seeks to invest in opportunities that drive financial and economic impact, leveraging Ohio’s unique strengths. By uniting Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo, Dayton, and Youngstown, The O.H.I.O. Fund strives to create a cohesive investment ecosystem.

Ohio's Investment Landscape

Ohio’s rich history in manufacturing and innovation positions it well for future growth. The state’s strategic importance in building resilient supply chains and its competitive advantages in energy and tech sectors make it an appealing destination for investors.

Key Takeaways for Investors

Leverage Ohio’s Strengths: Focus on sectors where Ohio has historical expertise and competitive advantages.
Stay Informed on Technological Trends: Keep abreast of trends in energy storage, AI, and automation, as these will drive future investment opportunities.
Consider the Broader Economic Impact: Investments that contribute to Ohio’s reindustrialization will yield both financial returns and economic benefits for the state.
Build a Network: Engage with local entrepreneurs and thought leaders to understand the investment landscape better.

Conclusion

Jeffrey Stern’s journey and vision for The O.H.I.O. Fund underline the vast potential of investing in Ohio. By capitalizing on technological trends and leveraging the state’s historical strengths, investors can play a crucial role in Ohio’s economic resurgence. For those interested in exploring business opportunities in Ohio, understanding these dynamics is key to making informed and impactful investment decisions.