The people. The capital. The next chapter.Latest edition · Oct 1, 2026
AN INDEPENDENT VENTURE PUBLICATION
The Heartland,
in motion.
The founders, deals, and ideas moving the middle of the country forward.
Explore the storiesRooted in Ohio.Connected across nine states.
Ohio / In focus
Ecosystem
Ohio VC Fest brings more than 900 to Cleveland; 2027 dates announced
Read the storyOn our radar
All stories
From the network01
Heartland Venture Network opens coverage across nine states
Oct 1, 2026
Deals & milestones02
1872 puts $15M behind automated steel fabrication in Cincinnati
Oct 1, 2026
Deals & milestones03
BrandRank.AI announces initial closing of $3M seed financing
Oct 1, 2026
THE 2026 DEAL BOOK
Follow the capital.
1872Cincinnati, OHSeed$15MBrandRank.AICincinnati, OHInitial seed close$3M financingFlashpassColumbus, OHSeed$4.25MGo.AIChicago, ILSeries A$85M
Selected financings, with original sources. Amounts retain their announced round and closing context.
NINE STATES. A SHARED AMBITION.
Big things happen
close to home.
Start with your state. Discover the people and places building its next chapter.
Explore our coverageBEYOND THE HEADLINES
Good stories.
Even better company.
Our annual summit brings Heartland founders, investors, and ecosystem builders together during NY Tech Week. The network keeps the conversation going.
Meet the summit Find your peopleMAKE ROOM IN YOUR CALENDAR
Be where it happens.
Oct05
Cincinnati · OH
StartupCincy Week
Happening nowOct06
Milwaukee · WI
Launch Wisconsin
Oct 6, 2026Oct13
St. Louis · MO
Missouri Innovation Week
Oct 13, 2026From our researched events guide. Confirm the latest details with each organizer.
THE HEARTLAND VENTURE BRIEF
A wider view.
A better inbox.
Our quarterly dispatch brings together founder stories, venture activity, and places to connect. Join the list for the first edition.
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MORE VOICES, A STRONGER ECOSYSTEM
Worth your attention.
Independent outlets and resources we follow.