Meet Kristy Campbell. President & COO at Rev1 Ventures.

Ohio Tech Summit Spotlight:
Kristy Campbell

Kristy joined us on a short Q&A for the Ohio Tech Summit Spotlight Series to talk about the need for support for entrepreneurs in Ohio and how the impact of the flywheel effect should not be overlooked.

Name: Kristy Campbell

Title: President & COO

Company: Rev1 Ventures

Hometown: Marion, Ohio

Current City: Columbus, Ohio

About Rev1 Ventures

Rev1 Ventures is the venture studio that helps tech startups scale and corporates innovate. A top seed investor in the Midwest, we support and invest in early-stage companies in software, life sciences, and other advanced technologies while fueling innovation and a thriving tech ecosystem. By leveraging our network of corporate, community, and research partnerships, Rev1 helps high-growth companies validate customers, build teams, and access funding while enabling corporate partners to identify, source, and invest in startups.

Role at Rev1 Ventures

As President & COO, Kristy has tapped her decades-long expertise working for venture-backed technology companies to drive Rev1’s mission of propelling startups in Central Ohio. Her focus is delivering strategic programming and services that high-growth software, advanced technology, and life sciences startups need to validate their market, find customers, build teams, and prepare to access funding. Kristy knows what founders need to succeed, and she is focused on meeting them where they are, while encouraging founders to build companies that value and celebrate unique perspectives.

Q: What’s a trend in tech/innovation that you think more people should pay attention to?

The impact of the flywheel effect should not be overlooked. Rev1 is a leading investor in the Midwest, and Central Ohio is seeing a maturing startup environment with serial entrepreneurs launching second or third ventures and startups being led by employees of successful startups in the region. This activity did not happen a decade ago. With the right support from corporate innovation partners, the state, and experienced entrepreneurs, this momentum can continue to grow, thrive, and be transformational to this region. Startups now can be the corporations of our future skyline.

Q: What’s one “moonshot” idea that would help put Ohio on the map as a leading tech hub?

The plethora of support for entrepreneurs in Central Ohio, backed by an all-in approach from key constituents, is definitely a moonshot moment for Ohio, which has already started to put Ohio on the map as a leading tech hub. 

For example, the City of Columbus, The Ohio State University, and Rev1 recently announced plans to support startups and spinouts in Central Ohio with the creation of new innovation space for software startups at The Peninsula in Downtown Columbus and future space in the Carmenton innovation district for spinouts. Central Ohio has been nationally recognized, and startups here have had dozens of large raises and exits that garnered national and global attention, and we’re excited to see the continued growth and expansion of that recognition.

Q: Outside of work, what’s a favorite hobby or activity that you enjoy?

Outside of work, one of my favorite hobbies is playing tennis. Over the past few years, I’ve become more involved in the sport, and what I love most is the combination of the competitive challenge and the sense of community it provides. I really enjoy the camaraderie and friendships I’ve built through tennis, and traveling to play and train with those friends, many of whom are other women business leaders, is always a highlight. It’s a great way to stay active while also having fun and connecting with people who share the same passion.

Q: If someone were visiting your city, what’s one can’t miss coffee shop or restaurant people should try?

If someone were visiting Columbus, I’d definitely recommend checking out the Bridge Park area in Dublin (where we live). It’s a vibrant, can’t-miss spot with great coffee shops, restaurants, and a fantastic atmosphere. One of the things I love about Columbus is how different neighborhoods are investing in these hot-spot areas that have become little destinations in their own right.

—

Learn more about Kristy’s work by connecting with him on LinkedIn.