The Ohio State Early Investor Network grew to more than 120 members in 2025 and invested more than $2.5 million in early stage startups connected to The Ohio State University.
The network connects accredited alumni and friends of the university to promising companies and serves as a central gateway for Buckeye connected angel investing. Through coordinated screening and disciplined investment processes, OSEIN helps move university born ideas from research and classrooms into the marketplace.
“Our growth shows what is possible when Buckeyes come together around a shared purpose,” said Mandy Mallott, director of the Ohio State Early Investor Network. “Members are not only providing capital. They are bringing experience and mentorship to founders solving real world problems.”
In 2025, OSEIN reviewed more than 60 companies and selected 22 to pitch to the network. The startups span software, medical devices, therapeutics, engineering and advanced technologies. Many are commercializing Ohio State licensed research or are founded and led by alumni.
Recent portfolio highlights include:
Membership growth includes annual and observational investors, creating multiple entry points for individuals interested in early stage investing. Members bring experience across entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, finance, health care, technology and public service.
Beyond capital, investors also provide strategic guidance and industry expertise.
Education remains central to OSEIN’s model. Programming in 2025 included investor education sessions, Lunch and Learns and expert led discussions on due diligence, term structures, portfolio construction and founder support.
The network expanded structured pathways to build a long term pipeline of informed investors. The Emerging Investor Program offers hands on exposure for alumni who are not yet accredited. The Observational Membership provides a low barrier way to explore angel investing.
OSEIN works closely with Ohio State’s entrepreneurship and commercialization enterprise, including the Ohio State Innovation Foundation, the Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship and Techstars Columbus Powered by The Ohio State University. A pilot program with Fisher College of Business full time MBA students launched in 2025 to provide hands on exposure to early stage investing.
Looking ahead to 2026, OSEIN plans to increase the number of Buckeye connected startups in its pipeline, deepen post investment support for founders and continue growing its investor community.
“Buckeye ingenuity is everywhere in our labs, classrooms and alumni network,” Mallott said. “We exist to connect that ingenuity with early capital and a community that believes in what’s possible.”