Connecting the Coasts to NEO
Interstate Fusion Ventures invests in top-tier startups who benefit from our NE Ohio and coastal relationships.
Many top-tier startups begin on the coasts. These renowned tech hubs bring together world-class talent and visionaries.
But often, these endeavors need to look elsewhere for resources for sustained success and growth.
We know the way.
It’s a proven path.
A better route.
We are Interstate Fusion Ventures
Inspired by the interstates that connect the east and west coasts to the heart of Northeast Ohio, we’re bringing together the significant resources from Ohio and the greater Midwest to innovative companies on the coasts. This fusion of capital and expertise will result in a more direct path to success for investors and our portfolio companies.
The Difference
Traditionally, the Midwest invests in the Midwest. This regional strategy limits dealflow and access to capital and resources.
Interstate Fusion Ventures is building an innovative “two-way street” where capital, talent and knowledge flow continuously between the heartland and the coast.
When Silicon Valley or NYC startups begin working with enterprises in Northeast Ohio, they often set up a local presence, which creates jobs and bigger ideas. This also attracts more investors and focus on startups and investing opportunities in Northeast Ohio.
The Advantage
The launch of our first fund allowed us to build a broad network of investors and entrepreneurs across the country. It also gave us expanded reach and alignment with Silicon Valley paving the way for future deals.
We are well connected to Northeast Ohio’s robust cluster of manufacturing, healthcare and consumer goods businesses. These organizations represent massive buying power for technology products and services. These are the customers startups need.
Interstate Fusion Ventures is uniquely prepared to connect the coasts to the Midwest in a way that amplifies and grows opportunities and investments locally and globally.
“Bill and the Interstate Fusion Ventures team provided great early advice to help Splash navigate towards product market fit. I am excited to work further with them in the future.”
— Steve Muszynski, Founder & CEO
“We feel very fortunate to have met Bill and the Interstate Fusion Ventures team early on in our development. They have been very involved and always willing to step in and step up when we most need them. They have been a critical partner of ours and instrumental to our success!”
— Rik Shorten, Co-Founder & CEO
“We were thrilled to add Interstate Fusion Ventures to our cap table and expanding our reach into Ohio and the Midwest!”
— Larissa Russell, CEO & Co-Founder
“Bill Manby is a really important partner to us and the first VC (Interstate Fusion Ventures) to invest in Society Brands. He was a big believer in Society Brands in our early stages.”
— Michael Sirpilla Co-founder & CEO
The Interstate Fusion Ventures Blog
News & Updates
Interstate Fusion Ventures expands its ability to link bi-coastal communities with the addition of three new Advisors.
Interstate Fusion Ventures (IFV), the first VC firm with the unique vision to link bi-coastal venture communities to Northeast, Ohio (NEO) is proud to announce it has expanded its Advisory Committee team to include three new members, Tom Lenehan, Nathaniel Krasnoff, and Farooq Abbasi.
Interstate Fusion Venture’s latest investment in UGen is another validation of the founder’s vision
UGen is a healthcare technology company, based in Virginia Beach and marks the 4th investment for Fund II since its initial close, at the end of 2022.
Connections Newsletter #1
Thank you for believing in the mission of Interstate Fusion Ventures and helping us by connecting the coasts to Northeast Ohio. This newsletter will highlight our year along with some portfolio company spotlights and provide a glimpse into 2023, from a Venture Capital perspective.