Ohio's New Blueprint: Fund Fuels Tech Boom with Hyperframe Relocation

COLUMBUS, OH – January 29, 2026 – In a significant move underscoring Ohio's growing magnetism for high-tech industry, The O.H.I.O. Fund has announced its 30th investment, backing construction technology innovator Hyperframe as the company relocates its operations from California to Columbus. The announcement, part of a broader update on the private fund adviser's rapid progress, showcases a powerful synergy between private capital and state-level strategy that is actively reshaping Ohio's economic landscape.

Since its launch in June 2024, The O.H.I.O. Fund has emerged as a formidable force, deploying capital with a dual mandate: generate strong investor returns and accelerate the state's economic momentum. The relocation of Hyperframe, a company poised to disrupt the construction industry, serves as a tangible result of this strategy, highlighting Ohio's emergence as a prime destination for advanced manufacturing and technology firms.

A New Framework for Construction

Hyperframe is not merely another construction company; it represents the industrialization of the building process. The company's technology transforms digital building plans into precisely fabricated, pre-organized framing kits. These kits are then assembled on-site using a proprietary system that guides crews with augmented reality (AR) technology, eliminating the need for traditional measuring, cutting, and extensive skilled labor. By scanning a QR code on each steel component, workers wearing AR headsets receive real-time instructions for placement, enabling a 'snap-together' process that is reportedly 5 to 15 times faster than conventional methods.

This innovation directly addresses some of the construction industry's most pressing challenges. With the sector facing a projected shortage of nearly half a million workers in 2026, Hyperframe's system reduces labor dependency and simplifies training. Furthermore, the factory-controlled prefabrication process drastically cuts down on-site material waste, improves job site safety, and delivers a higher standard of quality and precision. The move to a new manufacturing facility in Columbus will allow the company to effectively serve the burgeoning Midwest and East Coast markets.

"We're thrilled to bring Hyperframe's next chapter to Columbus," said Ken Sobel, Founder and CEO of Hyperframe. "Ohio's momentum in advanced manufacturing and technology - fueled by partners like The O.H.I.O. Fund and JobsOhio - creates the perfect environment for us to scale.”

The investment was made in conjunction with JobsOhio Ventures, the venture capital arm of the state's private economic development corporation, reinforcing a collaborative public-private approach to attracting and nurturing innovative businesses.

The Financial Engine Driving Growth

Behind the high-profile investment in Hyperframe is a story of remarkable financial and operational execution by The O.H.I.O. Fund. Since its inception, the firm has raised $356 million in committed capital. This is split between the $106 million Ohio Institutional Impact Fund, which closed in June 2025, and $250 million in The Ohio High Growth Investment Opportunities Fund and associated special purpose vehicles.

Of that total, the firm has already deployed $196 million across 30 distinct investments in companies and real estate projects spanning 12 Ohio counties. This swift deployment is matched by impressive early performance. Through January 2026, these investments have already generated more than $75 million in total returns—a significant achievement for a fund of its age, as private equity returns often take five to ten years to mature. This signals strong asset selection and the potential for substantial long-term value creation.

"The balanced nature of the investment portfolio is by design and central to our strategy," said Ray Leach, Co-Founder and President of The O.H.I.O. Fund. "We allocate roughly one‑third of the committed capital to real estate, one‑third to growth equity, and one‑third to later‑stage venture opportunities, enabling high‑potential – primarily, but not exclusively, tech‑driven – companies to scale effectively."

Leach described this diversified approach as creating a "powerful flywheel effect." The portfolio includes investments that generate near-term cash flow alongside longer-term positions in high-growth companies. This balance, combined with a robust network of partners and co-investors across the state, creates a self-reinforcing cycle of investment, growth, and reinvestment that benefits both the fund's investors and the broader Ohio economy.

Building a Powerhouse Team for a Changing Ohio

To manage this rapid growth and complex portfolio, The O.H.I.O. Fund has strategically expanded its leadership. Co-founded by Mark Kvamme, Ray Leach, Jill Meyer, and Mike Venerable, the firm has grown to a team of 11. The three newest members bring a wealth of experience from critical sectors.

Kristi Tanner, who joined as Chief Marketing and Engagement Officer, was a founding member of JobsOhio. Her deep experience in statewide economic development and business attraction provides an invaluable link between private capital and public growth initiatives. Peeyush Shrivastava, joining as a Principal, brings direct entrepreneurial experience as the founder of Genetesis, a successful healthcare technology company. His background in scaling a tech startup from concept to market provides the fund with crucial hands-on expertise for mentoring its portfolio companies. Steve Briggs, another new Principal, adds deep deal-making experience in M&A, private equity, and real estate, strengthening the firm's core investment execution capabilities.

This blend of financial acumen, economic development strategy, and proven entrepreneurial leadership equips the fund to identify and cultivate Ohio's most promising opportunities.

"Hyperframe’s decision to relocate here not only accelerates innovation in construction, but it also strengthens a growing ecosystem of companies redefining how America builds. We’re thrilled to welcome the team to Ohio,” said The O.H.I.O. Fund CEO and Chief Investment Officer Mark Kvamme.

The fund's activity is a key component of a larger trend that has seen Ohio attract massive investments, including Intel's multi-billion-dollar semiconductor fabrication plants. By providing a permanent pool of private capital focused on the state, The O.H.I.O. Fund is ensuring that homegrown innovation and attracted companies like Hyperframe have the resources they need to thrive.

"Looking ahead, our 2026 investment pipeline is strong, and we are exploring the launch of additional private funds to continue deploying capital at scale in support of Ohio's long-term economic growth," Kvamme added.