In a bold move that could reshape the American tech landscape, a single investor is betting over $100 million that Columbus, Ohio can become the country’s next startup capital. The man behind this ambitious plan is Ratmir Timashev, a Russian-born immigrant who made his fortune building successful software companies in the city. What this really means is that Columbus is positioning itself to challenge the dominance of traditional tech hubs like Silicon Valley.
A Billionaire’s Vision for the Heartland
Timashev, who previously co-founded the $5 billion software firm Veeam, is the sole funder behind a new initiative called OH.io. The plan is to recruit 100 promising B2B software and AI startups from around the world and base their U.S. commercial operations in Columbus. OH.io will then build and fund dedicated sales teams for these companies, taking a cut of their revenue in return — a model Timashev calls “Revenue-as-a-Service.”
The bigger picture here is that Timashev is betting that the missing ingredient for most young tech companies isn’t the product, but the ability to effectively sell it. By providing ready-made sales teams, he hopes to give these startups a major leg up and accelerate their growth. And he’s putting his money where his mouth is, with over $200 million now committed to making Columbus a tech powerhouse.
Leveraging Institutional Advantages
Timashev’s investment builds on other major initiatives that have already established Columbus as an emerging tech hub. In 2023, he donated a record $110 million to Ohio State University to create the Center for Software Innovation. This partnership with the state’s flagship university provides a steady stream of engineering and business talent for local startups. Additionally, the state’s JobsOhio economic development agency has been making strategic investments to attract tech companies and workers to the region.
The city’s central location, lower cost of living, and growing reputation as a livable metro area also make it an attractive alternative to coastal tech hubs. As this recent report from the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center argues, Columbus has the institutional advantages and civic momentum to turn its scale into startup speed.
Challenging the Coasts
If Timashev’s bold bet pays off, it could have major implications for the future of American entrepreneurship. Rather than concentrating in a few elite coastal cities, high-growth startups may increasingly look to the Midwest and other emerging tech hubs. This could democratize access to capital, talent, and opportunity — and prove that you don’t need to be in Silicon Valley to build the next big thing.
Of course, turning Columbus into the nation’s next startup capital won’t be easy. The city will need to maintain its momentum, continue attracting top talent, and ensure its cost of living doesn’t price out founders. But with a billionaire backer and a growing ecosystem of support, the odds may be shifting in Columbus’ favor. The race is on to see if the Heartland can produce America’s tech titans of the future.