Rev1 Ventures spins out R1 Capital as a standalone venture firm in Columbus, Ohio

R1 Capital launched last week in Columbus, Ohio to back founders in enterprise AI and software, deep tech, and life sciences. The firm was previously part of the investment activities within Rev1 Ventures and now operates with its own brand, funds, and investment strategy, according to the launch announcement.

R1 Capital says it invests across stages, supporting companies from creation through growth and scale and will operate from Rev1 at The Peninsula, an innovation hub for software and advanced technology startups.

Tom Walker, CEO of R1 Capital, said the firm “was built to back founders who are reshaping industries through technical innovation.” He said the team’s focus on helping early-stage companies reach durable market leadership is unchanged following the transition.

The firm framed its launch against concentration in venture capital markets. In 2025, 33 percent of US venture dollars went to the top 1 percent of companies, R1 said, citing the 2026 NVCA Yearbook, and that concentration is expected to continue - a dynamic the firm described as a difficult fundraising environment for emerging founders.

The announcement said the R1 team has invested together for more than a decade across multiple fund cycles and supported more than 150 startups over that period. The firm takes a hands-on partnership approach and offers founders capital, strategic guidance, and access to a network of operators, customers, and investors.

R1 will continue collaborating with Rev1 Ventures and a broader network of operators and advisors, including venture studio resources, early customer access, and commercialization support, according to the statement.

Joe Bagan, co-founder and CEO of R1 portfolio company STAQ Pharma, said working with the R1 team mattered beyond financial models. “Having advisors who had navigated difficult operational decisions themselves [has] made a real difference for us as we’ve scaled,” he said.

Ryan Helon, chief investment officer at R1 Capital, tied the launch to the regional ecosystem. He said it reflects “continued momentum in the Midwest innovation ecosystem and growing demand for investors who combine a disciplined and capital efficient investment approach to company building with a strong partnership mentality.”