Columbus Startup Studio Added New Executive Leadership
The appointment aims to bolster go-to-market support for startups as the firm scales its operations.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Startups
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Columbus-based OH.io Ventures has appointed Kevin Pohmer as its chief business officer to oversee its operational growth. The startup studio aims to invest $100 million in 100 early-stage firms by providing direct marketing and sales expertise.
Why it matters
The firm functions as an operational partner for startups, stepping in as their dedicated sales and marketing arm to resolve go-to-market challenges. By shifting away from traditional passive investment, OH.io aims to accelerate revenue growth for its partners.
OH.io currently employs 35 staff members and expects to reach 50 by the end of 2026. The firm has committed $100 million to be invested across 100 startups, with each partner company receiving potential funding of up to $5 million.
The players
Kevin Pohmer
The newly appointed chief business officer of OH.io who previously served as president of Hexure.
Ratmir Timashev
The entrepreneur who launched OH.io and donated $110 million to the Center for Software Innovation.
OH.io Ventures
A Columbus-based startup studio that embeds its own staff into partner companies to manage marketing and sales functions.
The details
OH.io operates by embedding its employees within partner startups, effectively serving as the company's internal marketing and sales department. The model relies on these internal teams to execute high-impact strategies, aiming to triple startup revenue within 18 months. While the firm currently operates out of Upper Arlington, it plans to eventually house its growing team at the Center for Software Innovation.
Timeline
February 2026: Ratmir Timashev launched OH.io.
Spring 2026: Three former executives filed a lawsuit regarding their termination.
October 6, 2026: Kevin Pohmer appointment announced.
Fall 2026: Center for Software Innovation breaks ground.
End of 2026: OH.io staff projected to grow to 50 employees.
Market Landscape
The firm’s expansion efforts follow a period of personnel turnover marked by a spring 2026 lawsuit filed by three former executives. This leadership transition reflects the firm's attempt to stabilize operations while it manages partnerships with at least four firms to date.
Entrepreneurs should monitor whether the firm’s reliance on embedded staff to run sales departments remains a viable long-term strategy for independent scaling. Owners should also watch for the firm's progress in hitting its 18-month revenue tripling targets for partner startups.
The takeaway
The studio model of actively managing startup sales teams represents a high-intensity approach to rapid company growth. Operators should evaluate whether their internal sales culture can accommodate outside management teams or if it creates operational friction.
Further reading
For more context on regional company scaling, see Startups.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Columbus Dispatch.
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