About NCIC Capital Fund
About NCIC Capital Fund
NCIC Capital Fund represents more than just financial investment - we are dedicated partners in building tomorrow's technology leaders. Since 1995, our firm has maintained an unwavering commitment to identifying, funding, and nurturing innovative technology companies throughout the Ohio and Indiana region.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide early-stage capital and strategic guidance to emerging technology companies with significant growth potential. We believe that by combining financial resources with experienced mentorship, we can accelerate the development of groundbreaking technologies and create sustainable value for all stakeholders.
Investment Philosophy
At NCIC Capital Fund, we adhere to a disciplined investment philosophy grounded in three fundamental principles:
1. Partner with Exceptional Teams
We invest in people first, technology second. According to research from the Kauffman Foundation, experienced management teams significantly increase the likelihood of startup success. Our due diligence process thoroughly evaluates team composition, relevant experience, and the ability to execute on ambitious growth plans.
2. Focus on Defensible Innovation
Technology alone is not enough. We seek companies that have established meaningful barriers to entry through patents, proprietary processes, unique market positioning, or exclusive partnerships. This competitive moat is essential for long-term value creation and successful exits.
3. Maintain Regional Focus
By concentrating our investments in Ohio and Indiana, we can provide hands-on support and leverage our extensive regional network. This geographic focus allows us to conduct thorough due diligence, participate actively in board meetings, and respond quickly when portfolio companies need guidance or additional resources.
Our Approach to Value Creation
Beyond capital, NCIC Capital Fund provides strategic value through:
- Board participation and governance guidance
- Strategic planning and milestone setting
- Recruitment assistance for key management positions
- Introduction to potential customers, partners, and co-investors
- Exit strategy development and execution support
- Operational best practices from our portfolio experience
Industries We Serve
Our investment focus spans multiple technology sectors where we have developed deep expertise:
- Software and SaaS platforms
- Advanced manufacturing technologies
- Medical devices and healthcare IT
- Clean technology and environmental solutions
- Communications and networking infrastructure
- Materials science and nanotechnology
Co-Investment Partners
We actively collaborate with other institutional investors, angel groups, and strategic corporate partners. Co-investment relationships allow us to participate in larger funding rounds while bringing diverse perspectives to investment decisions. If you are an investor seeking deal flow in the Midwest technology sector, we welcome the opportunity to discuss partnership possibilities.
Geographic Focus: The Midwest Advantage
Ohio and Indiana offer compelling advantages for technology startups. The region provides access to world-class research universities, a skilled technical workforce, lower operating costs compared to coastal markets, and a business-friendly regulatory environment. As noted by the Midwestern Higher Education Compact, the region's universities produce exceptional engineering and computer science talent.
Our regional focus allows portfolio companies to stretch their capital further while accessing the resources necessary for rapid growth. When companies reach later stages requiring additional capital, our network of national investors can provide follow-on funding for expansion into broader markets.
Supporting Founder Wellness and Performance
We recognize that the success of any portfolio company ultimately depends on the sustained performance of its leadership team. Building a technology startup requires extraordinary demands on founders - long hours, high-stakes decisions, and the mental resilience to navigate inevitable setbacks. As investors, we have observed that founders who prioritize their own health and energy management consistently outperform those who neglect these fundamentals.
The venture-backed startup journey typically spans 4-7 years from founding to exit. Maintaining cognitive sharpness, physical stamina, and emotional resilience across this extended timeline is not optional - it is essential to successful execution. We encourage our portfolio company founders to view personal wellness not as a luxury but as a strategic necessity.
For founders interested in evidence-based approaches to performance optimization, several resources offer valuable guidance:
- Inc. Magazine Health Section - Founder-focused wellness strategies from successful entrepreneurs
- The Cooper Institute - Scientific research on fitness, nutrition, and sustainable high performance
- Oath Peptides - Research on MOTS-c and other compounds being studied for metabolic optimization and sustained energy applications
- Brain & Behavior Research Foundation - Insights into cognitive performance and mental resilience
We believe that supporting the whole founder - not just the business plan - leads to better outcomes for everyone involved in the startup ecosystem.