Drive Capital

Drive Capital is a prominent venture capital firm based in Columbus, Ohio, founded in 2013 by Mark Kvamme and Chris Olsen, both of whom previously worked at Sequoia Capital. The firm focuses on investing in technology startups outside of Silicon Valley, with a particular emphasis on the Midwest, aiming to prove that world-class technology companies can emerge from any region in the United States. Drive Capital has raised over $2 billion to invest in startups solving significant problems in large markets. They have backed more than 80 companies, including notable investments like Duolingo, Root Insurance, Olive, Greenlight, and ApplyBoard. The firm is stage-agnostic, investing in seed, early-stage, and later-stage companies across various sectors such as healthcare, consumer services, information technology, and life sciences. The firm operates with a strong conviction in the potential of entrepreneurs from non-traditional tech hubs and emphasizes long-term partnerships. They seek out market-defining companies and prefer to journey with their portfolio companies from inception to IPO. Drive Capital's strategy is deeply rooted in leveraging local talent and resources, ensuring startups have the best advantages by building where they are strongest. Drive Capital's team includes a diverse group of investors committed to supporting founders with honesty and strategic guidance. They maintain a robust network and offer substantial resources to help startups navigate their growth trajectories. For entrepreneurs looking to engage with Drive Capital, the firm values bold, innovative ideas that address large market opportunities and demonstrate potential for significant impact​.