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Tech Startups
We work with high-growth, high-tech startups to navigate commercialization, secure capital, and bring cutting-edge solutions to market.
Read MoreA Letter from our President & Board Chair
At the Entrepreneurs’ Center, everything we do is driven by one goal: delivering real impact to the clients and communities we serve. Over the years, we’ve celebrated major milestones—but none more meaningful than the one we’re proud to share today.
Between 2017 and 2024, EC-supported businesses surpassed $1 billion in cumulative economic impact, measured through revenue generated, investment capital attracted, and grant funding secured.
That kind of impact doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of relentless work to make the Dayton Region one of the very best places to build a business—through bold programming, expanded access to capital, and a community that’s more connected than ever.
The Core of What We Do
The Entrepreneurs’ Center supports founders across four key focus areas—each designed to meet entrepreneurs where they are and move them forward with purpose.
Small Businesses
We support Main Street entrepreneurs with advising, education, and funding strategies to build strong, community-rooted businesses.
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Arcade Innovation Hub
The Hub Powered by PNC Bank is a collaborative innovation space that brings startups, creatives, and educators together under one roof.
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Launch Dayton
Launch Dayton serves as the front door to Dayton’s startup ecosystem, connecting founders to resources, networks, and one another through events and education.
Read MoreTECH STARTUPS:
Building the Future Right Here in Dayton
Our high-tech clients played a major role in EC’s $1B milestone—developing breakthrough technologies, attracting capital, and redefining what’s possible.
Growth That Fuels a Region
EC-supported businesses contributed more than $240 million in impact in 2024, growth driven by strong founders, smart capital, and hands-on support that turns ideas into impact.
$156M
in revenue
$55M
in equity investment
$28M
in non-dilutive capital
These results reflect the strength of the region’s innovation economy—and the momentum building behind every founder EC supports.
Meet the Companies Powering This Impact
These startups represent just a few of the ventures fueling our region’s growth and innovation economy.
Aeroseal, founded in 2011, developed and is scaling the global distribution of a proprietary process that seals the central heating/cooling and ventilation ductwork within residential and commercial buildings. The company has attracted $104M in total capital, including a $67M Series B investment round completed in 2023. The company has 225 employees and was named the Cleantech Group’s 2024 Cleantech 100 Company of the Year and the 2024 BloombergNEF Pioneer Award Winner.
Founded in 2023, Dayton Photonics is a cutting-edge technology company commercializing a new free space optical communication technology, Theia Fiberless Optics. Leveraging patented beam steering technology, the company develops "fiber-less" solutions providing fully optical, wireless, high-bandwidth internet where RF wireless and fiber optics are impractical. Its innovations enable rapid, deployable, and lower-cost internet solutions with a focus on remote and rural underserved communities. Dayton Photonics has hired two employees and recently received a Technology Validation and Startup Fund grant from the Ohio Third Frontier.
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Founded in 2022, Hyphen Innovations is an engineering technology company developing advanced vibration-damping components using advanced manufacturing. Focused on high-performance applications in aerospace, automotive, and defense, Hyphen’s patented inherent damping system (i-DAMP) reduces vibration, increases part lifespan, and improves performance in extreme environments. By integrating advanced manufacturing with proprietary design and materials science, the company is reshaping how industries approach fatigue and vibration management. In 2024, Hyphen Innovations was awarded multiple government contracts and secured partnerships with leading aerospace manufacturers to commercialize its breakthrough damping technology.
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Founded in 2020, Mined XAI is a Dayton-based artificial intelligence company specializing in the development of explainable AI (XAI) solutions for both commercial and defense sectors. Its platform integrates multimodal data and enhances transparency by making complex AI decisions interpretable and auditable—a critical capability for defense, aerospace, and wholesale distributors. In 2024, Mined XAI entered into a strategic partnership with Winsupply to expand its commercial applications and was named “Innovator of the Year” by the Dayton Business Journal. The company continues to gain national attention for helping organizations adopt AI responsibly, with a growing team and deepening presence in Dayton’s tech ecosystem.
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Founded in 2021, Niobium offers the industry’s first purpose-built fully homomorphic encryption (FHE) Hardware accelerator: a custom PCIe card that can accelerate the performance of FHE software by multiple orders of magnitude. Niobium’s hardware accelerator supports all main FHE schemes, giving organizations and hardware manufacturers the flexibility to improve any application or environment. In 2024, the company raised a $5.5 million seed financing led by Fusion Fund.
Founded in 2022, Unlisted is a real estate technology platform designed to connect off-market homeowners with potential buyers and agents. The company offers cloud-based software leveraging AI and machine learning that focuses exclusively on homes not listed for sale. This enables buyers, sellers, and agents to explore and align off-market properties for potential future sales, transforming the real estate industry’s approach to property transactions. In 2024, the company closed a $2.25 million seed financing with participation from HearstLab, StageNext Fund, and VC 414.
Year by Year, Founder by Founder
This momentum, built founder by founder, has powered more than $1 billion in economic impact since 2017. Across all tech and small biz.
$1,000,000,000+
in economic impact since 2017
SMALL BUSINESSES:
Strengthening Communities One Block at a Time
Our Main Street clients are creating impact block by block—opening retail shops, expanding service businesses, and launching restaurants, bakeries, and other neighborhood staples that keep local dollars in local communities.
Support Where It Matters Most
Since 2017, EC has reached thousands of small business entrepreneurs, providing education and personalized support that helps owners thrive and keep communities vibrant.
3,600+
clients served
400+
workshops and trainings hosted
4,300+
total attendees engaged
These numbers reflect the deep reach of EC’s small business work across the Miami Valley.
Local Businesses, Lasting Impact
These small business founders are building opportunity, stability, and pride in the neighborhoods they serve.
Opened in 2024, Blue Sky Coffee is a locally owned café located in Fairborn near Wright State University. Founded with a vision to create a bright, welcoming space for students, professionals, and residents, the shop quickly gained attention for its high-quality coffee, seasonal drinks, and locally sourced baked goods. With strong early momentum and a focus on community engagement, Blue Sky Coffee plans to grow its presence through events, partnerships, and expanded menu offerings that reflect the tastes and culture of the neighborhood it serves.
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Founded in 2023 by Lauren Gay, Joui Wine is a boutique wine shop and tasting room in Dayton’s Fire Blocks District. The space blends retail, education, and hospitality to create a welcoming experience for wine enthusiasts of all levels. Since launching, Joui has built a strong local following through curated tastings, private events, and community engagement. Looking ahead, the business plans to expand its retail offerings and explore distribution partnerships to scale its brand and reach new markets.
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Founded in 2020 by Jennifer Coyle and her daughter Alyson, Say Yes Cakes is a custom cake studio offering artfully designed celebration cakes and pastries. Originally launched on Wayne Avenue in Dayton, the business quickly built a loyal following for its modern aesthetic, attention to detail, and community-oriented approach. In 2024, Say Yes Cakes relocated to a larger, more functional space to meet growing demand and expand its production capabilities. With a new storefront, a strong brand presence, and an expanding client base, the bakery is positioned for continued growth across the Dayton region.
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Founded in 2020 by Michelle Daniel, The Lifestyle Technique is a certified women-owned wellness business in Centerville, Ohio, dedicated to whole-body health, personalized care, and community support. In 2024, they expanded with Row Cycle Fitness, offering heart rate-based cycling, a unique rowing and strength fusion class, boot camps, yoga, and more. Their holistic services include custom nutrition and detox plans, frequency-based therapies, red light and PEMF therapy, cold plunge recovery, InBody scans, genetic testing, corporate wellness, and one-on-one health coaching.
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Founded in 2007, Lula Bell Whimsical Cards & Gifts is a women-owned small business located in Oakwood, Ohio. Established with a mission to spread joy and create a positive impact in the world through whimsical art. Known for its vibrant and playful designs, the shop offers unique pieces that are sure to bring a smile for your soul. Lula Bell remains dedicated to making the world a brighter place, with all original artwork, locally crafted items and products from empowering women-owned business it became more than just a store- its an artistic haven where creativity blooms.
View WebsiteTHE HUB:
Creating Space for What’s Next
At the heart of Dayton’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is The Hub Powered by PNC Bank—a joint venture between the Entrepreneurs’ Center and the University of Dayton. More than just a historic building, The Hub is a revitalized centerpiece of innovation—home to a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, collaborators, and changemakers.
Innovation Where It Happens
As a catalyst for startup activity and creative collaboration, The Hub continues to fuel economic growth, spark new ventures, and strengthen Dayton’s position as a center for innovation.
160+
member organizations
360+
events hosted since launch
200+
ventures launched or scaled
Launch Dayton:
Connecting the Community
Launch Dayton is the front door to Dayton’s startup ecosystem—offering events, education, and visibility that help founders connect, learn, and grow. It’s where the region’s entrepreneurial community shows up, shares stories, and builds what’s next together.
Where Business Takes Off
Launch Dayton brings together hundreds of founders each year through hands-on education and high-energy events, helping entrepreneurs connect, learn, and take the next step in starting, launching, or scaling their businesses.
400+
Startup Week attendees
80
Startup Week speakers
260+
students enrolled in programs
15,900+
digital community
What Our Partners Say
EC’s work is made possible through collaboration with organizations that believe in the power of entrepreneurship to drive regional growth. Here’s what a few of our partners had to say.
"For over two decades, the Entrepreneurs’ Center has been a cornerstone of Dayton’s small business ecosystem, helping thousands of entrepreneurs thrive. By providing comprehensive support to both Main Street and technology-driven businesses, the Center has spearheaded transformative initiatives, secured hundreds of millions in external capital for regional companies, and played a central role in revitalizing the Dayton Arcade into a world-class destination. Their work as partners to the City of Dayton has infused our community with vibrancy, fostering economic growth and innovation that will resonate for generations."
Shelly Dickstein
Shelly Dickstein, City Manager, City of Dayton
“The Entrepreneurs’ Center is a vital partner to the University of Dayton, amplifying our support for small businesses through initiatives like the Crotty Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, the Greater West Dayton Incubator, and the Arcade Innovation Hub, powered by PNC Bank. Their unwavering support inspires our entrepreneurial students, providing them with invaluable experiential learning, direct engagement with thriving small businesses, and access to critical funding networks. We are proud to collaborate with the Entrepreneurs’ Center and look forward to many more years of shared success in fostering innovation and opportunity.”
Vince Lewis
Associate VP of Entrepreneurial Initiatives; Executive Director, Crotty Center; President, The Hub
Let’s Build the Next Billion Together
The $1B milestone is just the beginning. Entrepreneurs’ Center continues to support founders who are solving problems, creating jobs, and building the future of Dayton’s innovation economy. Whether you’re an entrepreneur ready to grow, a partner looking to collaborate, or a supporter who believes in the power of small business, there’s a role for you in what comes next.
We’re just getting started. The next billion begins now.
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