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Dayton’s startup ecosystem continues to gain momentum as emerging companies secure funding, expand operations, create jobs, and commercialize breakthrough technologies.
While major funding rounds often capture headlines, Dayton entrepreneurs are driving innovation across software, aerospace and defense, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, and more. They are building companies with the potential to create significant economic and market impact.
The companies featured below represent a cross-section of the innovation emerging from the Dayton startup ecosystem. These businesses have demonstrated meaningful traction through customer growth, strategic partnerships, funding milestones, technology validation, and industry recognition.
Whether you’re an investor, an industry leader, an entrepreneur, or simply looking to stay connected to innovation in the Dayton region, these are four startups worth watching in the second half of 2026.
Unlisted: A Dayton Startup Transforming Residential Real Estate
Have you ever walked through a neighborhood and thought, “That’s a house I’d love to buy?”
Katie Hill, founder and CEO of Unlisted, had that experience and turned it into a business opportunity. Unlisted allows buyers to join Waitlists for homes they love that aren’t for sale—yet. Buyers can express interest in a property while homeowners gain insight into potential demand, helping both sides better understand their real estate options before a home ever hits the market. The platform also connects users with local real estate agents who can provide guidance throughout the process.
The company has quickly gained recognition within the startup ecosystem. Unlisted won the 2023 Flyer Pitch competition, earned top honors at Pitch HearstLab New York, and was a Global Top 5 finalist at TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco. The company has raised $3.1 million to date, including investors HearstLab, StageNext Fund, and VC 414.
As demand grows for alternative ways to buy and sell homes, Unlisted is positioning itself as a startup to watch in both the Dayton and national real estate technology markets.
Read more about Katie’s entrepreneurial journey in this Axios-Chicago story.
Hawthorn Aero: Scaling Aerospace Manufacturing in Dayton
Formerly known as SpinTech, Hawthorn Aero rebranded in late 2025 while continuing its rapid growth across the aerospace and defense sectors.
Led by CEO Tom Margraf, the company recently announced a $7 million investment in a new 53,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in the Dayton region. The expansion will significantly increase production capacity for aerospace components serving both defense and commercial customers.
Hawthorn expects to employ more than 300 people by the end of 2027, making it one of the fastest-growing advanced manufacturing companies in the region.
As demand continues to increase across aerospace and defense markets, Hawthorn Aero is well-positioned to remain one of Dayton’s fastest-growing startup success stories.
Nabu Optical Systems: Advancing Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology
Founded in 2023 by Imad Agha and Jonathan Traudt, Nabu Optical Systems is commercializing technology developed through research at the University of Dayton.
The company develops advanced tools for semiconductor manufacturing that dramatically reduce the cost and complexity of chip patterning. Its maskless lithography technology creates a more flexible path from prototyping to production for customers ranging from research laboratories to large-scale manufacturers.
Nabu has already earned significant recognition within the global startup community. The company is a SOSV/HAX portfolio company, was named a Top 250 Global Startup in Enterprise Singapore’s Slingshot Competition, won the 2025 EIPBN Startup Competition, and received support through Ohio’s Technology Validation Startup Fund (TVSF).
As semiconductor manufacturing continues to expand globally, Nabu Optical Systems is helping position Dayton as a hub for deep-tech innovation.
Ravee Optics: Building the Future of Space Communications
Founded in 2024 by Piyush Shah and Augustine Urbas, Ravee Optics is redefining space communications with ultra-compact optical communication terminals that enable high-speed data transfer between satellites and from space to ground. Built on breakthrough optics technology, the company’s systems deliver high-bandwidth, low-latency communications in a dramatically smaller and lighter form factor, making them ideal for the rapidly expanding market of small satellites and low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellations.
In just two years, Ravee has become one of the region’s fastest-growing deep-tech startups. The company is a member of the prestigious Seraphim Space Accelerator portfolio, has participated in the Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) Space program and the New Space Nexus Ignitor Program, and has received support through Ohio’s Technology Validation Startup Fund (TVSF).
Ravee’s momentum continues to build. The company recently closed an oversubscribed $6 million seed financing round, began generating early commercial revenue, and was named a finalist in both the SATELLITE 2026 Startup Space Pitch Competition and the AIAA ASCEND 2026 Startup Pitch Competition.
With strong investor support, growing commercial traction, and recognition from leading space organizations, Ravee Optics is well positioned to help shape the future of space communications while reinforcing Ohio’s reputation as a leader in deep-tech innovation.
Why Dayton Startups Are Worth Watching
These companies represent just a small sample of the innovation taking place across the Dayton startup ecosystem.
As founders continue to bring new technologies to market, attract investment, create jobs, and scale their businesses, Dayton is strengthening its reputation as a leading region for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Interested in Connecting with Dayton’s Next Generation of Startups?
Companies like these represent the type of high-growth innovation emerging from the Dayton startup ecosystem. For investors, our EC Angels network connects accredited investors with promising startups through curated deal flow, educational programming, and opportunities to invest alongside experienced angel investors.
Interested in learning more? Connect with us and explore opportunities to support the next generation of Dayton startups.
