R1 Capital is a Columbus, Ohio-based venture firm that launched in June 2026 as a standalone entity spun out of Rev1 Ventures, one of the nation's top venture studios. The firm was originally the investment arm operating within Rev1 Ventures, and now operates with its own brand, funds, and investment strategy while continuing to work alongside Rev1's studio infrastructure.R1 focuses on backing founders in enterprise AI/software, deep tech, and life sciences who are solving complex, real-world problems in large but undercapitalized markets, with a particular emphasis on companies emerging from the Midwest. The team has invested together for over a decade across multiple fund cycles, with a combined portfolio history of more than 150 startups supported.
R1 invests across enterprise AI-enabled software, applied deep tech, and life sciences, including spinouts from research and healthcare institutions. The firm targets companies with clear technical advantage, capital efficiency, and access to large, scalable markets. It focuses on undercapitalized geographies and sectors, with a strong presence in the Central Ohio and broader Great Lakes startup ecosystem. R1 reserves capital to double down at critical stages and provides support beyond capital through Rev1 Ventures' venture studio resources, early customer access, and commercialization programs.
Fund size not disclosed. R1 Capital operates multiple fund vehicles spanning proof-of-concept, seed, and early-stage strategies. The firm launched formally in June 2026 as a distinct venture entity, with the full investment team carrying over from its prior activities within Rev1 Ventures.
Leadership
Tom Walker is Founder and CEO, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in venture capital and early-stage company building. He is also the founding CEO of Rev1 Ventures, where he helped back more than 200 venture-backed companies across software, SaaS, deep tech, and life sciences over the past decade.
Ryan Helon is Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner, leading the firm's proof-of-concept, seed, and early-stage investment funds. He has been part of the Rev1 Ventures leadership team since 2012 and has invested in more than 70 companies across software, healthcare, and deep tech.
Melinda Gloriosa is VP of Investments, with prior experience as Managing Director of WillowWorks, a corporate venture fund. She has invested more than $16 million across 27 companies. The firm also counts Wayne Embree as a Venture Partner, bringing nearly 40 years of venture capital experience with particular expertise in research institution spinouts; Parker MacDonell as a Venture Partner focused on angel-stage deal sourcing; and Kim Garland as a Venture Partner advising portfolio companies in insurtech and financial services.
Investment Strategy
R1 invests across stages, from proof-of-concept through early growth, with a focus on technical differentiation and capital-efficient company building. The firm takes a hands-on partnership approach, working with founders on market focus, product-market fit, team building, and capital strategy. Through its partnership with Rev1 Ventures, R1 provides access to venture studio infrastructure, advisor programs, and early customer networks that extend beyond capital. The firm targets undercapitalized markets where institutional venture attention has historically been limited.
Notable Investments
(614) 487-3700
Tom Walker — CEO & Managing Partner
Ryan Helon — CIO & Managing Partner
Melinda Gloriosa — VP, Investments
United States
