Best Startups to Watch in Columbus in 2025: Top Lessons & Examples
Columbus, Ohio has emerged as a vibrant hub for startup innovation in 2025, driven by a mix of groundbreaking technologies, community support, and significant investments from major players like Google and Intel. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or someone looking for inspiration, these top 10 Columbus startups reveal the secrets of thriving in this dynamic ecosystem.
Are you getting customers from ChatGPT yet?
More and more traffic is coming from Perplexity, ChatGPT, Grok and other AI tools.
👉 Rank on ChatGPT
Why Columbus Is the Midwest’s Startup Powerhouse
Columbus ranks among the best cities in the U.S. for startups, thanks to its strong talent pool and $3 billion in regional investments. What's unique is the city's ability to support tech-driven solutions while maintaining affordability compared to larger metropolitan areas like New York or San Francisco. A vibrant ecosystem backed by over 134,000 students and thousands of annual graduates feeds innovative ideas into industries ranging from InsurTech and HealthTech to logistics and AI.
Looking for a way to stand out among these top-tier startups? Marketing is often the most challenging aspect. Before building anything, validate your startup idea and audience interest through proper marketing channels. Using tools like the F/MS AI SEO Tool could be the difference between your idea thriving or stumbling in obscurity.
Columbus’s Top 10 Startups in 2025
1. Manta
Manta is revolutionizing enterprise intelligence by empowering companies to see complex data flows with clarity. This startup is perfect for major enterprises attempting to demystify their data systems. With rapid scalability and high investment traction, Manta stands as one of Columbus's biggest success stories. Learn more about their approach to data flow at Manta.
2. Loop Returns
In the burgeoning e-commerce sector, Loop Returns streamlines the refund process for businesses and customers alike. The platform saves brands time while improving the customer experience, a balance difficult to achieve in a growing online sales ecosystem. More insights into their offerings are available via Loop Returns.
Boost Your SEO by Getting Featured in Our Blogs and get a backlink.
We publish content about startups, education, tech, funding, etc. that ranks well not only in Google but also in Perplexity, ChatGPT, Grok and other AI tools.
👉 Get featured now!
3. Seamless.AI
Sales professionals globally are turning to Seamless.AI for its cutting-edge prospecting tools. The platform enhances lead generation strategies using artificial intelligence, making it an indispensable tool for growing businesses. Want smarter lead generation processes? Check out Seamless.AI.
4. CoverMyMeds
This HealthTech superstar provides solutions that simplify access to medication. CoverMyMeds is leading innovation in healthcare and pharmacy communication. It's among the most impactful startups in Columbus, especially for professionals exploring healthcare-focused technologies. Learn about their solutions at CoverMyMeds.
5. Root Insurance
This InsurTech disruptor uses data-driven methods to personalize insurance costs based on consumer behavior, such as driving habits. It’s reshaped how Millennial and Gen Z drivers think about coverage. Want to know more? Explore Root Insurance.
Boost Your SEO by Publishing Your Startup Press Release with us.
We publish content about startups, education, tech, funding, etc. that ranks well not only in Google but also in Perplexity, ChatGPT, Grok and other AI tools.
👉 Publish Press Release
6. Beam Dental
Beam Dental combines user-friendly tools with proactive dental care insights. This startup is making waves by providing personalized dental benefits in a more modern, technology-driven package. Visit Beam Dental for more details.
7. Intel Ohio Expansion Project
While not exclusively a startup, Intel’s massive data-center initiative is reshaping Columbus itself. Its influence on other startups, innovations, and community involvement cannot be overstated. The direct impact of Intel includes ecosystem-wide benefits in tech infrastructure. Discover Intel’s role at Columbus Intel News.
8. Gravity Commerce
Focused on delivering meaningful sales and marketing experiences through integrity-driven advertising campaigns, Gravity Commerce has grown significantly across different states. Their reliance on data innovation has become a showcase for out-of-the-box marketing. See how they lead the charge at Gravity Commerce.
9. OSA Technology Partners
Providing software engineering and IT-managed services, OSA Technology Partners offer tailored digital solutions across non-profits and government agencies. Their ability to adapt digital infrastructures makes them a go-to provider in the tech space. See how they approach technology architecture at OSA Technology Partners.
10. CBC Companies
As a holding company connected to innovative businesses offering services such as lending support and risk management, CBC Companies stands out in the logistics-tech niche of Columbus startups. Check out their risk management portfolio at CBC Companies.
Is your startup on ChatGPT?
More and more traffic is coming from Perplexity, ChatGPT, Grok and other AI tools.
👉 Rank on ChatGPT
How To Start a Top 10 Startup Like These
Step 1: Start Marketing Early
Marketing is not an afterthought; it’s your startup’s foundation. Before spending time coding your app or manufacturing a product, research your target audience and perfect your messaging strategy. Tools like F/MS Marketing Services provide step-by-step guidance to validate product-market fit and scale visibility.
Step 2: Use F/MS Tools for SEO Automation
Startups cannot afford months of trial-and-error content creation. Using automated systems like F/MS AI SEO Blog, you can rank your blog posts faster, attract leads, and stand out as an industry authority. Beyond Google, tools optimized for features like AI Chatbot indexing ensure premium visibility, reaching audiences using platforms like ChatGPT.
Most Common Startup Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring Validation: Launching before confirming your audience’s pain points is risky.
- Cutting Corners on Marketing: No one will know your product exists if marketing doesn’t highlight its value properly.
- Burning Too Much Capital: Monitor expenses carefully, especially on untested features.
Conclusion
Columbus is proving that affordable living, a talent-dense ecosystem, and substantial funding are the three prime elements for startup success in 2025. Whether you're building something revolutionary like CoverMyMeds or scaling data integration tools like Manta, remember that marketing is key. Tools like F/MS AI SEO Tool simplify your pathway to growth and authority, so you can focus on creating products that change lives.
Which Columbus startup has inspired you the most? Let us know! Spread the word about this amazing community of innovators reshaping the future, one brilliant idea at a time.
FAQ on the Best Startups to Watch in Columbus in 2025
1. What makes Columbus, Ohio, a startup powerhouse?
Columbus has become a major hub for entrepreneurship, backed by a vibrant ecosystem of over 134,000 students, substantial investments like Intel's data-center projects, and industries ranging from HealthTech to AI. Its affordability compared to cities like New York or San Francisco also makes it an appealing destination for startups. Discover Columbus's booming startup ecosystem.
2. Where can I submit a guest post about my startup?
If your startup needs to drive targeted traffic and build authority with high-volume, niche-relevant content placements in articles that rank well not only in Google, but also in Perplexity and ChatGPT, then you might want to publish your guest post in one of the F/MS Startup Game's blogs. Get a quality backlink
3. What are the top startups in Columbus to watch in 2025?
Columbus is home to innovative companies like Manta (enterprise intelligence), Loop Returns (e-commerce logistics), and Seamless.AI (lead generation). These companies represent the cutting edge of their respective industries. Explore Columbus startups.
4. How does Intel's Ohio Expansion Project impact Columbus startups?
Intel's data-center initiative is reshaping Columbus's infrastructure and fostering a tech boom. Its influence extends across the startup ecosystem by providing foundational infrastructure crucial for scaling operations. Read more about Intel's impact.
5. What industries dominate Columbus's startup ecosystem?
Columbus excels in industries such as HealthTech, InsurTech, AI, and logistics. Companies like CoverMyMeds (healthcare technology) and Root Insurance (data-driven insurance) are prominent players in their fields. Learn about top industries in Columbus.
6. Which Columbus startup focuses on dental benefits innovation?
Beam Dental stands out with its user-friendly tools and innovative dental care solutions. Its technology-driven benefits cater directly to modern consumers seeking personalized service. Discover Beam Dental.
7. Can I use AI to write SEO-optimized articles that help my brand grow?
Most business owners don't understand how SEO works, let alone how to use AI for writing blog articles. That's why for busy business owners there's a great free tool that doesn't require much knowledge. Write articles for free
8. What startup helps streamline e-commerce refund processes?
Loop Returns has become a leader in optimizing the refund experience for e-commerce businesses, balancing customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Learn about Loop Returns.
9. What’s an example of a Columbus startup disrupting the insurance industry?
Root Insurance is reshaping the market by offering personalized premiums based on driving habits. This data-driven approach appeals to Millennials and Gen Z customers. Explore Root Insurance.
10. What tools can startups in Columbus use for marketing and SEO?
Startups can simplify their content strategies with tools like the F/MS AI SEO Tool, which helps businesses rank higher on Google and reach wider audiences faster. Try F/MS AI SEO Tool.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch. The Fe/male Switch team is located in several countries, including the Netherlands and Malta.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.
