Rev1 Ventures Names Jennifer Hankins Chief Executive Officer and President
Hankins succeeds Tom Walker, who transitioned to executive chairman of the board.
Columbus-based startup incubator and venture studio Rev1 Ventures announced on Sept. 15, 2026, that Jennifer Hankins has been named its chief executive officer and president [source:release]. Hankins succeeds Tom Walker, whom Rev1 identified as executive chairman of its board [source:walker] and whose organization profile lists him as Rev1 executive chairman and R1 Capital chief executive [source:team].
According to Rev1's announcement, Hankins previously served as managing director at Tulsa Innovation Labs, where she led regional economic strategy and helped secure federal Economic Development Administration Build Back Better Regional Challenge and Tech Hubs implementation funding [source:tulsa]. Rev1 said Hankins brings more than a decade of experience across entrepreneurship, economic development and ecosystem building [source:experience].
Rev1 disclosed that it partners with founders in software, artificial intelligence, deep tech and life sciences across Central Ohio and the Midwest [source:release]. The organization reported that its operations are supported in part by the State of Ohio's Third Frontier program [source:third-frontier]. According to Rev1's public figures, the studio has supported more than 1,700 startups, funded more than 200 unique companies and helped generate more than $7.7 billion in economic impact statewide [source:impact].
Rev1 did not disclose Hankins's start date or compensation terms in the announcement.
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Rev1 Ventures, the Midwest venture studio that partners with innovators in SaaS/AI, deep tech and life sciences, today announced that Jennifer Hankins has been named its new Chief Executive Officer and President following a national search for a leader to build on Rev1's track record of supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening the innovation ecosystem and driving economic impact across Ohio.
Rev1 Ventures, the Midwest venture studio that partners with innovators in SaaS/AI, deep tech and life sciences, today announced that Jennifer Hankins has been named its new Chief Executive Officer and President following a national search for a leader to build on Rev1's track record of supporting e
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"Jennifer brings the vision, energy and conviction Rev1 needs for what comes next," said Tom Walker, executive chairman of the Rev1 Ventures Board.
"Jennifer brings the vision, energy and conviction Rev1 needs for what comes next," said Tom Walker, executive chairman of the Rev1 Ventures Board.
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Hankins joins Rev1 from Tulsa Innovation Labs, where she served as Managing Director and led the organization's strategy, partnerships and portfolio of initiatives focused on strengthening Tulsa's innovation economy. There, she helped lead one of only two U.S. regions to win both EDA Build Back Better Regional Challenge and Tech Hubs Implementation Funding.
Hankins joins Rev1 from Tulsa Innovation Labs, where she served as Managing Director and led the organization's strategy, partnerships and portfolio of initiatives focused on strengthening Tulsa's innovation economy. There, she helped lead one of only two U.S. regions to win both EDA Build Back Bett
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Former Tulsa Innovation Labs Managing Director brings more than a decade of experience in entrepreneurship, economic development and ecosystem building to lead Rev1's next chapter
Former Tulsa Innovation Labs Managing Director brings more than a decade of experience in entrepreneurship, economic development and ecosystem building to lead Rev1's next chapter
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Rev1's work is made possible through the continued support of the State of Ohio's Third Frontier program and its dedicated funding and corporate partners.
Rev1's work is made possible through the continued support of the State of Ohio's Third Frontier program and its dedicated funding and corporate partners.
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Since launching, Rev1 has supported more than 1,700 startups, funded more than 200 unique companies and helped generate more than $7.7 billion in economic impact statewide.
Since launching, Rev1 has supported more than 1,700 startups, funded more than 200 unique companies and helped generate more than $7.7 billion in economic impact statewide.
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Rev1 Ventures Executive Chairman & R1 Capital CEO
Rev1 Ventures Executive Chairman & R1 Capital CEO