Great Lakes Venture Capital Association launches to empower region’s venture capital firms
A new trade group is helping to connect venture capital professionals in the Great Lakes region.
The Great Lakes Venture Capital Association (GLVCA) announced its launch in August as a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering VC firms and supporting a thriving network.
The group’s inaugural event will take place June 25-26, 2025 at French Lick Resorts in Indiana. Attendees will have the opportunity to build new relationships and reconnect with friends, setting the stage for future collaborations and successes.
Founding volunteer members of GLVCA include Tim Schigel at Refinery Ventures, Adrian Fortino at Mercury, Chad Summe at eGateway Capital, Camila Noordeloos at Grand Ventures, and Kaleb Dumot at Integrity Power Search.
For more information about the Great Lakes Venture Capital Association and its upcoming events, visit Great Lakes VCA.
What It Means to Ohio
As part of the Great Lakes region, Ohio stands to gain from a better connected network of VC professionals.
In 2023, Ohio generated $1.27 billion in VC investment in 2023, accounting for 0.7% of total U.S. venture capital investment dollars and 1.4% of all deals, according to Columbus Inno.
Ohio’s own VC event, Ohio VC Fest, returns to Cleveland Sept. 17-18.
What They’re Saying
"Community and trust are the cornerstones of our industry, and strong investor relationships are essential for driving innovation and growth throughout our region. Bringing together all the venture funds in the Midwest through the Great Lakes Venture Capital Association allows us to leverage collective strengths, share valuable insights, and foster a collaborative environment that benefits everyone involved. A rising tide lifts all boats."
- Kaleb Dumot, Integrity Power Search
“I’ve been an active operator and investor in the Great Lakes for the last 15 years. In that time, our region has come a long way but we still need to build more connectivity across the region. The Great Lakes Venture Capital Association will be that place for relationship building for active Great Lakes investors.”
- Adrian Fortino, Managing Director, Mercury
"I am thrilled to be a part of the Great Lakes Venture Capital Association because it embodies the spirit of collaboration that is crucial in our industry. Venture capital thrives on strong, supportive relationships, and this association's commitment to connecting investors will foster a robust network that drives transformative growth across the region."
- Camila Noordeloos, General Partner, Grand Ventures
