Inside VC Fest: Lorne Novick on Building Ohio’s Startup Future (No. 097)

On this episode of Built in Ohio we’re joined by Novick, the Interim CEO of JumpStart Inc. 

Lorne has spent his career at the intersection of law, startups, sports, and venture—always with a focus on driving innovation and impact. At JumpStart, he’s held senior leadership roles overseeing services, deal flow, and strategy, helping to build one of Ohio’s most influential entrepreneurial organizations. Now as Interim CEO, he’s steering JumpStart through a pivotal moment, working to accelerate the launch and growth of high-potential companies while expanding the state’s innovation ecosystem.

One of the biggest ways JumpStart does this is through VC Fest, the annual gathering coming back to Cleveland on September 16th and 17th that brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders from across Ohio and beyond. This year’s event introduces new elements, fresh conversations, and opportunities for collaboration that could shape the next wave of Ohio startups.

In this episode, we dig dug what makes VC Fest unique, the impact it’s already had, and where Lorne sees Ohio’s innovation ecosystem heading.

Connect with Lorne on LinkedIn.

Learn more about JumpStart at www.jumpstartinc.org

Learn more about Ohio VC Fest at www.ohiovcfest.com