Rev1 Ventures has appointed Jennifer Hankins as its new Chief Executive Officer and President, bringing an experienced entrepreneurship and economic development leader to the Columbus-based venture studio.
Hankins joins Rev1 with more than a decade of experience working across entrepreneurship, economic development and innovation.
Her career has involved collaboration with founders, companies, investors and community organizations focused on strengthening regional economies and building environments where businesses can grow.
Hankins Moves From Tulsa Innovation Labs
Before taking the top role at Rev1 Ventures, Hankins served as Managing Director of Tulsa Innovation Labs.
In that position, she was responsible for leading the organization’s strategy, partnerships and portfolio of initiatives aimed at expanding Tulsa’s innovation economy.
Her work at Tulsa Innovation Labs gave her experience coordinating initiatives involving businesses, investors and other regional stakeholders while developing programs designed to support entrepreneurship and innovation.
Hankins previously spent time at the Tulsa Regional Chamber, where she was Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Small Business.
She helped develop the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and oversaw the Chamber’s business incubator for high-growth startups.
Earlier Economic Development Experience
Her professional background also includes a role with the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, where she served as Manager of Business Retention and Expansion within the organization’s Economic Development team.
Earlier in her career, Hankins worked in the Kansas City region with the Wyandotte Economic Development Council.
Her experience across multiple markets has centered on business development, entrepreneurship and regional economic growth.
Rev1 Focuses on Building Scalable Startups
Rev1 Ventures operates as a Midwest venture studio supporting entrepreneurs working across SaaS and artificial intelligence, deep technology and life sciences.
Rather than focusing solely on investment, the organization works alongside startups from the early stages of development.
Its support includes helping founders test and validate markets, build traction and prepare their companies to attract venture investment.
Rev1 also connects entrepreneurs with mentors, corporate partners and potential early customers.
The venture studio provides hands-on assistance, networks and collaborative workspaces intended to help emerging companies develop and scale.
Venture Studio Has Backed More Than 200 Companies
Since its launch, Rev1 Ventures has supported more than 1,700 startups and provided funding to more than 200 companies, establishing a broad footprint within the Midwest startup ecosystem.
The organization has also expanded its presence in downtown Columbus through Rev1 at The Peninsula, a founder-focused innovation hub created to support software and advanced technology startups.
With Hankins taking over as CEO and President, Rev1 is placing an executive with experience spanning startup ecosystems, business development and regional innovation leadership at the helm of its venture-building operations.
