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
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 15, 2026 — 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.
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.
She brings more than a decade of experience across entrepreneurship and economic development, working with founders, businesses, investors and community partners to build stronger regional economies.
“Rev1 has played an important role in putting Columbus on the map as a place where entrepreneurs can build and scale,” said Hankins. “We have an opportunity to build on that momentum and think even bigger about what’s possible — connecting more founders, investors, companies and institutions to strengthen the ecosystem and create more opportunities for entrepreneurs to succeed. I’m eager to join the Rev1 team to help take that work even further across Central Ohio and beyond.”
Before joining Tulsa Innovation Labs, Hankins served as Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Small Business at the Tulsa Regional Chamber, where she helped grow the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem and managed the Chamber’s business incubator for high-growth startups. She also served as Manager of Business Retention and Expansion on the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development team. Earlier in her career, she worked in the Kansas City region for the Wyandotte Economic Development Council.
“Jennifer brings a rare combination of entrepreneurial ecosystem experience, economic development expertise and collaborative leadership,” said Sue Zazon, Rev1 Board Chair and President of Huntington Bank’s Central Ohio Region. “She understands how to bring founders, investors, businesses and community leaders together around shared opportunities that can strengthen an entire region. Her experience and vision will ensure Rev1 builds on its momentum so it can continue serving entrepreneurs and supporting innovation.”
Rev1 was recently named to TIME’s inaugural America’s Best Incubators & Accelerators 2026 list, ranking as the highest Ohio-based organization included. 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. Rev1 recently expanded its presence in downtown Columbus with Rev1 at The Peninsula, a founder-focused innovation hub designed to help software and advanced technology startups grow faster and more effectively.
“Jennifer brings the vision, energy and conviction Rev1 needs for what comes next,” said Tom Walker, executive chairman of the Rev1 Ventures Board. “She understands that building a thriving innovation economy takes more than great ideas – it takes the right people, resources and opportunities coming together to turn those ideas into high-growth companies. I’m confident Jennifer will challenge us to think bigger, move with purpose and take Rev1’s impact to the next level.”
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.
About Rev1 Ventures
Rev1 Ventures is where founders go to build. As a Midwest venture studio, Rev1 partners with innovators in Saas/AI, deep tech, and life sciences to turn bold ideas into scalable companies. From day one, Rev1 helps startups move faster and grow smarter by validating markets, gaining traction, and becoming venture ready. A catalyst for early-stage growth, Rev1 connects founders to the mentors, partners, and early customers that accelerate progress and position startups to attract investors. With hands-on support, a powerful network, and collaborative spaces designed for growth, Rev1 gives startups the foundation to build stronger and scale. For more information, visit https://www.rev1ventures.com.
SOURCE Rev1 Ventures
