OH.io Ventures Appointed Kevin Pohmer as CBO

The Columbus-based startup accelerator has named the former Hexure executive as its new chief business officer.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Startups

Bold flat-color editorial illustration featuring navy, cream, and orange geometric forms, representing structural business expansion. — Columbus-based accelerator OH.io Ventures has appointed former Hexure executive Kevin Pohmer as its new chief business officer to lead growth strategy. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Columbus-based startup accelerator OH.io has appointed Kevin Pohmer to serve as its chief business officer. Pohmer joins the firm, which was launched by Ratmir Timashev in February 2026, as it continues its mission to scale early-stage technology companies.

Why it matters

OH.io aims to accelerate startup growth by providing dedicated marketing and sales expertise to its partners. The firm commits resources to help these companies resolve go-to-market challenges and expand their operations.

OH.io has committed $100 million to invest in 100 startups, with 35 staff members currently managing the program. The firm expects to increase its headcount to 50 employees by the end of 2026.

The players

Kevin Pohmer

He is the newly appointed chief business officer of OH.io and previously served as the president of Hexure.

Ratmir Timashev

He is the founder of OH.io and a major donor who contributed $110 million to the Center for Software Innovation.

The details

The accelerator functions as the sales and marketing arm for its partner companies, working toward a goal of tripling their revenue within 18 months. Currently, the firm has partnered with four companies, including Testkube and RWX, while pursuing a total investment target of $100 million over five years.

Ratmir Timashev launched OH.io in February 2026.
Three former executives filed a lawsuit against OH.io in spring 2026.
The appointment of Kevin Pohmer was announced on October 6, 2026.
The Center for Software Innovation is scheduled to break ground in fall 2026.
OH.io expects to reach a total of 50 employees by the end of 2026.

Market Landscape

OH.io follows the 2026 startup investment and incubator model, which emphasizes hands-on sales and marketing support for portfolio firms. This approach positions the firm as a direct service provider compared to traditional venture capital models that focus primarily on funding.

For local tech entrepreneurs, OH.io represents a potential source of both capital and operational infrastructure for scaling businesses. However, the ongoing legal disputes and organizational changes may influence how the firm evaluates future partnership opportunities.

The takeaway

OH.io is aggressively scaling its operations in Columbus by integrating high-level leadership and significant investment capital. Entrepreneurs looking to partner with the firm should account for its hands-on operational model and current growth phase.