Ron Rock: Why Ohio is the Ultimate Launchpad for International Startups

On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Ron Rock, former Managing Director for the Financial Services Sector at JobsOhio, now guest editor at FF News. When you think "FinTech hub," your mind might automatically jump to Silicon Valley or New York. But there’s a powerhouse in the heartland that's giving these coastal giants a run for their money: Ohio. In our conversation today, we'll unpack why Ohio – a state that puts you within a two-hour flight of 75% of the U.S. and Canadian financial services industry – might just be the strategic move your startup needs to make. KEY TAKEAWAYS Ohio has the 4th-largest financial services economy in the US, so if you’re looking for partnerships, a market, and people who’ll have a conversation with you, the operating costs will be much lower than on the coasts in New York and California. If you’re a graduate in IT, thinking about going into an IT profession, maybe it’s time to think about financial services. If you can do that kind of development, programming, or coding, there are a lot of opportunities in InsurTech and FinTech.  There are a few pillars you need for growth. The first is the state's economy, which we do. Then you need the ecosystem of players – investors, large companies, startups that have found a footing- and the talent in that ecosystem as well. When we look at the talent needed to fill jobs of the future in financial services, we have to ensure curricula are up to par, including AI and low-code environments. We’re not a one-size-fits-all; we have programmes that didn’t fit earlier-stage companies. We looked at that and how we could support formally and informally, and now we have 3 innovations across the state. These provide support, whether that’s proximity to other innovators or incentives like JobsOhio's Growth Cap for early-stage companies. BEST MOMENTS London and the Midwestern states share similar mindsets and amicable relationships. We find a way to make something happen.’ ‘Startups have found footing in Ohio because of the climate we’re in; we don’t have large catastrophes or losses, so if you’re testing a new product or company, you have that in your favour.’ ‘Ohio is a microcosm of a larger market, almost like a sandbox in which you can pay before you launch.’ ‘I call myself a connector, or facilitator, it’s the core of my job. I have to know the industry, but I’ll never get deep into knowing exactly what the industry is doing. So I stay in my lane and make connections to the right individuals, listen to companies, and introduce people.’ ABOUT THE GUEST Ron Rock is a forward-thinking business management executive and Managing Director of JobsOhio’s Financial Services Sector. With over two decades of experience spanning financial services, insurance, economic development, and process improvement, Ron is renowned for creating and executing strategic growth plans that boost market share, elevate customer loyalty, and broaden service offerings. A dynamic leader, innovator, strategist, and connector, Ron bridges the gap between traditional institutions and emerging technology ventures. He regularly partners with founders, investors, and corporate stakeholders to identify opportunities for expansion into Ohio, home to the nation’s fourth-largest financial services economy. Under Ron’s guidance, JobsOhio provides tailored incentives and support, empowering promising fintech and insurtech startups to flourish while meeting the needs of major banks and insurers throughout the state. Known for his collaborative style and commitment to continuous innovation, Ron’s work centers on connecting bright ideas with meaningful partnerships, ultimately creating jobs and sparking economic growth. His deep understanding of market dynamics, coupled with his emphasis on data-driven strategy, has positioned him at the forefront of Ohio’s rise as a nationwide hub for financial technology and insurance innovation. LinkedIn ABOUT THE HOST Sabine VanderLinden is a corporate strategist turned entrepreneur and the CEO of Alchemy Crew Ventures. She leads venture-client labs that help Fortune 500 companies adopt and scale cutting-edge technologies from global tech ventures. A builder of accelerators, investor, and co-editor of the bestseller The INSURTECH Book, Sabine is known for asking the uncomfortable questions—about AI governance, risk, and trust. On Scouting for Growth, she decodes how real growth happens—where capital, collaboration, and courage meet. If this episode sparked your thinking, follow Sabine VanderLinden on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram for more insights. And if you’re interested in sponsoring the podcast, reach out to the team at [email protected]