Central Ohio’s tracked startups show varied progress in 2025, including sales growth, strategic pivots, and leadership changes. One new company joins the list, while another has shut down. The cohort reflects typical entrepreneurial challenges and adaptations.
Five Star Fans, founded by former Ohio State cheerleaders Tina Provost and Jennifer Dean, launches a platform connecting college athletes with NIL opportunities. The startup leverages recent NCAA Name, Image, and Likeness policies to facilitate monetization for student-athletes. The service targets athletes seeking brand partnerships, sponsorships, and direct fan engagement.
Five Star Fans enables college sports fans to buy and send digital 'likes' to recruit top high school athletes. The platform turns fan engagement into a crowdsourced tool for teams to attract prospective players. Fans contribute to a collective effort that highlights support for recruits.
Five Star Fans and THE Foundation introduce a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) campaign offering direct compensation to Ohio State football athletes during a spring game. The initiative provides athletes with financial opportunities tied to their participation in the event. This marks a structured approach to monetizing athlete endorsements under new collegiate rules.
