211 is an informal collective of business leaders that invests in purpose-driven start-ups in consumer and technology. We bring passionate capital as well as decades of mistakes and experience to the arena.Why 211?1 degree makes all the differenceWater boils at 212ºF… and yet at 211ºF it’s hard to tell what, if anything, is happening. In business, and in life, its not much different. Challenges increase over varying lengths of time. Problems stack on top of each other. Until one day everything erupts - processes deteriorate, teams fall apart, businesses suffer immense setbacks, and even tempers flare. Often when we reach that boiling point, it’s too late to do anything constructive. At 211VC, our goal is to invest in and support start-up businesses before the challenges reach boiling point. Usually at the very beginning when frustration is what often causes an entrepreneur to endeavor on something new and innovative. We join the team with ultra-patient capital and experience at a time when optimism and cooler heads prevail while experience, past mistakes and wisdom can lead to solid partnerships with determined founders and exciting long-term solutions.We strive to meet and invest in technology companies and founders that are attempting to:1) provide meaningful and innovative benefits to the frontline, often hourly, workforce – while also supporting employers who aim to improve the lives of their employees2) provide innovate tools and capabilities to small businesses – often restaurants – to help them win even against their most formidable, much larger competitors3) develop a consumer startup or brand - think beverages, food, restaurants – that is so special it can’t be ignored. When we make an investment in this category, get in your car or hop online with your credit card ready because we are absolutely sure you won’t be disappointed!

Founded in 1997. Even a Burrito Aspires. Certified B Corp.

SOLD 2024

Technology startup focused on amplifying the voice and empowering workers in low wage jobs. Apparently they didn't want our kind of help 🤷🏻. Never found business model that worked - hibernated in early 2021. Disappointing...

Sold in 2017. Grew to a peak of 80 locations before Covid took it down... big time. Was an honor to be part of the founding team way back when and staying out of the way.

Mostly stood in surgery and helped nurses and docs use our pretty amazing medical devices. Introduced laparoscopic procedures and instruments to general, thoracic, and OB/GYN surgeons in Youngstown, OH and later in San Francisco, CA.

Chased delinquent student loan holders in Cinci, Dayton, and Columbus. I was literally called "the chaser".