Primary objective

1809 Capital’s foremost goal is to deliver strong financial returns for our Limited Partners (LPs). We achieve this through disciplined investment strategies and an active partnership with the founders we support. Beyond financial performance, we embrace our role as a connector within the Miami University ecosystem—linking alumni, faculty, and administration through mentorship, industry insight, and collaboration.

MU Impact

In addition to generating returns, 1809 Capital is uniquely structured to give back to Miami University. Our General Partners have committed 60% of their carried interest to the Miami University Foundation, directly supporting student opportunities, entrepreneurial initiatives, and programs. This model allows the Fund’s success to translate into lasting benefits for the broader Miami community.

1809 Capital's gift to Miami

$500,000 Promised

1809 Capital Sponsors

Inaugural Redhawk50 Celebration

On March 15th, 1809 Capital proudly sponsored the first-ever Redhawk50 event, honoring the 50 fastest-growing companies founded or led by Miami University alumni. The evening brought together over 300 alumni, students, faculty, and supporters at Cincinnati’s historic Music Hall to celebrate Miami’s strong entrepreneurial legacy.

 

The event highlighted Miami University’s role as the “Cradle of Founders” and featured inspiring remarks from President Gregory Crawford, along with recognition of RedHawk Ventures and three of their portfolio companies—OROS, Pieces for Developers, and Mad Rabbit—for their outstanding growth and innovation.

John W. Altman Institute for Entrepreneurship
We’re proud to partner with Miami University’s nationally recognized Altman Institute for Entrepreneurship. Ranked among the top undergraduate programs in the country, the Institute provides students with immersive, real-world experiences in venture creation, social impact, and innovation—helping to develop the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders.

Fund I

Impact

Fisher Innovation College @ Elm

  • 1809 Capital Miami/Oxford Innovation Center Office
  • Regular Mentor sessions
  • Office Hours
  • Venture and Startup Workshops
  • Engaging 1809 Capital LPs and Alumni Network

Redhawk Ventures

Redhawk Venture Fund

  • Based in 1809 Capital office
    Mentorship and Collaboration
  • 1809 GP’s MU foundation gift directed to provide Redhawk Ventures investment capital. 
$ 0 k

MU Foundation Gift

Funded by 60% of GP carried interest
Potential for more

$40K

Annual funding of student intern program

20

Student Interns 

(Over life of fund)

Fund II & FOF

Projected Impact

$ 0 MM

Expected MU Foundation Gift

1,000+

Mentorship Engagement

400+

Internships sourced & connected

Mentorship

  • Student Engagement: Formal Capstone class mentoring sessions with 1809’s Capital Partners and LPs.

  • One-on-one office hours with student and alumni startups. 

Internship Programs

1809 Capital 

  • 4-5 student interns annually
  • Supporting deal sourcing, diligence, and fund operations, providing valuable support to the firms’ investing activities, and providing real-world experience for the students.
 

VC Relationships

  • Through our portfolio and VC relationships, internships are available in funds and at startups in portfolio companies.

How we maximize the impact

Our Philanthropy: At 1809 Capital, we create impact not only through the General Partners’ financial gift but also alumni engagement in mentorship and internship opportunities. 1809 Capital is a unique venture capital fund where the General Partners donate 60% of their carried interest to the Miami University Foundation.   We further our Limited Partners interests without compromising on return potential or profits.

The conventional VC profit-sharing model vs. transform capital

The traditional profit sharing model:

Traditionally, General Partners (GPs) at venture capital firms earn a carried interest—a share of the fund’s profits—for their efforts. In most cases, this profit split follows an 80/20 model, with 80% going to Limited Partners (LPs) and 20% to the GPs.

THE 1806 CAPITAL PROFIT SHARING MODEL:

At 1809 Capital, the profit distribution is structured with a mission-driven emphasis on supporting Miami University’s innovation ecosystem. Profits are split 80/12/8, 80% to LPs, 12% to the Miami University Foundation, and 8% to the GPs.

Proof is in the Pudding

Testimonials

"1809 Capital has assembled a team with extensive venture capital and fund management experience. They have proven the ability to execute a compelling investment access strategy leveraging the Miami alumni network. It is fun and exciting to see the synergy of Miami alumni from the venture community, founders, and Limited partners. As an LP I have been provided the opportunity expand my network and access to industry thought leaders, including engaging the 1809 Capital Network for the benefit of my advisory clients. I have enjoyed reconnecting with alumni and Miami faculty – both virtually and on campus. Join us, Love and Honor"​
Tom Marth​
Cloverleaf Go-To-Market Advisor, 1809 Capital Limited Partner, Miami ‘86
"At Zengines, 1809 is more than a capital investment – the organization and its leaders are insightful and committed investment partners. We have benefitted from the team’s expansive network, operational acumen, and thoughtful involvement – which has directly translated into qualified market opportunities and product and operations refinement. Zengines is excited to continue growing together with 1809 Capital."
Caitlyn Truong
Zengines Co-Founder & CEO
"The John W. Altman Institute for Entrepreneurship has collaborated with 1809 Capital from inception as part of the Institute's continuing efforts to help catalyze Miami University's powerful network of founders and angel, venture capital, growth and private equity investors. The 1809 team has executed a compelling venture capital investment strategy while engaging the expansive Miami alumni network of entrepreneurs/founders, VCs, and executives. We look forward to growing the partnership as 1809 Capital continues to build a sustainable platform to support Miami's perennial Top 10 undergraduate entrepreneurship program."​
Tim Holcomb​
Miami University Director of John W. Altman Institute of Entrepreneurship