Defense Tech Revolution, VC Billions & Transit Progress

Hey, it's Gagan. The only one in the world, and this week we're talking MASSIVE moves.

But, truthfully, I know you have one question: WHY ARE PEOPLE STILL MOVING TO COLUMBUS? Well, we cover that in this weeks video 👇

In today's newsletter:

• Anduril Brings AI Fighter Jets to Central Ohio: Arsenal-1 facility will produce autonomous Fury aircraft - 4,000 jobs by 2035

• Drive Capital Raising $1.3B: Midwest's largest VC firm targeting massive dual fund raise for tech investments

• Boeing Commits $50M to Heath Facility: Aerospace giant extends lease through 2038 with major facility upgrades

• Columbus Ranks #6 Happiest City: New 2025 Happy City Index puts us among America's most livable places

• BRT Construction Timeline Set: West Broad Corridor breaks ground in 2026, opening planned for 2028

SPONSORED BY THE GT REAL ESTATE GROUP

ANDURIL BRINGING AI FIGHTER JETS TO CENTRAL OHIO

The defense tech revolution is happening right here, and Columbus is at the center of it all. [Columbus Business First]

Key Highlights:

• Arsenal-1 facility near Rickenbacker will produce Fury autonomous fighter jets

• 4,000 jobs planned by 2035 - largest job creation project in Ohio history

• 5 million square feet of manufacturing space planned for Pickaway County

• AI-powered jets designed to fly without pilots using advanced autonomy systems

What Makes It Special:

This isn't just manufacturing – it's the future of defense technology being built in our backyard. The Fury represents cutting-edge artificial intelligence applied to aerial combat, with no cockpit, no pilot seat, and no human controls.

Anduril co-founder Palmer Luckey showcased the jet on 60 Minutes, marking the first time media was allowed close access to autonomous fighter technology.

The facility's location near Rickenbacker International Airport provides strategic advantages for testing and deployment, while transforming Pickaway County into a major defense manufacturing hub.

This positions Central Ohio as a critical player in America's defense technology infrastructure, attracting additional aerospace and defense companies to the region.

DRIVE CAPITAL SEEKS $1.3 BILLION FOR DUAL FUND STRATEGY

The Midwest's venture capital powerhouse is making its biggest fundraising move yet, cementing Columbus as a major VC hub. [Columbus Business First]

Key Highlights:

• $540 million seed fund targeting 30-60 very early tech companies

• $810 million "Overdrive" fund for later-stage rapid growth investments

• Both funds targeting 2.5x capital returns for limited partners

• Ventura County pension fund already committed $20 million in February

Business Performance:

Drive Capital's track record speaks volumes about Columbus's growing tech ecosystem. Funds launched in 2016 and 2019 have returned 1.4 to 2.6 times their capital to investors as of February.

The firm weathered the challenging 2022 interest rate environment by proactively working with portfolio companies to trim expenses and find sustainable growth models.

The results speak for themselves: portfolio companies generated $4 billion in revenue last year, doubling since 2022, with eighteen companies now exceeding $100 million in annual revenue.

This fundraising success reinforces Columbus's position as a serious venture capital center, attracting both startups and institutional investment to the region.

BOEING EXTENDS CENTRAL OHIO COMMITMENT WITH $50M INVESTMENT

The aerospace giant is doubling down on its Central Ohio presence with major facility upgrades and lease extensions. [ABC]

Key Highlights:

• $50 million investment in Heath facility expansion and improvements

• Lease extended through September 2038 with option through 2043

• New cleanroom, advanced manufacturing spaces, and classified SCIF facility

• 809 regional workers with $5.8 billion in Ohio supplier spending annually

Strategic Significance:

Boeing's decision to extend its commitment through 2038 reflects confidence in Central Ohio's aerospace capabilities and workforce quality. The company has operated in Licking County since 1996, providing maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for aerospace and defense guidance systems while manufacturing radar antennae.

The facility improvements, including a sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF), position the Heath location for "future-oriented, next-generation work" in aerospace and defense manufacturing.

This expansion complements the region's growing defense tech ecosystem, creating synergies with companies like Anduril while maintaining Boeing's six-decade presence in the area.

COLUMBUS RANKS #6 HAPPIEST CITY IN AMERICA

The 2025 Happy City Index confirms what residents already know – Columbus is an exceptional place to live and work. [The Columbus Report]

Key Highlights:

• #6 ranking among all U.S. cities in comprehensive happiness metrics

• Strong scores in green space access, mobility, and inclusive policies

• Cultural vibrancy and forward-thinking governance highlighted as key factors

• Recognition comes as city continues rapid economic and population growth

Quality of Life Leadership:

The ranking validates Columbus's strategic investments in livability, from expanding park systems to implementing progressive policies that support diverse communities. The city's balance of urban amenities with Midwest affordability creates an attractive environment for both businesses and residents.

This recognition amplifies Columbus's appeal to companies making location decisions and talented professionals choosing where to build their careers. As the city attracts major investments like Anduril's Arsenal-1 and Boeing's facility expansion, the happiness ranking becomes a competitive advantage in recruiting top talent.

The timing couldn't be better – as Columbus positions itself as a defense tech and venture capital hub, quality of life becomes a crucial differentiator in attracting the skilled workforce these industries demand.

BRT CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE SET FOR WEST BROAD CORRIDOR

COTA's ambitious LinkUs initiative moves from planning to reality with concrete construction timelines. [LINKUS]

Key Highlights:

• West Broad Corridor construction begins early 2026, opening Q4 2028

• 9-mile route from downtown to Prairie Township with dedicated bus lanes

• $350 million total investment with $20.2 million already spent on design

• East Main and Northwest corridors following with 2029 and 2031 openings

Transportation Revolution:

The West Broad Corridor represents more than transit improvement – it's economic development infrastructure that will reshape how Central Ohio moves and grows. With dedicated bus lanes covering the majority of the route, this system promises reliable, rapid transit that competes with driving for convenience.

The $8 billion LinkUs initiative, funded by voter-approved sales tax increases, demonstrates unprecedented regional commitment to transportation infrastructure. Federal grants covering $800 million of costs validate the project's importance and feasibility.

As major employers like Anduril and Boeing expand their Central Ohio presence, robust public transit becomes essential for connecting workforce to opportunity across the growing region.

THIS WEEK'S WRAP-UP

Home owners: Defense manufacturing and aerospace investments create high-paying job clusters that drive housing demand. Properties near Rickenbacker and along BRT corridors should see sustained appreciation as these sectors expand.

Home buyers: Consider proximity to major employment centers like Arsenal-1 and transportation corridors. Areas serving defense tech workers and with future BRT access offer excellent long-term value propositions.

Real estate Investors: The convergence of defense tech, venture capital growth, and infrastructure investment creates multiple opportunity zones. Look for undervalued properties near major employment anchors and future transit lines.

Bottom line: Columbus is transitioning from a regional center to a national player in defense technology and venture capital. The combination of major job creation, infrastructure investment, and quality of life recognition creates a foundation for sustained economic growth that benefits property values regionwide.

Thinking about making a move in this evolving market? Let's chat and connect you with our partners!

[Schedule a call]

See you next week,

- Gagan Timsina

P.S. The convergence of defense tech, venture capital, and infrastructure investment isn't coincidental – it's strategic positioning that makes Columbus increasingly attractive to major corporations and talent. We're not just growing; we're becoming essential to America's economic and defense infrastructure.

P.P.S. With summer festival season starting, don't miss this weekend's events around town. The combination of great weather and our #6 happiness ranking makes Columbus the perfect place to celebrate what we're building together!