Cintrifuse, Cincinnati’s leading startup group, has appointed J.B. Kropp as its new CEO, effective from March 4. The transition comes in anticipation of the departure of the current head, Pete Blackshaw, and ushers in a fresh leadership structure. The organization’s objective is to provide increased financial backing for early-stage companies in the region.
Kropp, known as one of the pioneers of the local startup ecosystem and also one of the co-founders of the noted Brandery accelerator, will succeed Blackshaw. He is also expected to continue serving as the managing director of Cintrifuse Capital, a role he embraced in April 2023.
Blackshaw had announced his exit earlier in January after a tenure of five years. He is planning to explore new ventures, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence.
