Calvin Cooper Epitomizes the Entrepreneurial Scene in Columbus

Interview by Steph Greegor

Name: Calvin Cooper
Age: 30
Profession: CEO and Co-Founder, Rhove
Neighborhood: Downtown Columbus
One-word description: Builder
Quote: “Music played an important role in my life growing up. I played piano in the high school jazz band and in college I co-founded a music production company.”
Connect: LinkedIn | Twitter

Tucked amongst the natural and commercial beauty of downtown Columbus is 30-year-old Calvin Cooper, the CEO and Co-Founder of Rhove and a former Director and a Venture Partner at NCT Ventures.

“Rhove is a technology company that enables renters to share in the value of property ownership through partnerships with real estate developers,” said the Columbus native who attended Capital University and studied economics and finance, with a minor in religion and focus on philosophy. “We provide a way for renters to earn equity in real estate as they pay rent.”

Cooper said the concept for Rhove started out of his own pain point as a renter.

“The research shows that tenants are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in lifetime rent, and there is little opportunity to accumulate equity and grow net worth through homeownership,” he said. “In looking at the market, it became apparent that there is a need that is not being met, and I’m fortunate to have partnered with a great team of co-founders to make Rhove a reality.”

Cooper also promotes his passion in Central Ohio — music — as a member of the Columbus Music Commission (Music Columbus) Board of Directors.

“The mission of Music Columbus is to connect music makers, music commerce, and community to engage in creating, performing and promoting great music.”

Cooper said he also strives to promote technology entrepreneurship.

“I serve as a YEx Advisory Board Member at the San Francisco-based Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center,” he said. “I’m also a previous board member of i.c.stars Columbus, an organization that identifies, trains and jumpstarts technology careers for low-income young adults.”

In his spare time, Cooper enjoys being part of his downtown neighborhood—the pulse of the city, he said.

“It’s fun to be near the sports games, restaurants and entertainment,” said Cooper. “During the summer, the river is a great place to hang out and there are festivals almost every weekend.”

He said he often takes his guests to the Gallery Hop in the Short North and enjoys a nice dinner at The Refectory.

Calvin was named to our annual list of 52 Young Professionals You Should Know in Columbus – one for every week in the year!
Meet the entire “Class of 2018” »