Two Hamilton Mill companies attract investor attention

In mid-December, the Hamilton Mill announced a partnership with Queen City Angels, a group of over 50 investors who are strong believers in supporting the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
 
The group's attraction to the Hamilton Mill had a lot to do with the fact that many of the Mill's manufacturing and clean tech projects fit nicely into the fund requirements set by Ohio Third Frontier. Two companies in particular that attracted QCA: kW River Hydroelectric and WaterOxyChem.
 
Founded by Paul Kling and Fred Williams, kW Hydroelectric is working on creating a micro-turbine for low-head dams. Since the city of Hamilton and the Great Miami both have low-head dams, the company has found an ideal location at the Hamilton Mill.
 
WaterOxyChem, founded by Kerry Jackson, has created a unique wastewater treatment solution that uses an aerobic environment to algae and other contaminents from forming in sewers. The solution promises to save thousands of dollars for city water treatment.
 
By investing in companies such as these, Queen City Angels is adding to their network and bringing attention to Butler County.
 
"We chose to focus on areas that made the most sense for our base of business," says QCA Executive Director Scott Jacobs. "We have so much expertise within our group that I can find Angels that will immediately know and understand the types of business the Mill is trying to attract."
 
The lead angel on this project, John Bruck, happens to be the owner of an environmental engineering firm, BHE Environmental. With a career focused on renewable power consulting, Bruck has worked as a project manager for both the EPA and the Federal Energy Administration (FEA) and has been active in groups such as the American Wind Energy Association. With his skill set behind them, the Hamilton Mill's clean tech emphasis will likely grow considerably over the next several years.
 
"His background in perfectly suited for Hamilton Mill," Jacobs says.
 
CB Insights recently recognized QCA as one of the top two private seed-stage venture capital investors in the United States. With this new partnership secured, the Mill will now have access to numerous mentors like Bruck as well as other regional resources.