The O.H.I.O. Fund, a private fund investment adviser seeking to generate strong returns for investors while creating economic growth in Ohio, today announced it is leading a new round of funding in Sonic Fire Tech, a NASA-inspired fire tech startup developing infrasound-based fire defense systems. Khosla Ventures, one of the company’s original lead investors, is doubling down, and existing backers Third Sphere and AirAngels continue to support the company. This round closes out Sonic Fire Tech’s seed financing at $15 million, one of the largest in Ohio history.

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The investment is the latest deep tech investment from The O.H.I.O. Fund, pairing its statewide network and Ohio’s advanced manufacturing relationships with Khosla Ventures’ continued conviction in Sonic Fire Tech’s revolutionary acoustic-based fire defense solutions. It also underscores a broader narrative taking shape across the state: Ohio’s unmatched ability to execute and build, converging advanced manufacturing, aerospace research, development talent, and venture capital to create the next generation of American hardware and manufacturing companies.

Sonic Fire Tech was founded by a team with roots in aerospace engineering and NASA-inspired research, and has built its engineering base in Cleveland, leveraging proximity to NASA’s Glenn Research Center and the region’s deep bench of aerospace and advanced manufacturing talent. As the company scales production and pursues national certification, that in-state talent pipeline and manufacturing infrastructure are central to its ability to build, test, and ship in the U.S.

“The most valuable industrial companies of the next decade will pair breakthrough innovation with the ability to manufacture and scale,” said Ray Leach, Co-Founder and President of The O.H.I.O. Fund. “Sonic Fire Tech is building that future in Ohio. The O.H.I.O. Fund was established to support companies with the potential to transform industries and create long-term economic value.”

“The O.H.I.O. Fund and Khosla Ventures aren’t just writing a check; they’re betting on Ohio as the place to build the future of fire safety,” said Geoff Bruder, CEO and co-founder of Sonic Fire Tech. “This capping off our seed round lets us do what we’ve been building toward since day one: scale U.S.-based manufacturing, expand our install partner network, and continue hiring the engineers here in Ohio who are making this technology real. We’re putting this funding directly into accelerating our certification and compliance work, because certification unlocks the next phase of deployment, from homes and first responders to utilities and commercial properties.”

“When we first backed Sonic Fire Tech, we saw a team capable of reinventing fire suppression from first principles. A year later, we’re excited about the technical progress, the certification path, and the industry traction we’re seeing,” said Rajesh Swaminathan, partner at Khosla Ventures.

“Our progress over the past 12 months has been extraordinary. We’ve seen fire industry experts shift from skeptics to advocates through live demos and ongoing rigorous testing, as the technology continues to prove itself,” said Remington Hotchkis, Chief Commercialization Officer of Sonic Fire Tech. “From fire risk in modern homes and lithium-ion batteries to data centers, manufacturing, and wildfires, tomorrow’s fire challenges demand a new generation of fire protection. This renewed investment accelerates our mission to protect the industries and communities of tomorrow.”

Traction and Milestones

Since closing its initial seed round in October 2025, Sonic Fire Tech has moved quickly from prototype to field validation with the Fire Service and to residential and commercialization in California.

  • UL validation: Sonic Fire Tech’s Home Defense System is in the process of completing its UL validation testing for a range of residential and industrial applications.
  • NFPA 13D equivalency: Testing by third-party-certified fire protection engineers has established that Sonic Fire Tech’s infrasound suppression performs equivalently to residential water sprinkler systems under NFPA 13D, the mandated standard governing fire sprinkler systems in one- and two-family homes in over 500 jurisdictions.
  • PCI 3D-printed home demonstration: Sonic Fire Tech’s system is being installed and demonstrated in a 3D-printed home built by PCI Builders in the Eaton fire zone in Altadena, Calif., demonstrating the technology’s compatibility with next-generation home construction.

About The O.H.I.O. Fund

TOF Manager, LLC dba The O.H.I.O. Fund is a private investment fund adviser committed to investing in and partnering with innovative entrepreneurs, business leaders, and co-investors who, like them, call Ohio home. With a unique investment thesis that leverages Ohio’s momentum, The O.H.I.O. Fund supports growth across advanced manufacturing, biotech, real estate, infrastructure, and other sectors where Ohio leads. The team brings deep experience and a robust statewide network to connect leaders and unlock Ohio’s most promising opportunities. Learn more at www.theohiofund.com.

In late June 2026, The O.H.I.O. Fund celebrated two years of fundraising and investing in the state. Through March 31, 2026, the firm raised $647 million to support its strategy of investing Ohio-based capital into Ohio-based opportunities and deployed $219 million across a diversified portfolio of 33 investments spanning companies, real estate, infrastructure, and other funds.

About Khosla Ventures

Khosla Ventures is a venture capital firm focused on investments across artificial intelligence, healthcare, financial services, consumer, enterprise, climate, and frontier technologies. Headquartered in Menlo Park, California, it’s known for making early capital investments in startups such as OpenAI, Instacart, Affirm, DoorDash, and Block. Learn more at https://www.khoslaventures.com/

About Sonic Fire Tech

Sonic Fire Tech develops infrasound systems that prevent fires before ignition, using no water, chemicals, or causing operational delays. Originating in aerospace engineering, the company serves homeowners, public agencies, and critical infrastructure. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, the company aims to advance fire defense. Sonic Fire Tech has raised $15 million in seed funding, led by The O.H.I.O. Fund and Khosla Ventures, with continued participation from Third Sphere and AirAngels. It was named a CES 2026 Innovation Awards® Honoree in the Smart Home category by the Consumer Technology Association. To learn more, request a demo at https://sonicfiretech.com.

Media Assets

Demo videos, product imagery, and supporting data are available in the media kit: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1muGkl0Ok4_Zg_mLfTQOfL9JfNEMbcFK8?usp=sharing

Important Information and Disclosures

This press release is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to purchase, any securities in any private investment fund (the “Fund”) managed by TOF Manager, LLC (“The O.H.I.O. Fund” or the “Adviser”). Any such offering will be made solely to qualified investors by means of a confidential private placement memorandum and other offering documents, which should be reviewed carefully before any investment decision.

The O.H.I.O. Fund is an investment adviser to one or more private investment funds. References to investments, capital deployed, or portfolio companies reflect investments made by private funds advised by The O.H.I.O. Fund, and not investments made directly by the investment adviser itself. Interests in the private funds advised by The O.H.I.O. Fund are offered only to eligible investors and are subject to investor qualification requirements.

Statements regarding expected growth, anticipated revenue, production capacity, expansion plans, or future business prospects are forward-looking statements based on current expectations, assumptions, and market conditions. Such statements are inherently uncertain and subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. There can be no assurance that projected outcomes, expectations, or plans will be achieved.

Past investments or portfolio company developments discussed herein are not indicative of future results. Investment performance varies, and no assurance can be given that any investment will achieve its objectives or avoid losses.

Comments or quotes from portfolio company representatives and references to portfolio companies, customers, or counterparties are provided solely for illustrative purposes and do not constitute an endorsement, guarantee, or recommendation. No representation is made that any investment strategy has been or will be successful.

This communication is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, investment advice, accounting advice, legal advice, or tax advice. Prospective investors should consult their own advisers before making any investment decision.

This press release is intended only for persons located in jurisdictions where distribution is permitted under applicable law, and may not be reproduced, distributed, or used for any other purpose without the express written consent of the Adviser.

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