Ramaswamy’s Investment Firm Linked to Company Receiving $830M Ohio Deal
GOP gubernatorial candidate’s venture capital firm invested in defense contractor that received Ohio’s largest-ever jobs incentive package.
COLUMBUS, OHIO — Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has a financial stake in a venture capital firm that invested in Anduril Industries, the defense contractor that received more than $830 million in state incentives to build a major manufacturing facility near Columbus, according to his financial disclosure documents.
Ramaswamy’s disclosure shows he has a stake in the venture firm 8VC, which has invested in every round of Anduril’s fundraising. The revelation raises questions about potential conflicts of interest as Ramaswamy campaigns to succeed Governor Mike DeWine.
Historic Jobs Deal Announced
In January 2025, DeWine announced the Anduril deal at an airplane hangar outside Columbus, calling it the “single largest job creation and new payroll generating project in all of Ohio’s history.” The defense contractor, which specializes in autonomous weapons systems, committed to building its new Arsenal-1 production facility next to Rickenbacker Airport.
“The future of American air power will be made right here in the state of Ohio,” DeWine said at the announcement event.
DeWine explained that Anduril promised to create more than 4,000 new jobs with an average salary of $132,000 over the next 10 years, surpassing even the Intel facility in terms of employment.
Massive Incentive Package
To secure the deal, Ohio assembled an incentive package totaling more than $830 million. JobsOhio provided a $310 million grant, while the Ohio Department of Development offered a tax credit worth more than $452 million.
Both incentives are tied to Anduril’s hiring commitments, ensuring the company must deliver on its job creation promises to receive the full benefits.
The Department of Development allocated $70 million toward infrastructure upgrades to support the new Arsenal-1 plant.
Accountability Measures
“Anytime we do a deal,” then Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted said at the Anduril announcement event, “it’s contingent upon the company delivering what they promised. And we have not been afraid in any circumstance, including with previous deals, to hold companies accountable.”
The financial disclosure requirement for gubernatorial candidates provides transparency into potential conflicts of interest, particularly when state resources are involved in deals that could benefit their investments.
Ramaswamy’s campaign has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding his stake in 8VC and its connection to the Anduril deal.
The Arsenal-1 facility represents a significant expansion of Ohio’s defense manufacturing sector and positions the state as a major player in autonomous weapons production for the U.S. military.
