Argomenti trattati
Emma Scharfenberger Off has established herself as a prominent mergers and acquisitions attorney at Thompson Hine, a leading law firm in Ohio. Recognized as one of the state’s top M&A lawyers, she enjoyed both professional success and collaboration with skilled colleagues. Her outstanding contributions to a significant acquisition were acknowledged in the Wall Street Journal. However, a surprising call would soon prompt a pivotal shift in her career.
A board member from CincyTech, a venture capital firm, contacted Emma with an intriguing opportunity: to apply for the role of president and CEO, which would take her beyond the legal profession she valued. “This was not just about being the general counsel of CincyTech,” Off reflects, recognizing this moment as a significant turning point. “This was about leading an organization.”
The allure of CincyTech
Founded in 2007, CincyTech has been instrumental in fostering innovative technologies across Ohio, investing in over 90 ventures. These investments cover diverse sectors, including data management, precision medicine, and gene therapy, contributing to the creation of more than 1,600 jobs statewide. With $92 million in direct investments—nearly half directed toward Cincinnati-based startups—CincyTech has generated over $1.9 billion in additional co-investments.
When Emma received the call that initiated this transformative opportunity, she was initially surprised. Although she cherished her role at Thompson Hine, the chance to contribute to a growing organization like CincyTech was compelling. “I thought, what do I have to lose?” she recalls. “It was a unique opportunity to develop something significant for our city, enhancing an organization already making waves in the community. I thrive on building and growing.”
Collaboration and innovation
Emma’s new position would enable close collaboration with the University of Cincinnati, a founding partner of CincyTech. This partnership particularly excited her, as she would work alongside Ryan Hays, UC’s chief innovation and strategy officer and a board member of CincyTech. “Many skills I acquired in private practice are directly applicable to our work here,” she notes. “Advising portfolio companies, collaborating with founders, navigating capital raises, and engaging in sale transactions all resonate with my legal background.”
Furthermore, CincyTech’s public-private partnership model allows for local and state grants to bolster its initiatives, providing Emma with opportunities to engage in policy matters, an area she is passionate about.
A foundation rooted in law
Emma’s journey began in Cincinnati, where a strong calling toward the law took root. Inspired by her grandfather, the late John Keefe, a respected judge, she developed a keen interest in legal matters from an early age. Their Sunday dinners often revolved around discussions about politics and law, shaping her understanding of fairness and respect for differing opinions.
After completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Kentucky, she pursued her dream at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, where she honed her skills further. Emma embraced her law school experience, actively serving as the executive director of Moot Court while forming lasting friendships with her classmates.
Overcoming challenges in the legal landscape
Graduating in 2011, Emma confronted a challenging job market exacerbated by the Great Recession. Unlike previous years, many law students struggled to secure positions as firms were hesitant to hire. Fortunately, her networking efforts and an internship at Fifth Third Bancorp helped her secure an internship at Graydon Head & Ritchey, where she dedicated herself to demonstrating her capabilities while many peers focused solely on bar exam preparation.
Her perseverance paid off when she was offered a position at the firm after her internship. Over three years, she became one of the few attorneys in the region specializing in corporate mergers and acquisitions during a challenging economic period. In 2014, Emma moved to Thompson Hine, quickly making her mark by becoming a partner and co-leading significant transactions.
Balancing multiple roles
A board member from CincyTech, a venture capital firm, contacted Emma with an intriguing opportunity: to apply for the role of president and CEO, which would take her beyond the legal profession she valued. “This was not just about being the general counsel of CincyTech,” Off reflects, recognizing this moment as a significant turning point. “This was about leading an organization.”0
A board member from CincyTech, a venture capital firm, contacted Emma with an intriguing opportunity: to apply for the role of president and CEO, which would take her beyond the legal profession she valued. “This was not just about being the general counsel of CincyTech,” Off reflects, recognizing this moment as a significant turning point. “This was about leading an organization.”1
A board member from CincyTech, a venture capital firm, contacted Emma with an intriguing opportunity: to apply for the role of president and CEO, which would take her beyond the legal profession she valued. “This was not just about being the general counsel of CincyTech,” Off reflects, recognizing this moment as a significant turning point. “This was about leading an organization.”2