A high-tech investment firm owner is impressed with the Mahoning Valley

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

A high-tech investment and advisory firm owner said he likes what he sees in the Mahoning Valley and may be willing to invest in local companies or start-up businesses.

Patrick McKenna, founding partner of High Ridge Global of San Francisco, has invested in companies all over the country and the world. He spearheaded a group of 13 entrepreneurs who spent Tuesday and Wednesday in the Valley looking at opportunities at the invitation of U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Howland, D-13th.

The group discussed the need to grow the area’s technology-driven economy and examine possible investments in the area, Ryan said Wednesday.

“My view as a company builder is what opportunity is here and can we train people here for high-tech jobs?” McKenna said. “I see Youngstown and the surrounding area as very attractive.”

For the Youngstown area, McKenna said he is interested in start-up companies, such as those at the Youngstown Business Incubator, and new businesses for financial investments and mentoring, as well as established companies in places such as San Francisco and New York City looking to expand their operations.