Skip to main content
Oklahoma Venture Forum Podcast

Oklahoma Venture Forum Podcast

By Oklahoma Venture Forum

OVF podcasts offer insightful interviews with speakers and pitch presenters from all over Oklahoma. OVF was founded in 1987 to champion small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development.
Available on
Google Podcasts Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

Brent Wheelbarger, Viribus VR Labs

Oklahoma Venture Forum PodcastFeb 19, 2020

00:00
08:16
Robert Washington, Founder of ShelterShare 4/10/24 Pitch Presenter

Robert Washington, Founder of ShelterShare 4/10/24 Pitch Presenter

At our April 10th, 2024 Power Lunch in Oklahoma City, five local area startups will pitch to OVF members and guests. One of those startup presenters will be Robert Washington, Founder of ShelterShare. Let's learn more about the company and its recent pivot.

"ShelterShare is committed to bridging the gap between the unhoused population and vital resources within their communities. Our innovative web-based application revolutionizes the way individuals access support services, ensuring that no one is left behind." https://www.shelter-share.com

MotherBoard, FlexiH, Barista Bot, and Sugar Security will also pitch that day (subject to change). Register to attend in person at Metro Tech Spring Lake (1900 Springlake Dr.) or via Zoom at https://ovf.org/event-5367260 The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org

Mar 28, 202414:40
Sam DuRegger, Founder of Barista Bot 4/10/24 Pitch Presenter

Sam DuRegger, Founder of Barista Bot 4/10/24 Pitch Presenter

At our April 10th, 2024 Power Lunch in Oklahoma City, five local area startups will pitch to OVF members and guests. One of those startup presenters will be Sam DuRegger, Founder of Barista Bot. Let's learn more about the company and the people involved.

Text your coffee order like you text a friend. For Coffee Shops - Barista Bot automates orders and payments so Baristas can focus on quality drinks and excellent customer service. https://baristabot.app

Register to attend in person at Metro Tech Spring Lake (1900 Springlake Dr.) or via Zoom at https://ovf.org/event-5367260

Also pitching that day will be MotherBoard, FlexiH, Shelter-Share and Sugar Security (subject to change).

The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org

Mar 26, 202418:20
Logan Evans, CEO of Sugar Security 4/10/24 Pitch Presenter

Logan Evans, CEO of Sugar Security 4/10/24 Pitch Presenter

At our April 10th, 2024 Power Lunch in Oklahoma City, five local area startups will pitch to OVF members and guests. One of those startup presenters will be Logan Evans, CEO of Sugar Security. Let's learn more about the company and the people involved.

"Sugar Security is working to provide small businesses the same cybersecurity technology and support that the Big Guys get. More than ever, businesses are going virtual, and need their data protected. We make vulnerability scanning easier and more affordable for every business through our cloud-based software and world-class support." https://sugarsecurity.com

Register to attend in person at Metro Tech Spring Lake (1900 Springlake Dr.) or via Zoom at https://ovf.org/event-5367260

Also pitching that day will be Claimrev, FlexiH, Shelter-Share and Barista Bot.

The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org

Mar 21, 202416:50
Alex Lobodiak, CRO and Justin Carpenter, CEO of Core Scribe 3/13/24 Pitch Presenters

Alex Lobodiak, CRO and Justin Carpenter, CEO of Core Scribe 3/13/24 Pitch Presenters

At our March 13th, 2024 Power Lunch in Tulsa, we will have 6 local area startups pitching to OVF members and guests. One of those presenters will be Alex Lobodiak, CRO and Justin Carpenter, CEO of Core Scribe.

Core Scribe is for anyone who wants to be fully present during a conversation but is distracted by note-taking or documentation. Professionals in healthcare, legal, and sales find it particularly helpful. Core Scribe can generate short to detailed summaries, personalized email follow-ups, memos, SOAP notes and more that can be customized to your organization. https://corescribe.io/

Register to attend in person at 36 Degrees North Basecamp in Tulsa, OK or via Zoom at https://ovf.org/event-5367248/Registration

The other pitch presenters will be EDUrain, Titan Intake, Paldara Pharmaceutical, Waysteless and gamr.

The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org

Feb 22, 202415:56
Bryon Pierson, Jr. CEO of EDUrain 3/13/24 Pitch Presenter

Bryon Pierson, Jr. CEO of EDUrain 3/13/24 Pitch Presenter

At our March 13th, 2024 Power Lunch in Tulsa, we will have 6 local area startups pitching to OVF members and guests. One of those presenters will be Bryon Pierson, JR the CEO of EDUrain. EDUrain was designed to solve a core problem that affects nearly 80% of all college students - it's hard to find housing. The housing search process is daunting. Between scams, overpriced properties and shady landlords, finding a place to live feels more like a hunt than a search. EDUrain seeks to simplify the process by providing all the tools needed, including roommate search and a partnership with renters' insurance services. https://www.edurain.org/ Register to attend in person at 36 Degrees North Basecamp in Tulsa, OK or via Zoom at https://ovf.org/event-5367248/Registration The other pitch presenters will be Titan Intake, Paldara Pharmaceutical, Core-Scribe, Waysteless and gamr. The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org

Feb 22, 202420:48
Rachel Brown, CRO of Titan Intake 3/13/24 Pitch Presenter

Rachel Brown, CRO of Titan Intake 3/13/24 Pitch Presenter

At our March 13th, 2024 Power Lunch in Tulsa, we will have 6 local area startups pitching to OVF members and guests. One of those presenters will be Rachel Brown, CRO of Titan Intake automated patient intake SaaS. Titan Intake captures 100% of incoming specialty medical referrals, automatically extracts all relevant PHI and integrates directly into a medical practice EMR, all without asking the referring providers to change a single thing. https://www.titanintake.com/ Register to attend in person at 36 Degrees North Basecamp in Tulsa, OK or via Zoom at https://ovf.org/event-5367248/Registration The other pitch presenters will be EDUrain, Paldara Pharmaceutical, Core-Scribe, Waysteless and gamr. The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org

Feb 22, 202413:10
Nathaniel Harding, Managing Partner of Cortado Ventures - The Oklahoma Advantage with SSBCI 12/13/23

Nathaniel Harding, Managing Partner of Cortado Ventures - The Oklahoma Advantage with SSBCI 12/13/23

On December 13th, Nathaniel Harding, Managing Partners at Cortado Ventures and James Spann, Managing Partners at Boyd Street Ventures will speak to members of the Oklahoma Venture Forum about venture capital in Oklahoma. The State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), a longstanding program, received increased funding through the CARES Act, with allocations directed to each state based on guidelines from the US Treasury. In Oklahoma, these funds were strategically invested in various venture capital funds to nurture the state’s growing venture capital market. Over the past five years, the number of venture capital firms in Oklahoma has multiplied, showcasing the region’s emerging entrepreneurial landscape. The Oklahoma Center for Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) played a pivotal role in distributing SSBCI dollars to several funds, including allocations to Cortado Ventures and Boyd Street Ventures. This initiative reflects a concerted effort to stimulate innovation and economic growth within Oklahoma’s business ecosystem.

The event will be available via ZOOM. RSVP at https://ovf.org/event-5367182 The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. ⁠https://ovf.org

Dec 09, 202318:32
Barry Day, Founder The Oklahoma Clean Technology Association 11/8/23 Power Lunch Presenter

Barry Day, Founder The Oklahoma Clean Technology Association 11/8/23 Power Lunch Presenter

Our November 2023 Power Presenter is Barry Day, Founder and Managing Director of the Oklahoma Clean Technology Association, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of precisely what cleantech is, as well as how entrepreneurs can drive the advancement of clean technology via the private sector. "We’ve seen this in the economy, where most of our clean energy and technology advancements have come from the private sector, not government mandates. It was really important to me to make sure that people knew this was apolitical and that it’s also something we focus on in the entrepreneurial sector, the free market.” OCTA embraces both green and blue technologies, and they are more than willing to work with traditional energy and chemical companies to bring the best, most economically efficient, environmentally friendly technologies to mainstream America. https://oklahomacleantechnologyassocia.godaddysites.com/ Day will speak at the Oklahoma Venture Forum Power Lunch on Wednesday, November 8, 2023. The event will be open to members and guests in person at Metro Tech Spring Lake Campus (1900 Springlake Drive in Oklahoma City) and via ZOOM. RSVP at https://ovf.org/event-5367142 The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org

Oct 26, 202322:34
Tracy Poole, Founder 46Venture Capital - State Small Business Incentive Funding Panelist 10/11/23

Tracy Poole, Founder 46Venture Capital - State Small Business Incentive Funding Panelist 10/11/23

OVF is coming to Tulsa on 10/11/23 with a panel discussion focused on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) small business incentive funding. The panelists will be Tracey Poole, Managing Partner at 46Venture Capital along with Sean Templemore-Finlayson, Vice President of the Oklahoma Life Science Fund and Rose Washington-Jones, CEO/Executive Director of TEDC Creative Capital. https://ovf.org/Attend-OVF

On this episode, we talk with Tracy Poole, an attorney with over 25 years of experience in complex commercial transactions, M&A, financing, energy and venture capital disciplines. Poole was corporate and outside counsel to leading energy marketing and trading companies and helped close some of the largest wholesale energy transactions in existence. He is the former General Counsel of an energy-related hedge fund and the founder of an independent upstream oil and gas producer. https://www.46.capital

Register now to attend or to watch via Zoom at https://ovf.org/event-5366650?CalendarViewType=0&SelectedDate=9/27/2023

The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org

Sep 27, 202321:09
Charles Thuo, CEO of Apexloads 9/13/23 Pitch Presenter

Charles Thuo, CEO of Apexloads 9/13/23 Pitch Presenter

Apexloads is a cloud-based freight marketplace that connects cargo owners with transporters to streamline the freight-truck matching process and facilitate faster payments. Apexloads has adopted industry-proven solutions from developed markets (USA), implementing them in Africa and other developing regions. https://apexloads.com/

Charles Thuo was born and raised in Kenya. He came to the United States for school, starting with an associate's degree in general engineering technology from OSU-OKC. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves and went back to school at OU for his Bachelor's in Aerospace and U.S. Army Engineer school at Ft. Leonard Wood for combat engineering. He has worked in aerospace at Cessna in Wichita and Boeing defense in Midwest City. Charles came with Apexloads after comparing logistics operations in Africa and the United States.

Charles will be pitching Apexloads at the September 13th, 2023 OVF luncheon. Register now to attend or to watch via Zoom at https://ovf.org/event-5367030

The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. ⁠⁠⁠www.OVF.org

Aug 23, 202334:15
Drew Hendricks, Regional Engagement Principal of the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN) 9/13/23

Drew Hendricks, Regional Engagement Principal of the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN) 9/13/23

The September 13th, 2023 Power Lunch presenter is Drew Hendricks, Regional Engagement Principal for the Oklahoma City office of the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN). A relatively new initiative of the DoD, NSIN offers VC-style funding to potential dual-use (civilian and national security) small companies (under 500 EEs). NSIN is an unrivaled problem-solving network in the U.S. Department of Defense that adapts to the emerging needs of those who serve in the defense of our national security. Dedicated to the work of bringing together defense, academic and entrepreneurial innovators to solve national security problems in new ways.

Drew Hendricks is a consumer and media researcher, business strategist, and communication professional with 16 years of proven ability to collaborate with multiple levels of management and diverse cultural audiences. He possesses a comprehensive background in public relations, journalism, brand management, media theory and communication strategy with specialized training in advertising, content creation, consumer insight development and project management.

Please register to attend at https://ovf.org/event-5367030/Registration

The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. ⁠⁠www.OVF.org

Aug 22, 202326:32
Catching Up With 2016 Venture Of The Year Award Winner Dr. Craig Shimasaki

Catching Up With 2016 Venture Of The Year Award Winner Dr. Craig Shimasaki

Dr. Craig Shimasaki is co-founder and CEO of Moleculera Labs, the 2016 "Venture of the Year" award winner. Moleculera Labs provides next-generation antibody tests that detect whether an autoimmune reaction is causing neurologic or psychiatric symptoms. The company is dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults impacted by infection-induced autoimmune diseases affecting the brain. Shimasaki provides insights into how winning two of the most prestigious business awards from the Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) provided needed attention and outside validation for Moleculera Labs, along with an update on what the company is doing now and soon (big news coming, but not ready to announce yet). www.moleculeralabs.com


The 2023 Oklahoma Venture Forum Awards are on May 18th, 2023. Along with the Most Promising New Venture award, OVF will be awarding top prizes for Venture of the Year, Entrepreneurial Champion Award, and the Award for Economic Impact. The keynote speaker will be Mike Beckham, CEO of Simple Modern. More information and tickets are available at ⁠www.OVF.org/OVF-Awards⁠. OVF is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. ⁠⁠www.OVF.org

May 04, 202313:12
Catching Up With 2021 Most Promising New Venture Award Winner Allison Watkins

Catching Up With 2021 Most Promising New Venture Award Winner Allison Watkins

Allison Watkins is the Founder and CEO Watkins-Conti Products, Inc. the 2021 "Most Promising New Venture" award winner. On this episode, we hear from Watkins what her company has achieved since 2021, how winning the Most Promising New Venture award benefited her pursuit of success and what advice she has for up-and-coming entrepreneurs looking to make a mark of their own. The 2023 Oklahoma Venture Forum Awards are on May 18th, 2023. Along with the Most Promising New Venture award, OVF will be awarding top prizes for Venture of the Year, Entrepreneurial Champion Award, and the Award for Economic Impact. The keynote speaker will be Mike Beckham, CEO of Simple Modern. More information and tickets are available at www.OVF.org/OVF-Awards.


The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. ⁠www.OVF.org

May 02, 202311:21
2023 OVF Economic Impact Winner: Cattleman's Congress

2023 OVF Economic Impact Winner: Cattleman's Congress

The 2023 Oklahoma Venture Forum Economic Impact Award winner is the Cattlemen's Congress, a 16-day annual event for breeders across North America to showcase their top genetics and connect with fellow beef producers in Oklahoma City, the heart of cattle country. The Cattlemen's Congress was formed in the fall of 2020 to present an opportunity for cattlemen and women across North America to exhibit their cattle and showcase the highest quality genetics the cattle industry can offer. In each of the event's first two years, $10M of cattle were sold on the OKC Fairgrounds, and the entire state benefited from an estimated $40M in economic impact. https://cattlemenscongress.com/ We discuss how the Cattlemen's Congress came to be in Oklahoma City with Bray Haven, Executive Vice President. Haven gives us insights and background into the magnitude of the Cattleman's Congress and the public/private partnership that brought the inaugural event to OKC. We also discuss the cascade effect of people, trucks and 10,000 head of cattle coming into Oklahoma from all over the US and beyond. The Cattleman's Congress and the economic benefits it creates has found a forever home here in Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. www.OVF.org

Apr 20, 202314:35
Kyle Bagley, CEO of CAREit Pitch Presenter 4/23

Kyle Bagley, CEO of CAREit Pitch Presenter 4/23

CAREit Human Technology offers a unique reward platform that promotes loyalty, a sense of belonging and reduces employee churn. The CAREit app keeps hourly employees engaged and on the job with a reward platform that awards bonuses for attendance, performance, and good work. It costs $5,000 to replace an employee that leaves. Still, just 26% of corporations have a plan to face this trend. The CAREit app helps address this issue. https://www.careit.work Bagley will be presenting CAREit as part of the April 12, 2023 OVF Power Pitch Lunch that will also feature pitches from PipeDream Labs, ParaNano Wound Care, SEE Light and Myri Health. Register now to attend or to watch via Zoom at ⁠https://www.ovf.org/event-4823219⁠


The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. ⁠www.OVF.org

Mar 31, 202321:29
2023 OVF Awards Keynote Speaker Mike Beckham, CEO of Simple Modern

2023 OVF Awards Keynote Speaker Mike Beckham, CEO of Simple Modern

The Oklahoma Venture Forum Awards are prestigious entrepreneurial recognition representing the triumph of the Oklahoma entrepreneurial dream and spirit. The OVF has publicly recognized successful Oklahoma businesses' achievements since 1989. The 2023 OVF Awards Keynote Speaker is Mike Beckham, Chief Executive Officer of Simple Modern, a premium drinkware and consumer products provider to retail partners like Amazon, Target and Sam’s Club. Simple Modern recently opened a $6M manufacturing facility in Oklahoma City. The company is currently in phase one of a multiyear plan to manufacture millions of units in Oklahoma. Simple Modern was founded in 2015, producing $20,000 in sales in the first year. After creating rapid growth through innovative design, extreme brand loyalty and dedication to "give generously" sales reached nearly $90M in 2022 with projections of over $120M in 2023. https://www.simplemodern.com

On this episode, we discuss

• Amazing Success of Simple Modern in less than a decade

• Reshoring domestic manufacturing

• Mission-driven and values-based business model

• Keeping Oklahoma's brightest at home

The 2023 Oklahoma Venture Forum Awards will be held on Thursday, May 18th from 11:00am - 1:30pm at the Oklahoma History Center. Tickets are available at https://ovf.org

Categories & Participating Sponsors:

• Economic Impact

• Venture of the Year

• Most Promising New Venture presented by Oklahoma Business Incubator Association

• Entrepreneurial Champion presented by Oklahoma Innovative Technology Alliance (OITA)

• Incubator Tenant presented by Oklahoma Business Incubator Association


The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries.

Mar 27, 202324:48
Randy Wall, President and Cathey Bowyer, COO of SEE Light LLC. 4/23 Pitch Presenters

Randy Wall, President and Cathey Bowyer, COO of SEE Light LLC. 4/23 Pitch Presenters

Our guests this episode are Randy Wall, President and Cathey Bowyer, COO of SEE Light, a sterile, hands-free LED light, on a 360° swivel, that can be applied to any surface in the clinical field. SEE Light puts the lighting standards of the operating room and puts them into the pocket of the provider. When doing an indiscreet procedure providers will always be able to see it, perform it, and complete it. https://www.seelightus.com/

Wall and Bowyer will be presenting SEE Light as part of the April 12, 2023 OVF Power Pitch Lunch that will also feature pitches from PipeDream Labs, CAREit Human Technology, Otos Inc, ParaNano and Myri Health. Register now to attend or to watch via Zoom at https://www.ovf.org/event-4823219.

The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org


Mar 16, 202325:50
Robert Gay, CEO of Otos, Inc. 4/23 Pitch Presenter

Robert Gay, CEO of Otos, Inc. 4/23 Pitch Presenter

Our guest this episode is Robert Gay, CEO of Otos, Inc. Machine learning and neural-network algorithms (often called AI) are becoming more prolific and deployed for a larger variety of tasks. Otos is a learning algorithm that reads and extracts data from line items on company financial statements posted with the SEC quarterly (since 1994). Then the algorithm assembles these data into performance metrics, adjusts for any accounting-related distortions and assembles over time. Using these metrics Otos answers the question: “what drives this stock?” https://otos.io/ Gay will be presenting Otos as part of the April 12, 2023 OVF Power Pitch Lunch that will also feature pitches from PipeDream Labs, CAREit Human Technology, SEE Light, ParaNano and Myri Health. Register now to attend or to watch via Zoom at https://www.ovf.org/event-4823219.  

The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org

Mar 15, 202324:59
Chelsea Luxen, CEO of ParaNano Wound Care 4/23 Pitch Presenter

Chelsea Luxen, CEO of ParaNano Wound Care 4/23 Pitch Presenter

Our guest this episode is Chelsea Luxen, CEO of ParaNano Wound Care. ParaNano delivers real-time detection and treatment of wound Infections. Founded in 2018, ParaNano is focused on the development and commercialization of an advanced wound care product line called the Nanosheet™, a flexible nanofiber membrane that visually changes color when an infection is detected all without wires, batteries or a cumbersome device. http://www.parananolabs.com/  Luxen will be presenting ParaNano as part of the April 12, 2023 OVF Power Pitch Lunch that will also feature pitches from PipeDream Labs, CAREit Human Technology, SEE Light, Otos, Inc. and Myri Health. Register now to attend or to watch via Zoom at https://www.ovf.org/event-4823219


The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org

Mar 15, 202316:15
Bobby Rockers, CTO of Bison Technologies 3/23

Bobby Rockers, CTO of Bison Technologies 3/23

Building a technology startup ecosystem in Oklahoma and strategies to overcome the obstacles. Our March 2023 Power Lunch Presenter is Bobby Rockers, Chief Technology Officer of Bison Technologies software-enabled service company that digitizes oilfield logistics. Rockers is passionate about building the technology ecosystem in Oklahoma and believes the lack of experienced tech startups that can scale is a problem. We discuss fostering innovation, serendipity through proximity and creating value for customers before looking for outside funding.

Rockers will speak to Oklahoma Venture Forum Power Lunch members on Wednesday, March 8, 2023. The event will be held at The Venue at Crew Work Space in Downtown Oklahoma City from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm and will be open to members and guests both in-person and virtually via ZOOM. Rockers said communities such as OVF are essential, and we should leverage each other.

The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org

Mar 02, 202317:43
Jenae Goodin, Founder of Big Ass Bag 3/23 Pitch Presenter
Feb 14, 202315:10
Dr. Pinkey Patel, Redefining Postpartum Digital Healthcare

Dr. Pinkey Patel, Redefining Postpartum Digital Healthcare

2021 Most Promising New Venture Award winner SnapBack App (now rebranded as Myri Health) is the only all-in-one, evidence-based postpartum resource and community mother’s need developed by Dr. Pinkey Patel.  Pregnancy has ample resources and is often a beautiful experience, however postpartum is isolating and does not come with a manual. The average time between delivery and the first postpartum visit is 6 weeks and 40% of women don’t make it there. The Myri Health app provides delivery-specific rehab techniques, time-released what to expect for the baby/mom, tracking features and an anonymous community forum. The mission is to provide postpartum mothers with credible, efficient and affordable resources and community. https://www.myrihealth.com/

The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org

Feb 08, 202319:08
Rian Libich and Qhaurium Douglas, Co-founders of Stable Pay 2/23 Pitch Presenters

Rian Libich and Qhaurium Douglas, Co-founders of Stable Pay 2/23 Pitch Presenters

Stable Pay is a crypto payment processor that offers a solution to the cannabis industry looking for a simple way to conduct everyday business. Libich and Douglas have developed tech that helps businesses use crypto to reach new customers and grow their business, bridging the gap from traditional to digital currency, while eliminating complexity. Stable Pay can help businesses unlock new ways of doing business that leverage the power and benefits of the crypto ecosystem. Hear the Stable Pay pitch in person or virtually on Wednesday, February 8th via this link: https://www.ovf.org/event-4823210

The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org

Jan 20, 202319:56
Ryan Skeffington, Founder of Cheers! App 1/23 Pitch Presenter

Ryan Skeffington, Founder of Cheers! App 1/23 Pitch Presenter

Ryan Skeffington, Founder of the Cheers! App startup was an Engineering Project Manager before going back to school for an MBA focused on Energy & Entrepreneurship from the University of Oklahoma. His love of problem-solving is the motivation behind the Cheers App! The idea behind the app is to enable people to gather and celebrate instead of being stuck in line. Cheers! is a mobile app that reduces time spent in line, increases bartender efficiency and increases revenue for bar owners and alcohol brands. http://www.getcheersapp.io/

The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org

Jan 04, 202315:23
Anita Ly, Gener8tor OKC 1/23

Anita Ly, Gener8tor OKC 1/23

Anita Ly, Managing Director of Gener8tor OKC will be the Oklahoma Venture Forum Power Lunch speaker on Wednesday, January 11th, 2023. The event will be held at The Venue at Crew in Downtown Oklahoma City from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm and will be open to members and guests both in-person and virtually via ZOOM. RSVP to attend here: https://ovf.org/event-4823208?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=1/26/2023

The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org

Dec 26, 202216:40
Mark Stoddard, Founder of Ezy Tip 12/22 Pitch Presenter

Mark Stoddard, Founder of Ezy Tip 12/22 Pitch Presenter

Our pitch presenter for December 2022 is Mark Stoddard, Founder of EzyTip, Inc. a Veteran-owned, Tulsa, OK-based, pre-seed Fintech B2B2C subscription payment processing startup for the $2B combined U.S. Market tipped worker industries of Music, Entertainment, Restaurant, Hospitality, Nightclub/Bar and Gambling. The company fixes the problems of the broken cash tip jar and nightly cash tip-out, making it easy for all tipped workers to earn and keep more tips, significantly improving their lives.

These problems are fixed by using three BaaS providers to process tips and deposits the same day into customers' bank accounts from more than 10 digital payment methods through our main product of customer tip webpages (Not an APP) and by providing a digital tip-out product. EzyTip is a robust one-stop-shop music promotion service. By educating our customers to proactively seek more tips using our printed QR code products that significantly increase tipping opportunity and the ability for a differentiated, maximum value set of services and low fees NOT found with the competition.

Stoddard will pitch to Oklahoma Venture Forum Power Lunch members on Wednesday, December 14, 2022. The event will be held at The Venue at Crew in Downtown Oklahoma City from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm and will be open to members and guests both in-person and virtually via ZOOM. The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org

Nov 23, 202226:56
Allison Conti, Founder and CEO of Watkins-Conti Products 12/22

Allison Conti, Founder and CEO of Watkins-Conti Products 12/22

Founder and CEO of Watkins-Conti Products, Allison Watkins-Conti is a recognized leader, inventor and speaker. Raised in an entrepreneurial environment, she witnessed the formation and creation of sustainable businesses and has experience in many facets of business management. In 2015, Conti conceived the solution for an issue that affects an estimated one in three women. She designed, patented, engineered, and manufactured, Yōni.Fit, a nonsurgical, intravaginal device for women suffering from stress urinary incontinence. The device is entering the FDA approval process. Her company was awarded Most Promising New Venture of the Year through the Oklahoma Venture Forum.

“We've done clinical trials at Stanford and NYU and Thomas Jefferson University, and I’ve filed intellectual property utility patents,” said Allison Conti. “Right now, I have five utility patents issued in the United States, and those have been filed in 17 countries. Then I have got three trademarks and two design patents as well.”

Conti will speak to Oklahoma Venture Forum Power Lunch members on Wednesday, December 14, 2022. The event will be held at The Venue at Crew in Downtown Oklahoma City from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm and will be open to members and guests both in-person and virtually via ZOOM. The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org

Nov 23, 202219:42
Mike Orr, Digital Oil & Gas Solutions 11/22 Pitch Presenter

Mike Orr, Digital Oil & Gas Solutions 11/22 Pitch Presenter

Established in 2019, Digital Oil & Gas Solutions utilizes decades of fieldwork experience and the latest digital technologies to turn disruptions into long-lasting value to increase oil and gas clients' business productivity and revenue. Digital Oil & Gas provides solutions to optimize production, management, refining, safety, reporting, logistics and other areas. https://www.digitaloilandgas.solutions - Hear Mike's Pitch Presentation at the November 2022 monthly luncheon https://ovf.org/event-4823191?CalendarViewType=0&SelectedDate=11/1/2022

The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org

Nov 01, 202216:26
Brent Smith, Firefly Energy Services 10/22 Pitch Presenter

Brent Smith, Firefly Energy Services 10/22 Pitch Presenter

On this episode, we speak with Brent Smith, Chief Communications Officer for Firefly Energy Services, a privately owned Oklahoma LLC startup engaged in creating gas and liquids storage solutions. Our core business provides solutions to utility power generators, petroleum and chemical complex processing facilities, industrial park complexes, high-growth utility markets and LNG facilities. Firefly has developed new patented GasLoop™ storage technology that reduces emissions and carbon footprint, stabilizes baseload, enables resource mix optionality and eliminates contamination, loss, pollution and safety issues that exist prevalently with existing storage options. fireflyenergyservices.com

The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org

Oct 24, 202219:25
Chris Foster, BlueJay Partners 9/22 Pitch Presenter

Chris Foster, BlueJay Partners 9/22 Pitch Presenter

BlueJay Partners have invented a website and phone application with unprecedented features and functionality regarding push notifications from law enforcement agents to engage citizens during traffic stops, utilizing mobile device platforms. BlueJay is a two-sided platform that changes the way police interact with you. Patent pending, it gives both parties the ability to humanize each other and give useful information before an interaction. https://www.bluejayllc.net/

The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org/

Oct 21, 202220:25
Building and Consolidating Brands with Kris Murray, Emmy Award Winning Entrepreneur 10/22
Oct 05, 202218:39
Justin Wilson, Plains Venture Partners 4/22 VC Panel Pt3

Justin Wilson, Plains Venture Partners 4/22 VC Panel Pt3

Everything you need to know about Venture Capital (Pt3) with Justin Wilson, Managing Partner and President of Plains Venture Partners, a growth-oriented venture fund focused on investing in entrepreneurs and technologies with a strong potential for disruption. Plains Venture Partners was spun out of i2E in 2019 and represents the next natural progression in i2E’s evolution as a proven venture investor. https://plainsventurepartners.com/

With more than $90 million in assets under management and dozens of portfolio companies, i2E has a track record of sourcing, vetting, and investing in early-stage companies across many sectors including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, software/IT, energy, and advanced materials. https://i2e.org/

Wilson is responsible for leading the private, for-profit Fund portfolio that supports innovative entrepreneurs who are making an incredible impact here in Oklahoma. With a background in private equity, the medical field, federal government, and non-profit leadership, Wilson brings a variety of perspectives to the firm. He is a proud Tribal Member of the Choctaw Nation, where he served as Director of Strategic Investments at Choctaw Global. Prior to his time with his Tribe, he served as Advisor to the Special Trustee for American Indians in the Federal Government. Wilson holds a Bachelor of Science in Physiology from Oklahoma State University and an MBA from the Yale School of Management. 

The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org/

May 18, 202225:56
Innovation Fireside Chat with Jennifer Hankins of Tulsa Innovation Labs

Innovation Fireside Chat with Jennifer Hankins of Tulsa Innovation Labs

A brief preview of the upcoming 2022 OVF Awards event on May 18, 2022 with Jennifer Hankins, Head of Partnerships at Tulsa Innovation Labs. Hankins will be joined by Cody Dupler of Summit Utilities in Lawton and Josh Merrill of Echo Investment Capital for a discussion on the importance of collaboration for innovation in Oklahoma.

The OVF Awards incorporate some of the most prestigious recognitions a company can receive because they represent the triumph of the entrepreneurial dream and spirit. Evaluation criteria for the Economic Impact Award, the Venture of the Year Award, and the Most Promising New Venture award are based on: product or service innovation, market potential, potential economic impact, and more. OVF is partnering with Oklahoma Innovate Technology Alliance (OITA) to present the Entrepreneurial Champion Award. This award will recognize an Oklahoma Legislator distinguishing themselves as entrepreneurial champions supporting and growing opportunities, ecosystems, and growth potential for IT & Technology small businesses and economic entrepreneurship within Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org/

May 02, 202208:53
Kevin Moore, Spur Capital Partners 4/22 VC Panel Pt2

Kevin Moore, Spur Capital Partners 4/22 VC Panel Pt2

Everything you need to know about Venture Capital with Kevin Moore, Partner at Spur Capital Partners. Moore is one of three VCs on a panel discussion at the April 2022 OVF Power Lunch. This is the second VC panel discussion for the 2021-22 session. We discuss the "big picture" of venture funding plus changes being created by COVID-19, the rise of cryptocurrency, blockchain, cloud computing, etc...

Kevin has over 14 years of experience in finance having worked at i2E as the Director of Angel Investments, the Federal Reserve Bank as a Supervisory Analyst, and an Investment Advisor with Morgan Stanley and Northwestern Mutual in Chicago.

Spur Capital Partners was founded in 2001 and has a successful history of building durable relationships with top-tier venture capital firms in early-stage technology and life science as well as uncovering up-and-coming firms. Limited partners are leading endowments, family offices, foundations, and institutional investors in the United States and abroad. https://www.spurcapital.com/

The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org/

Apr 11, 202220:43
Aaron Webster, Cameron Ventures 4/22 VC Panel Pt1

Aaron Webster, Cameron Ventures 4/22 VC Panel Pt1

Everything you need to know about Venture Capital with Aaron Webster, Managing Director at Cameron Ventures. Webster is one of three VCs on a panel discussion at the April 2022 OVF Power Lunch. This is the second VC panel discussion for the 2021-22 session. We discuss what leading Oklahoma venture funders look for in pitches, what makes them want to learn more and what gets an automatic "no" response. 

Cameron Ventures is an early-stage venture fund with affiliate operating companies that serve customers across the United States, primarily in insurance, banking and asset management. The Cameron team is able to empower its portfolio companies with access to financial and strategic capital, seasoned real-world management teams and a substantial customer base. https://www.cameronvc.com/

The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. www.OVF.org

Apr 08, 202217:50
Katy Boren, CEO of The Oklahoma City Innovation District 3/22

Katy Boren, CEO of The Oklahoma City Innovation District 3/22

Mar 30, 202217:35
Investing In The Immersive Art Of Factory Obscura 3/22
Mar 29, 202219:48
Oklahoma Teen Entrepreneurism: Loveworks Leadership and Wristworld AR 2/22

Oklahoma Teen Entrepreneurism: Loveworks Leadership and Wristworld AR 2/22

On this podcast episode, we revisit the teen entrepreneurs responsible for Wristworld AR game and their adult mentors at Loveworks Leadership. Wristworld is an augmented reality puzzle RPG using wristbands. Created by students who are participating in the Loveworks Leadership, a program designed to empower the creativity, resourcefulness, and potential within each student in an effort to develop their character, academic, and leadership abilities to ensure future success. What better way to design a toy line than to let kids be the creators? That's the idea behind Wristworld. www.wrist.world

Loveworks Leadership is a youth leadership organization committed to helping middle school students discover their potential and live into their dreams. Our vision is to empower youth to become leaders by giving every student an opportunity to lead. www.loveworksleadership.org

The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. www.OVF.org

Feb 16, 202211:32
Nathaniel Harding, Cortado Ventures 1/22
Jan 04, 202214:02
36 Degrees North / AnnoLab OVF Podcast 11/21

36 Degrees North / AnnoLab OVF Podcast 11/21

November Power Lunch presenter Devon Laney is President and CEO of 36 Degrees North in Tulsa, OK. Known as Tulsa’s base camp for entrepreneurs, innovators and startups, 36 Degrees North is an entrepreneurial support organization focused on providing the resources, the community and the programs needed to support entrepreneurs as they build, grow and scale businesses. "36 Degrees North is a non-profit, 501C3, and it would not exist without the public and the private partnership together,” says Laney. “In 2017, when 36 Degrees North launched, you had philanthropic community, public, private, chamber. They all came together to create this thing, and it’s a success story." https://www.36n.co/

November Pitch Presenters Luke Simkins and Grant DeLozier are co-founders of OKC startup AnnoLab. Simkins and DeLozier cut their teeth building software to automate document processing tasks in Oil and Gas. Eventually, they realized that lots of companies face issues scaling business processes to extract actionable data from documents, images and text. AI and Machine Learning can help solve these problems, but using them is far from easy.

AnnoLab offers simpler, less costly ways for businesses to start building custom document AI models. Once an AI model is built, the platform allows them to be used at scale in a safe, human-in-the-loop way. https://annolab.ai/

The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. www.OVF.org

Nov 17, 202128:21
Rick Nagel, Adding Value to Investment Deals - OVF Podcast 10/21

Rick Nagel, Adding Value to Investment Deals - OVF Podcast 10/21

Rick Nagel is the Managing Partner of Acorn Growth Companies. This small middle-market private equity firm focuses exclusively on ladder stage and growth investments in the aerospace, defense, and intelligence sectors. The company has been around since 2000, starting as the first privately certified incubator in the state of Oklahoma. After 30 deals and on their fifth fund, the firm seeks opportunities to add value as an operating team. Nagel said OVF is great for entrepreneurs and potential investors. “My advice to anybody that might be reading this that’s not currently engaged would be to get engaged,” said Nagel. “If you’re an early-stage investor, whether you do a deal or not, you’ll see things that will make you smarter in that process by listening to these presentations.”

www.OVF.org

The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries.

Oct 21, 202108:27
Melissa Houston, Making Legislation Work for Businesses - OVF Podcast 9/21

Melissa Houston, Making Legislation Work for Businesses - OVF Podcast 9/21

With over 20 years of experience, Melissa Houston has made a career in public service in various roles. She has recently served as the Oklahoma Labor Commissioner, Secretary for Education and Workforce Development, and previously as Chief of Staff for the Oklahoma Attorney General and the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security. She’s worked under four governors, both Democrat and Republican, and has been referred to as the Swiss army knife of public policy.

www.OVF.org

The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries.

Sep 29, 202109:57
Jay Martin, Founder Martin Bionics

Jay Martin, Founder Martin Bionics

During Jay Martin’s early days of his clinical work in prosthetics, he learned his patients’ functional abilities were limited not as much by their amputation as by the lack of technology available in the field. With his love of inventing, Martin saw an opportunity to advance the field of prosthetics to provide more comfort, more functional abilities, and quality of life back to amputees.

“We think of prosthetics as being a very high-tech field, there are some great advancements have been made in recent years, artificial intelligence and new control systems and robotic devices, but prosthetics, in my opinion, has really been a very stagnant field, and it’s very much in its infancy still,” said Jay Martin, founder of Martin Bionics. “I’d argue the vast majority of amputees, quality of life with prosthetics is but a shadow of what it could or should be if technology were further along.”

The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. www.OVF.org

Apr 07, 202119:18
Daniel Maloney, CEO & Co-Founder of Tailwind

Daniel Maloney, CEO & Co-Founder of Tailwind

While headquartered in Oklahoma City, Daniel Maloney was a transplant born in New York, who grew up in South Florida, went to school in Philly, and then made his career in either New York and Silicon Valley before moving to Oklahoma. When he came to the state about a decade ago, Maloney came with the perspective of needing to build a community, build a friend network, and figuring out how to build a company somewhere where you don’t necessarily have deep roots.

“I always found the community incredibly welcoming and was grateful for that,” said Daniel Maloney. “But that said, it’s been a really fun ride, fun journey so far, and I’m excited for what’s coming up.”

Maloney is one of the co-founders of Tailwind, whose mission is to make world-class marketing easy for everyone. That word, everyone, is essential to them. When Maloney initially looked at the digital marketing landscape, he saw that the vast majority of tools were geared at larger enterprise-tier businesses with complex needs and sophisticated marketing functions. The tools available at the time created an unlevel playing field as well.

The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. www.OVF.org

Mar 02, 202119:58
Tra Pippin, Accentra Home Health and Hospice

Tra Pippin, Accentra Home Health and Hospice

With the experience of having raised nearly $800 million for companies, and buying and selling approximately 40 companies, Tra Pippin considers himself qualified in the turnaround industry arena. He’s also turned around businesses that ranged from a low of 1 million in revenue to a high of about $150 million. Pippin got into the industry happenstance manner.  

“I bought a company back in June of 1982 called Perfection Equipment Company,” said Pippin. “And at the time, I think our revenues were roughly $2 million a month. Well, there was a little shopping center bank here in Oklahoma City called Penn Square Bank that crashed on July 5, 1982. And I don’t think either myself or my partner recognized the fact that a little shopping center bank could have the impact that it did, but it caused probably the greatest crash in the oil industry, certainly in my lifetime.”  

Their revenue went from two to two-and-a-half million dollars a month to approximately $300,000 a month. Based on that, at the time, Pippin purchased the company. They had about 130 employees. A year later, they were down to 30 employees and were making decisions on how to cut based on whether someone had been there 15 years or 20 years. The industry turned around, and Perfection Equipment Company today is a lively, growing company in Oklahoma City.  

Pippin said he learned how to save a company before there were associations, conventions, and resources dedicated to the turnaround industry. When buying a company now, Pippin has several things he looks for to inform his decision.  

If you’re considering attending Pippin’s OVF talk, he said he could help give broad-brush solutions to their issue with their company.  

Tra Pippin will be speaking at the Oklahoma Venture Forum Power Lunch on Wednesday, February 10, 2021. Be sure to register for the online ZOOM event to learn more about turning around a business, asking your questions, and networking with entrepreneurs in Oklahoma. https://ovf.org/Blog/10043372 

https://ovf.org/

Feb 02, 202120:08
Tom Robins, Oklahoma Innovative Technology Alliance
Jan 20, 202130:23
Stacey Eads, Business Consultant
Dec 16, 202020:55
Lisa Mullen, CEO of Drōv Technologies
Nov 18, 202014:31
Michael Carolina, Executive Director of OCAST

Michael Carolina, Executive Director of OCAST

For over 30 years, the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) has been the state’s agency for technology development, technology transfer, and technology commercialization. With Governor Kevin Stitt’s goal to make Oklahoma a Top 10 state, OCAST is doing its part through partnerships and collaborations to stimulate economic development and technology-based economic development.  

“We help to get science and technology projects, support those through our grant process and elevate Oklahoma’s science and technology community so that we’re competitive nationally as well as globally,” explained OCAST’s Executive Director, Michael Carolina. “We have some leading-edge researchers and research companies that benefit from OCAST’s grants, and they’re able to attract federal grants as well as private money from the private sector to accelerate research to commercialization or conversion; the conversion of technology to the marketplace.”  

The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. www.OVF.org

Oct 21, 202043:20
David Jankowsky, President of Francis Renewable Energy

David Jankowsky, President of Francis Renewable Energy

With origins in the solar-power industry, David Jankowsky saw a problem in the electric vehicle market. With billions going into EV technology, Jankowsky noticed little of that funding was going towards infrastructure. While Tesla Motors may have popularized the electric car and built their superchargers, they’re all closed source.  

“We know there’s literally going to be hundreds of car manufacturers in the next five, ten years coming out with electric vehicles, and they would not be able to use the Tesla superchargers, so we solved that problem,” said Jankowsky.“We developed and installed universal chargers, so any car in the world can use them, including Tesla drivers. We solved the range-anxiety issue, meaning no one’s going to buy a car if there’s no infrastructure to fuel them if they’re away from their home.”  

The Francis EV Charging Network solved range anxiety in Oklahoma by having a charging station every 50 miles. One could travel from Broken Bow to Guymon in their electric car. Jankowsky notes that one may have to drive 10 to 20 miles out of the way to access a charger because they currently don’t have enough in Oklahoma. The first phase of the network features 225 fast-charging stations across 109 strategically located sites in Oklahoma, including small towns. 

The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. www.OVF.org

Sep 16, 202020:13