Tag: Oklahoma Venture Forum Page 1 of 8

Tulsa’s Front Door for Entrepreneurship

On February 25, 2025

Devon Laney built his career on a deep-rooted entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to fostering innovation. Growing up in rural Alabama, he drew inspiration from his grandfather, who launched the first radio station in their hometown. Laney started his own journey by founding Southeast Concerts, a web-based logistics company serving the entertainment industry across the SEC market.

“I never really understood the impact that [entrepreneurship] would have on me growing up until later in life when I look back and see my journey and how entrepreneurship had impacted it and helped influence my journey,” said Devon Laney.

After selling the business during graduate school, he strengthened his expertise in strategy and technology at Accenture. His passion for entrepreneurship led him to Birmingham, Alabama, where he expanded the Entrepreneurial Center into Innovation Depot, a major support hub for startups. As CEO, he championed entrepreneurship as a driver of economic development. In 2019, he brought his expertise to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he transformed 36 Degrees North into Gradient, a leading hub for innovation and business growth.

“I got a call from another recruiter who told me that there was a group in Tulsa, Oklahoma, really looking to build out their ecosystem,” said Laney. “And they had heard about some of the work that we had done in Birmingham, and they felt that Tulsa and Oklahoma were at a really good point to begin to think about how to grow entrepreneurship support in a way that was impactful, meaningful, but also very intentional.”

Gradient serves as Tulsa’s hub for innovation, providing entrepreneurs, startups, and remote workers with the resources they need to grow. Acting as the front door to the city’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, Gradient connects individuals with mentorship, funding, business support, and collaborative work spaces. The organization fosters a thriving business community by offering incubator and accelerator programs, boot camps, and workshops designed to help ventures scale successfully. By uniting key resources under one roof, Gradient simplifies the path for innovators to access capital, legal and marketing assistance, and strategic partnerships. Gradient’s dynamic network and data-driven approach strengthens Tulsa’s position as a premier destination for business growth and innovation.

“As we’ve grown and evolved with incubator programs, accelerator programs, boot camps, workshops, all these things, it became clear that everyone in Tulsa, maybe Oklahoma, associated 36 Degrees North with a specific co-working location,” said Laney. “The challenge that I put forth to our team was I want us to go through the process of thinking about our identity, thinking about our brand, what it represents, what it means, not historically, but long-term, where we’re going and what we’re doing as an organization.”

Gradient will host the upcoming Oklahoma Venture Forum pitch presentation, providing entrepreneurs with a valuable platform to showcase their ideas. Devon Laney emphasizes the importance of clarity and impact when delivering a pitch. He advises entrepreneurs to focus on why their product or service matters, rather than getting lost in technical details. According to Laney, a strong pitch should clearly explain the problem being solved, the size of the market, and why the solution stands out.

“You’ve got to be quick and compelling in why it matters—why what you’re doing matters, and why it’s better than anything else that are alternatives,” said Devon. “The goal is to get them to have a follow-up meeting with you. That’s when you can dive into the features, data, and science.”

Join the OVF Power Pitch Lunch on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, from 11:30 am. at Gradient (12 N Cheyenne Ave in Tulsa). Join OVF to network, learn, and grow with Oklahoma’s vibrant business community.

“We’re excited about showing everyone Gradient in Tulsa,” said Laney. “It’s one of America’s largest dedicated innovation and entrepreneurship hubs anywhere in America. We’re proud of that and excited to host OVF, have the pitches here, and bring people from around the state to Tulsa to see Gradient and the ecosystem here in action so people can check out the website, joingradient.com.”

Don’t Just Check the Box: Marketing Strategies That Work from Kyle Golding

By Dennis

On December 26, 2024

In Real

The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is starting 2025 with an engaging and informative presentation by experienced entrepreneur and marketing strategist Kyle Golding. During the January Power Lunch, Golding will share valuable insights and practical advice to help both new and established businesses succeed. The event will feature a keynote presentation followed by a Q&A session, offering plenty of opportunities for learning and interaction.

Golding’s entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 15 when he started his first business in the music industry. Over the years, he has built a dynamic career spanning creative design, corporate leadership, nonprofit work, and strategic consulting. Most notably, Golding co-founded Golden Group, a marketing and strategy firm with offices in Oklahoma City and Philadelphia, serving clients in 15 states. Earlier this year, he transitioned into education as the Director of Corporate Relations at Oklahoma City University’s Meinders School of Business.

Drawing on his extensive experience mentoring startups and consulting for established businesses, Golding has identified five common mistakes that hinder businesses at all stages. He plans to delve deep into these pitfalls, emphasizing the importance of going beyond surface-level strategies and truly understanding audience identification and engagement. His goal is to push participants out of their comfort zones, encouraging them to move past simply meeting basic requirements and instead focus on more targeted, in-depth efforts to attract and retain specific clients.

“I think you’ve probably heard this type of advice before, but not as specific as we’re going to have the conversation here,” Golding said. “I’m going to give very specific actionable advice that everyone could take advantage of, whether it’s someone who is a startup or even maybe an idea phase and hadn’t even started their business yet, could take advantage of this all the way through companies that are performing extremely well. I don’t think anyone out there will say that they’re performing at a hundred percent of their capacity. And I often find really well-performing companies are still making these same mistakes, so beginners and high performers are kind of making the same mistakes. And so what we’re going to cover both ends of the gamut at the same time, again, with really specific actionable advice that every single person in the room could take back to their business to improve it.”

As an OVF member for over eight years, Golding also highlighted the organization’s unique collaborative environment. He emphasized that at OVF, everyone in the room is a decision-maker who is open to learning and helping others. This inclusivity of the OVF community will make you feel welcomed and valued, regardless of your business background or experience.

“There could be four CPAs standing there, or four lawyers or four CEOs in the same industry, all understanding that they were learning from each other and benefiting each other and they’re not competing with each other,” Golding said. “And everyone had an open mind and was looking to help each other and benefit each other for the good of the city and the state, which rising tide that lifts all boats. You don’t find that that often in business. But OVF really attracts and retains that type of person. So it’s not just about coming to a meeting, hearing a presenter, but really getting to meet people, extend your network, be collaborative, and then be able to go back and ask someone for a favor or ask someone to hire you or to do business with you.”

Don’t miss your chance to hear from Kyle Golding at the January Power Lunch on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, from 11:30 am. at the Metro Technology Center Economic Development Building (1700 Springlake Drive, Entry 13, Oklahoma City). Whether you’re a startup founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, his insights will inspire and elevate your business strategies. Join OVF to network, learn, and grow with Oklahoma’s vibrant business community.

Golding emphasized that his talk would be different from typical OVF and members can also look forward to an engaging Q&A session.

“A lot of our presenters are very gentle with the audience, and I’m going to be very challenging,” Golding said. “Whether you agree, disagree, or have questions, I encourage you to join the conversation. I’d like to interact as much as possible with everyone in the room in January.”

The Importance of Storytelling in Business

By Dennis

On May 2, 2024

In Real

The Importance of Storytelling in Business
An interview with OVF Awards Keynote Speaker, Matt Payne

In 2015, Matt Payne moved to Oklahoma with his wife, embarking on a journey of experimentation and reinvention. From adjunct professorship at Oklahoma City University to delving into photography and documentary filmmaking, Payne embraced each opportunity enthusiastically and determinedly. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found a soundstage business, aiming to propel Oklahoma’s film industry forward. Despite facing unfamiliar territory, Payne and his partners navigated the challenges, eventually expanding into a production company and creative agency within Prairie Surf. For Payne, the essence of his career lies in constant adaptation and storytelling.

“I think Oklahoma is an incredible place to be an entrepreneur, and it’s an incredible time to be an entrepreneur in Oklahoma,” said Matt Payne, CEO of Prairie Surf Creative. “We had the idea of turning a city building into a movie studio. Pretty quickly, we were able to get the city to believe in it. We were able to get the state to believe in this idea. We were able to get the entrepreneurial community; we were able to get the film community to all sort of rally around this idea. I don’t know that that happens in other cities. I don’t know that two entrepreneurs could come up with the idea that, ‘Hey, we’re going to take this 1.3 million square feet in downtown Oklahoma City and turn it into a movie studio and then actually have that happen in nine months.’”

As the keynote speaker for this year’s OVF Awards, Payne will delve into his background, emphasizing the crucial role of storytelling in business. He believes that in a world where everyone is vying for attention, it’s the emotional connection that a business creates that truly matters. His talk will guide entrepreneurs in reflecting on their journey, viewing themselves as the heroes driving their businesses forward, and reframing their narratives to highlight the obstacles overcome and the successes achieved. He will show how these stories can be leveraged to fuel future endeavors.

“The better our story, the better we tell our story, the more likely we are to have a successful business,” said Payne.

Join Matt Payne at the Oklahoma Venture Forum Awards on Thursday, May 16, 2024, to recognize the achievements of Oklahoma businesses. The OVF Venture of the Year, Most Promising New Venture, and the Award for Economic Impact are three of the most prestigious recognitions a company can receive. The event will be held at the Oklahoma History Center (800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr, Oklahoma City, OK). Register at ovf.org to attend.

“As an entrepreneur, as a business owner, you’re constantly in the trenches, constantly fighting, constantly dealing with a fire, looking for the next thing,” said Payne. “We rarely gather in our community and celebrate one another. And I think this event’s a great opportunity to celebrate individuals who have done a lot to celebrate our own successes because in celebrating ’em, we lay the groundwork to move on to more success.”

Tulsa’s Tech Hub Advantage

By Dennis

On December 28, 2023

In Real

Tulsa’s Tech Hub Advantage: An interview with Tori Burris, Manager of Strategic Initiatives at Tulsa Innovation Labs

Before Tori Burris became the manager of strategic initiatives at Tulsa Innovation Labs, she was a vital member of the early team at Holbert and Tulsa, the city’s vocational software engineering school. Burris played a pivotal role for three and a half years, contributing to the growth from a startup with the first five people to a thriving institution with over a hundred alums, 250 students, and a staff of over 30. During her tenure, she lived the entrepreneurial

journey, oversaw the career services department, and collaborated with startups seeking to hire junior technical talent.

Tulsa Innovation Labs is pivotal in catalyzing the leadership of Tulsa’s future innovation sectors. Burris said the organization focuses on four key sectors—virtual health, energy technology, advanced mobility, and cyber and analytics. Through an extensive study, Tulsa Innovation Labs identifies areas where the city’s assets align with future industry needs. Working at a systems level, the organization takes a strategic approach to economic development, intentionally coordinating efforts to ensure the city’s growth and stability. Rather than delving into day-to-day operations, Tulsa Innovation Labs operates at a higher level, aiming to position the city strategically through thoughtful initiatives in technology-based economic development.

“Outside of those verticals, people might know Tulsa Innovation Labs for our grants and policy team or some of our big grant wins,” said Tori Burris. “Tulsa Innovation Labs led the Build Back Better Regional Challenge win that we had about a year ago, and that was a great opportunity for us to establish ourselves with the EDA, the Economic Development Administration, and to give Tulsa some intentionally coordinated investment in how we grow the advanced mobility in cyber industries.”

Earlier in October, President Biden announced Tulsa was one of 31 tech hubs nationwide. According to the White House press release, Tulsa Hub for Equitable & Trustworthy Autonomy (THETA), led by Tulsa Innovation Labs, aims to become a global leader in developing and commercializing autonomous systems for use cases ranging from agriculture and pipeline inspections to regional transportation.

“With the Tech Hubs distinction, the Greater Tulsa Region is set to capture $4 billion of the $1.36 trillion global autonomous systems market,” said Burris.

Burris emphasized that becoming a Tech Hub not only signifies the city’s current trajectory but also presents a unique opportunity for startups and investors to play a pivotal role in shaping Tulsa’s future as a global player in autonomy and cybersecurity industries, with the potential to create significant economic impact and generate up to 200,000 new jobs over the next decade.

Entrepreneurs and investors eager to leverage Tulsa’s emergence as a Tech Hub have a unique opportunity to participate in the city’s growing tech ecosystem. Burris encourages startups to explore the possibilities within the advanced mobility and cybersecurity sectors. The upcoming Phase Two application submission on February 29 will outline the diverse and robust suite of projects to foster new businesses and commercialization in Tulsa’s tech landscape.

“This is a validation that if you’re in Tulsa if you’re in Oklahoma, it’s really about the region,” said Burris. “If you’re in the region doing this work and helping build our tech ecosystem, then this is a validation that we are on the right track.”

Tori Burris will speak at the Oklahoma Venture Forum Power Lunch on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. The event will be open to members and guests in person at 36 Degrees North (36 E. Cameron St. in Tulsa) and via ZOOM. Burris will share valuable insights into the future of Tulsa’s tech sector and the opportunities ahead.

“Investors will have better visibility on deal flow, both startups and IP being developed in the area, than your VC peers outside of the region,” said Burris. “This is an opportunity to gain more insight into what is developing so venture capitalists regionally can take advantage of this opportunity.”

The Oklahoma Advantage with SSBCI

By Dennis

On November 29, 2023

In Real

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. On December 13, Managing Partners from Cortado Ventures and Boyd Street Ventures will speak to members of the Oklahoma Venture Forum about venture capital in Oklahoma.

After college, Nathaniel Harding embarked on a career in a prominent oil and gas company that later led him to take over and successfully sell the family business. Subsequently, he founded his own oil and gas exploration company, where he adeptly applied technology to innovate within the industry. Alongside his entrepreneurial endeavors, Harding served in the Air Force, deploying to Afghanistan in 2012 and contributing to logistics and geospatial intelligence. Balancing roles as a reservist and an entrepreneur from 2009 to 2017, Harding later diversified into technology investments, laying the groundwork for establishing Cortado Ventures—a testament to his dedication to supporting and investing in innovative ventures.

Cortado Ventures invests in efficient businesses that leverage technology to scale in the Fintech, Biotech, Aerospace, Ag Tech, Energy Tech, Manufacturing, and Logistics sectors. For entrepreneurs looking for an investment, Harding recommends they visit their website at cortado.ventures to see if they would be a good fit. While not widely known, they offer free executive coaching through our partners at Magellan Executive Partners.

“That’s a critical piece, I think, because those early years of forming a company can be lonely,” said Nathaniel Harding, Managing Partner at Cortado Ventures. “A lot of times, you don’t even have a board yet. Or if you do have a board, the board covers a lot of things in terms of governance and strategy, but not a lot of things in terms of professional development.”

James Spann’s career journey reflects a diverse and entrepreneurial spirit, starting with his time as a Navy ROTC graduate from the University of Oklahoma. With nearly seven years in the Marine Corps and subsequent corporate roles, Spann thrived in structured environments but always embraced high-risk challenges, showcasing an entrepreneurial mindset. In 2016, after three decades in corporate America, he recognized an opportunity to address the need for more support for innovative startups emerging from OU. This realization led to the founding of Boyd Street Ventures in 2021, a venture capital firm focused on supporting Oklahoma startups. Spann and co-founder Jeff Moore launched the firm with a mission to build meaningful partnerships, remaining nimble to market opportunities. Their dedication culminated in establishing Fund 1, a $25 million capital fund that propels innovations to new heights in the state. Spann’s journey highlights years of research, collaboration, and hard work, emphasizing his commitment to fostering entrepreneurship in Oklahoma.

“We have a strong commitment to supporting minority, female, and socially economically disabled founders, socioeconomic and disadvantaged founders through our Boyd Street Endowment,” said James Spann, Jr. MBA, Founder and Managing Partner of Boyd Street Ventures. “One of the things that I saw when I was looking at entrepreneurs in Oklahoma, and we had a lot of minority startups that couldn’t get access to capital, so we found that the Boyd Street Endowment Fund. And the Endowment Fund is specifically focused on investing in minority and female founders in the state of Oklahoma.”

One unique aspect about Boyd Street Ventures many people don’t know is they’ve built the venture studio model inside of their fund to help companies to scale, and they provide de-risking strategy and operational guidance for their portfolio companies.

By the time of the upcoming Power Lunch event, Harding said they plan to have launched fund two with 80 million in capital. He plans to share a preview of Cortado Ventures’ focus for 2024 at the event.

“Anybody who wants to invest alongside us or any founders who want to learn how they can pitch our team, then we have a lot of dry powder, as they say in the business,” said Harding. “We have a lot of deployable capital that we’re looking to invest over the next two or three years.”

“We’re looking forward to generating strong returns for our investors over the next several years and doing great things in the state of Oklahoma and for Oklahoma entrepreneurs,” said Spann. “We’re not stopping with Fund 1. We are pushing forward to Fund 2 and going to make a lot of great things happen in Oklahoma.”

“I think most know Oklahoma has some of the lowest tax rates and some of the best tax incentives in the nation in our small state,” said Spann. “And I’ve talked about that as I’ve gone out to the marketplace to try and raise money to educate others about Oklahoma because we have a lot of great things going on in the state. And this SSBCI funding that we receive from venture capital allows us to boast that to the rest of the world. And the state offers companies a low cost of doing business, a low cost of living for employees, tax rebates that reduce tax burdens even further.”

Nathaniel Harding and James Spann will be part of a panel discussion at the Oklahoma Venture Forum Power Lunch on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. Attendees can expect to gain invaluable insights into the impact of SSBCI funds on fostering innovation, promoting economic development, and nurturing innovative technologies in Oklahoma. The event will be open to members and guests in person at Metro Tech Spring Lake Campus (1900 Springlake Drive in Oklahoma City) and online via ZOOM.

“OVF is a great place to regularly network with other investors of different stages and sectors, but also innovators, people who support ecosystem builders, people who support developing this market for entrepreneurs,” said Harding. “So, really, it’s the best place to have those intersections between all three.”