Pioneering Oklahoma's Digital Future
An interview with Annette White-Klososky

by Dennis Spielman

Annette White-Klososky’s entrepreneurial journey is rooted in her upbringing in a family of newspaper owners, where she developed a strong foundation in business. After college, she pursued a career in public relations, marketing, and consulting, quickly becoming known for her versatility in helping startups with limited resources. For nearly 30 years, she has focused on guiding leaders and entrepreneurs in building businesses that combine strategic success with a solid organizational culture. Co-founding Future Point of View with her husband over two decades ago, White-Klososky has been at the forefront of digital strategy, helping companies navigate the evolving landscape of AI, digital transformation, and cyber risk. She extends her work into human capital digital analysis, ensuring organizations can execute their strategies effectively. White-Klososky’s contributions to Oklahoma’s innovation ecosystem are significant, including her involvement in AI advancements and her efforts to foster a thriving entrepreneurial community in the state.

“We truly believe, just like you have a human resource director, you’re going to have a digital resource director... because the organization will get things done using both,” said Annette White-Klososky. “We help organizations figure out how to use available technology and applications and make those decisions because most people in the C-suite don’t understand technology. They didn’t come up through the ranks with those types of tools. So they’ve learned their craft with different tools and resources.”

At the upcoming Oklahoma Venture Forum Power Lunch, White-Klososky will discuss the state’s ambitious efforts to become a leader in AI innovation, particularly in the healthcare sector. She will share insights into Oklahoma’s AI strategy, developed by her firm, and highlight the exciting advancements already underway. White-Klososky will also cover how AI is integrated into various industries, from streamlining medical documentation to enhancing diagnostic processes, emphasizing the importance of fostering an innovative environment in Oklahoma. Attendees can expect to learn about current AI initiatives, future possibilities, and the potential for Oklahoma to become an epicenter of AI-driven growth.

“I think we are in a good place with our biotech. We are small enough to be innovative in what we’re doing, so I’m going to talk a little bit about what’s already in play and what we might see in the future,” said Annette White-Klososky.
According to White-Klososky, the state’s efforts to create a supportive environment for technological growth are already showing promising results. As Oklahoma continues to leverage AI in biotech, entrepreneurs in the state have the opportunity to establish cutting-edge innovation, contributing meaningfully to both the local economy and the broader industry.

“I’m excited to share what’s going on in our state, in our backyard,” said White-Klososky. “Oklahoma is poised to become an epicenter of AI innovation, and I believe this event is an opportunity to inspire and inform the community about the potential that lies ahead.”

Join Annette White-Klososky at the next Oklahoma Venture Forum Power Lunch on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, as she discusses AI innovations shaping Oklahoma’s future. The event will be open to members and guests in person at the Metro Tech Spring Lake Campus (1700 Springlake Drive in Oklahoma City) and via Zoom.

“You can learn a lot by just paying attention to what is happening in our state,” said White-Klososky. “I think it’s an opportunity for, and I know there’s a lot of things I probably don’t even know about that’s going on in our state, so I’m just as excited to be there where people are in the flow of innovation and new deals and entrepreneurs.”

Register to attend September 11, 2024 OVF Power Lunch

Gina Bertoletti
Moore Norman Technology Center

Fall is around the corner and OVF is in full swing! We begin with our annual membership kickoff. Please join us for an evening of networking and connection.

August 29^th at Cabin Boys Brewery

The first OVF power lunch is September 11th featuring Annette White-Klososky of FPOV as our main speaker and pitch presenter Jarad Lovett founder of Banded Together. Please register to attend.

If you haven’t renewed your membership, please consider doing so. Take advantage of an OVF sponsorship as a unique way to make your business known as well as support this dynamic organization.

Don’t forget, The Verge will host OVF events for those who can’t make it to Tulsa.

Thank you for your commitment to OVF. We look forward to seeing you!

OVF Power Lunch | OKC, OK

The Oklahoma Venture forum is honored to present the award for Economic Impact to Tulsa Remote.

The Oklahoma Venture Forum is proud to announce the 2024 Award for Economic Impact to Tulsa Remote. Tulsa Remote is a program that offers a $10,000 grant and other benefits to remote workers who move to and work from Tulsa.  

In 2018, Tulsa community leaders had a vision that saw Tulsa as a beacon to attract talent from diverse backgrounds and industries across the nation. Recognizing Tulsa's potential as a vibrant and welcoming community, they launched the Tulsa Remote program in November 2018, inviting full-time remote workers to live and work from the city for a year. 
 
Since the first movers arrived in early 2019, Tulsa Remote has grown exponentially, welcoming over 3,000 full-time remote workers to the community over the past five years. As they celebrate this anniversary, they’re also reflecting on the transformative impact Tulsa Remote has had on the city of Tulsa’s growth and diversity. 

Tulsa Remote is celebrating two significant milestones: five years of pioneering change in the remote workspace and the release of their 2023 economic impact report. This annual report highlights how their journey so far has shown steady economic growth, meeting their projections and reinforcing the value remote workers can have on a local economy. Among its findings, the report found: 

 As of December 2023, 2,819 Remoters have collectively generated $563.6 million in direct employment income, significantly contributing to Tulsa’s economic vitality.  

• The program’s influence continued to grow in 2023, with 2,252 participants who are currently in Tulsa contributing over $330 million in new labor income to the city.  
• More than 18% of the program alumni who plan to stay in Tulsa have ignited the local economy by starting their own businesses.  

Register to attend the 2024 OVF Awards Event

Ten-Nine Technologies was founded in 2014 with a dream of creating new materials for new economies. Today, Ten-Nine brings to market breakthrough materials for the energy and chemical industries across a broad range of applications, including energy storage. Ten-Nine’s proprietary nano additive, TENIX™, dramatically improves performance in cathodes - the primary driver of battery cost, performance, and greenhouse gas emissions. It’s a simple powder, produced sustainably and domestically, that can be dropped into manufacturing lines for all kinds of batteries from single-use alkaline cells to rechargeable EV packs. Ten-Nine is based in Tulsa, Oklahoma and works with leading industry partners to transform energy storage with TENIX™.

We specialize in modernizing the patient referral process for specialty clinics. Our solution seamlessly automates the outdated and manual steps involved, without requiring any behavioral changes from the referring providers.

Our platform ensures a smooth transition by integrating effortlessly with existing workflows, ultimately enhancing efficiency and patient satisfaction.

Soaak Technologies, Inc. is a registered Delaware corporation with its headquarters in Tulsa, OK. Soaak is a health and wellness company dedicated to optimizing overall well-being through a comprehensive approach. Their innovative offerings include the Soaak App, which delivers clinically curated sound therapy and various digital resources. In addition to their digital health solutions, they operate Soaak Clinics providing specialized services like functional medicine and neurofeedback. With a global presence in over 130 countries, Soaak aims to revolutionize mental and emotional health by integrating cutting-edge technology with holistic healing practices. Soaak has delivered over 20 million minutes of sound therapy to date.

Sci-Lume Labs makes 100% recyclable Bylon, the truly circular apparel fiber to replace conventional fibers like nylon, polyester, and cotton. Bylon drops into the same manufacturing equipment used to make nylon and polyester, meaning it can scale quickly and compete at low price points. Bylon offers familiar performance versatility, combining the capability and tunability of synthetic fibers with the moisture properties and circularity of natural fibers. Bylon can be made from biobased feedstocks like agricultural waste, enabling industrial scale production without requiring land that would better be used to grow food. 

Register to attend the 2024 OVF Awards Event

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

by Dennis Spielman

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.”

Register to attend the 2024 OVF Awards Event

 

Sam DuRegger, Founder/CEO
Barista Bot

Barista Bot aims to radically simplify how we interact with the services we use every day, starting with our morning coffee. Utilizing natural language processing, Barista Bot assists users in ordering their favorite coffee drink by quickly learning their preferences through a series of simple text conversations. Potential applications go beyond your coffee preferences and could change how we tackle mundane tasks like registering cars or applying for civil services. Simplicity could be just a text away.

Logan Evans, Founder/CEO
Sugar Security

Sugar Security makes cybersecurity easy and affordable for small tech-enabled organizations. This includes vulnerability scanning, breach & attack simulations, risk assessments, compliance audits, and more. 

Sugar offers a self-serve SaaS dashboard with a free tier, scaling up to a $25K/yr Enterprise package with advanced features and a service package for bespoke cybersecurity needs.

Natarianto Indrawan, Founder
FlexiH

Clean Ammonia Production for Green Fertilizer Industry. An innovative technology to produce ammonia at atmospheric condition, resulting in numerous benefits as compared to conventional method (HB process) that has been used since early 1900s.

Robert Washington, Founder/CEO
Shelter Share

Robert Washington is the esteemed Founder and CEO of Shelter Share, a visionary leader with a rich background in Hospitality and Supply Chain Management. With a profound commitment to aiding those in need, Robert leverages his expertise to create innovative solutions for the shelter crisis. His unique blend of skills allows him to approach the challenge of sheltering individuals with both compassion and strategic precision, driving Shelter Share's mission to make a lasting impact on communities nationwide. Through his tireless dedication, Robert has become a beacon of hope for countless individuals seeking shelter and support.

Danielle Melton, Founder/CEO
MOTHERboard

MOTHERboard® stands at the forefront of a paradigm shift in workplace culture, specifically tailored to address the unique challenges faced by working mothers. As the founder of MOTHERboard®, I've dedicated our platform to combating burnout through a comprehensive suite of tools, training, and resources designed to empower mothers in their professional and personal lives. Our innovative program not only supports working mothers in achieving a harmonious balance between their career ambitions and family responsibilities but also provides companies with a powerful tool for employee retention and talent acquisition. By participating in our Early Adopter Program, companies have the opportunity to join a visionary movement towards creating a more supportive, empowering workplace that recognizes and values the dual roles many women play.

Our mission transcends offering a service; it's about spearheading a movement that redefines the modern workplace into an environment where mothers can excel without compromise. Through MOTHERboard®, we aim to establish a new standard for corporate culture—one where the well-being of working mothers is not just an afterthought but a fundamental aspect of business success. By fostering a supportive ecosystem, we not only enhance the well-being of individual employees but also contribute to the overall health and productivity of organizations. Join us as we transform workplaces into spaces where working mothers thrive, paving the way for a future where work and family life coexist in harmony.

Caleb Owens
CEO/Founder, Premier Insurance Housing

With 13 years of experience in the corporate housing industry, Caleb, the CEO and Founder of Premier Insurance Housing LLC, possesses the skills and knowledge required to navigate the complexities of the property and casualty sector. I excel in delivering exceptional customer service, achieving company objectives, and establishing strong industry partnerships. Caleb has also managed high-value projects for the United States Armed Forces in various locations, showcasing my ability to meet strict deadlines.

Register to Attend April Power Pitch Lunch

Oklahoma is a “Coffee State”
An interview with Jennifer McGrail

Written by Dennis Spielman

Jennifer McGrail immersed herself in the world of family-owned businesses from childhood, marking the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey. Despite initially shying away from the idea of entrepreneurship due to its demanding nature, McGrail’s passion for making a difference led her back to the realm of small businesses. Over the years, she navigated through various sectors, including corporate and nonprofit, before finding her niche in small business development. Through her roles at Francis Tuttle and the OKC Metro Collaborative, McGrail honed her expertise in fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurs. Now, as the Executive Director at OCAST, she spearheads initiatives to empower innovators across all 77 counties of Oklahoma, recognizing the crucial role of capital access in their success. McGrail’s journey exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to driving positive change in communities through entrepreneurship.

The Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) is crucial in driving technology-based economic development to diversify the state’s economy. Beyond its founding purpose, OCAST serves as a catalyst for innovation by identifying and supporting Oklahoma’s innovators in bringing their ideas to market. This involves providing resources for research and development, creating workforce opportunities through internships, and fostering collaborations across various sectors.

“What that means for most people is we’re the entity that helps find and identify Oklahoma innovators and help them take those innovations, identify the problem that they are going to solve and get them in a customer’s hands to solve the problem,” said Jennifer McGrail.

With a focus on equitable access, OCAST ensures that rural innovators receive the same support as those in urban centers like Oklahoma City and Tulsa. In recent years, OCAST has expanded its initiatives, including introducing the State Small Business Credit Initiative program to stimulate private investment in Oklahoma businesses. Through venture capital investment programs and a newly established business lending program, OCAST continues to empower entrepreneurs, fueling economic growth and opportunity across the state.

McGrail’s involvement with the Oklahoma Venture Forum reflects her commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across the state. Having worked extensively in Lawton, McGrail recognized the challenges high-growth businesses face in accessing vital resources like angel groups and seed capital. She found that connecting with the Oklahoma Venture Forum provided a crucial pathway into the venture capital ecosystem, enabling entrepreneurs to access funding and support. McGrail values the Forum not only for its role in facilitating connections with venture capital but also for its role as a platform for learning and collaboration. Through her experiences sitting at tables with representatives from various backgrounds, including venture capital and entrepreneurship, McGrail gained valuable insights into different perspectives and funding mechanisms. Her active involvement underscores the Forum’s significance as a hub for knowledge exchange and resource access, ultimately empowering entrepreneurs to thrive in Oklahoma’s dynamic business landscape.

“Oklahoma is a coffee state, and Oklahoma Venture Forum is truly one of those rooms where you can come into, you can talk to different people, and I can almost guarantee you that you are literally one coffee meeting away from accessing the exact door that you’re trying to access on your entrepreneurial journey,” said McGrail. “You’re one conversation away from having access to almost anything you could want or need in whatever goal you’re trying to achieve.”

Join McGrail at the next Oklahoma Venture Forum Power Lunch on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, as several companies make their pitch presentations. The event will be open to members and guests in person at the Metro Tech Spring Lake Campus (1900 Springlake Drive in Oklahoma City) and via ZOOM.

“One thing I think most folks don’t realize is when they see Oklahoma Venture Forum, they think it’s just going to be a room of funders,” said McGrail. “And I would tell them that Oklahoma Venture Forum is that and so much more, and it truly is a place to come build a community that gets you access to the innovation we have here in Oklahoma and beyond the state’s borders.”

Register to Attend April Power Pitch Lunch

Pitch Perfect for OVF
An interview with Alex Lobodiak

By Dennis Spielman

Alex Lobodiak's venture into entrepreneurship began during his college years at OU, where he participated in an entrepreneurial program and successfully launched a student business focused on recyclable stadium blankets. This early experience ignited his interest in startups, leading him to intern with various startups during college. Lobodiak then delved into analytical work at Agio and later became an internal consultant for AppMex, refining his problem-solving skills. His dedication to tackling challenges led him to GeoSafe, where he contributed to its growth, specializing in sales and business development for the software company. Concurrently, Lobodiak founded True North Ventures, a consulting firm working with startups, and co-founded CoreScribe, a company leveraging AI to transcribe conversations and create custom outputs, particularly in the healthcare sector. Lobodiak's impact across industries garnered him an invitation to be part of the Oklahoma Venture Forum board.

"I got involved with the Venture Forum back when I was studying entrepreneurship," said Alex Lobodiak. "I really enjoyed the people and the quality of not just the network there but the presentations. I think I was that guy who probably asked too many questions and helped a little bit here and there. And they, they probably took that as an invitation to ask me onto the board."

The pitch presentations during the Power Lunch event provide a statewide stage for emerging business leaders to hone their ideas and receive relevant feedback. According to Lobodiak, crafting an impactful business pitch involves several key elements to capture the audience's attention and secure support. To start, emphasizing traction and tangible progress can be a compelling way to draw people in. Clarity in articulating specific needs, whether it be fundraising, introductions, or resources, is crucial. Being transparent about fundraising goals and the purpose of the funds adds credibility. Additionally, clearly defining the target market and highlighting what sets the venture apart from competitors are key aspects. Moreover, Lobodiak emphasizes the importance of showcasing the team's capabilities and explaining why they are well-suited to drive the success of the product or project.

"It's always important to differentiate yourself from your competition and clarify why you have the team that will be a good team to carry this product forward," said Lobodiak.

Several businesses will make their pitch at the Oklahoma Venture Forum Power Lunch on Wednesday, March 13, 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. Pitch presenters include Titan Intake, EDUrain, Paldara Pharmaceutical, Core-Scribe, Waysteless, and gamr.

"We've got a lot of other talented presenters that will be there, and I'm excited to see them succeed in Oklahoma's ecosystem," said Lobodiak. "This event will be a great way to connect them with folks in the community that want to help elevate their business."

Register here for the OVF Power Pitch Lunch