Oklahoma might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of venture capital, but that’s exactly what makes it such a compelling destination for founders. With a rapidly evolving startup scene, a surge of investment in sectors like aerospace, life sciences, and B2B tech, and a growing roster of VC firms committed to underserved markets, Oklahoma is quietly becoming one of the most founder-friendly ecosystems in the country. Thanks to initiatives like the Midcon VC Summit and federal investments in autonomous systems, Tulsa's emergence as a national tech hub has helped shine a spotlight on the state’s potential. Combine that with a low cost of living, a collaborative community, and access to top-tier talent from regional universities, and it’s easy to see why more founders are choosing to build and fundraise in Oklahoma.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the top VCs you need to know—from established funds like Cortado Ventures and Atento Capital to specialized firms supporting life sciences and frontier tech. Whether you're a local entrepreneur or considering a move, these investors are driving real momentum—and they might just be the partners your startup needs.
Top VCs in Oklahoma
Spur Capital
About: Spur Capital has built enduring relationships across the venture landscape and invests primarily in early-stage technology and life science funds.
SeedStep Angels
About: SeedStep Angels is a group of accredited angel investors comprised of successful entrepreneurs and business leaders in Oklahoma.
Traction metrics requirements: Companies may be seed stage, but should have a prototype or a completed product or service that has been sold or has generated significant interest among prospective clients.
Oklahome Life Science Fund
About: The Oklahoma Life Science Fund, LLC (OLSF) is an early-stage venture capital fund that provides promising Oklahoma life science startups with the capital and guidance they need to grow. Since its inception in 2000, OLSF has been the single largest driver of attracting private equity capital to the state of Oklahoma.
Cortado Ventures
About: Based in Oklahoma City, Cortado Ventures is an early-stage VC firm focused on ambitious, growth-driven companies in Oklahoma and the Midcontinent. They invest in B2B tech, energy, logistics, and healthcare/life sciences.
Atento Capital
About: Atento Capital is a Tulsa-based venture capital firm focused on unlocking unsung potential in early-stage founders through providing access to venture capital, human capital and expanded professional networks. Atento Capital has created pathways to upward mobility and helped dozens of companies and entrepreneurs thrive in Tulsa’s tech ecosystem by democratizing access to venture capital for traditionally underinvested groups of people.
Victorum Capital
At Victorum Capital, our commitment to investing in tech startups drives us to identify and nurture the most promising early-stage technology companies across the U.S.
Plains Ventures
We're an early-stage VC that invests in entrepreneurs and innovative technology between the coasts. For founders, Plains Ventures helps navigate the startup journey by providing consistent guidance and a source of early-stage capital. For investors, we are a trusted source for access to high-growth venture opportunities between the coasts.
Navigating Oklahoma's Startup Ecosystem: Trends, Opportunities, and Challenges
Oklahoma’s startup ecosystem is rapidly evolving, offering founders a unique blend of opportunity, support, and innovation. Whether you’re building in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, or beyond, understanding the local landscape can give you a real edge as you fundraise and scale.
Key Trends Shaping Oklahoma’s Startup Scene
Oklahoma is no longer just about oil and agriculture. The state is now a vibrant hub for technology, aerospace, biotech, and fintech startups. Tulsa, in particular, is making headlines as a tech innovation center, thanks to major events like the annual Midcon VC Summit, which recently attracted over 400 founders and$1 trillion in investable capital. This summit, hosted by Cortado Ventures and the Foundation for Unleashing the Startup Ecosystem, is a testament to the region’s growing influence and ability to draw national attention to local startups Journal Record.
Recent investments, such as the$51 million federal grant to the Tulsa Hub for Equitable and Trustworthy Autonomy, are fueling growth in autonomous systems and aerospace—Oklahoma’s second-largest industry. The state’s low cost of living, strong workforce, and access to talent are also drawing both startups and investors to the region.
Opportunities for Founders
Launching a startup in Oklahoma comes with several advantages:
- Lower Operating Costs: Founders can stretch their runway further thanks to affordable office space, housing, and labor.
- Access to Talent: With universities like the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University, there’s a steady pipeline of skilled graduates and workforce development programs Startup OU.
- Supportive Community: The local startup community is known for its collaborative spirit, with founders, investors, and organizations eager to help each other succeed.
Challenges to Anticipate
While the ecosystem is growing, founders should be aware of a few hurdles:
- Access to Capital: Although VC activity is increasing, Oklahoma still lags behind coastal hubs in terms of available venture funding. Building relationships with local and regional investors is key.
- Talent Acquisition: While there’s a strong talent pool, competition for top tech talent can be fierce, especially as more startups launch and scale.
- Market Reach: Oklahoma’s market is smaller than those in larger states, so founders often need to think regionally or nationally from day one.
Networking Opportunities and Local Resources
Oklahoma’s startup calendar is packed with events that connect founders to investors, mentors, and peers. Some of the most valuable opportunities include:
- Midcon VC Summit: The state’s flagship event for founders and investors, held annually in Tulsa Journal Record.
- Startup Grind Tulsa & OKC: Regular meetups for founders to share stories, pitch ideas, and build relationships StartupTUL.
- Demo Days: Events like i2E Bridge2 Demo Day and Build in Tulsa TechStars Demo Day spotlight early-stage founders and connect them with investors and the broader community.
- Accelerators and Incubators: Programs like gener8tor OKC and The Catalyst Accelerator offer mentorship, funding, and resources tailored to Oklahoma startups.
Pitch Events and Demo Days to Know in Oklahoma
For founders, nothing beats the energy of pitching live to a room full of investors, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs. Oklahoma’s startup ecosystem is packed with high-impact pitch events and demo days that offer invaluable exposure, feedback, and—most importantly—direct access to capital. Here are the must-know opportunities for 2025 and beyond:
Midcon VC Summit
Tulsa’s Midcon VC Summit has quickly become the flagship event for the region’s startup and investment community. Drawing over 400 founders and $1 trillion in investable capital, this summit is a magnet for VCs, angel investors, and corporate partners. The event is known for its curated pitch sessions, networking, and panels featuring top investors and founders. If you want to get on the radar of Oklahoma’s most active VCs, this is the place to be.
Build in Tulsa Techstars Demo Day
This annual event is the culmination of the Build in Tulsa Techstars Accelerator, spotlighting some of the most promising Black and underrepresented founders in the region. Demo Day is a high-energy showcase where founders pitch to a packed house of investors, mentors, and community leaders. The event is open to the public and is a great opportunity for networking and inspiration.
Bridge2 Demo Day (i2E)
Hosted by i2E, Bridge2 Demo Day is a high-profile event that features early-stage founders from across Oklahoma. Startups present their companies to a panel of investors and industry experts, often leading to follow-up meetings and funding opportunities. The event is known for its supportive atmosphere and strong investor turnout.
Startup Grind Tulsa & OKC
Both Tulsa and Oklahoma City have active Startup Grind chapters, hosting regular pitch nights, fireside chats, and networking events. These gatherings are ideal for early-stage founders looking to practice their pitch, get feedback, and connect with local investors in a more informal setting.Startup Grind Tulsa | Startup Grind OKC
Startup World Cup – Oklahoma Regional
Powered by Pegasus Tech Ventures and hosted by Gradient, the Oklahoma regional of the Startup World Cup is a major annual competition. The winner earns a spot at the global finals in San Francisco, competing for a $1 million investment. The event features top startups from across the state, expert judges, and a packed audience of investors and supporters.
GridX to Tulsa Demo Day
The GridX to Tulsa Demo Day is a showcase for biotech and deep tech startups, this event brings together founders, VCs, and thought leaders to highlight innovation in sustainability, health, agriculture, and food.
Oklahoma Innovation Conference & Expo
Oklahoma Innovation Conference & Expo is hosted by OCAST, this two-day event is the state’s premier gathering for entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders. It features pitch competitions, innovation showcases, and extensive networking opportunities.
Female Founders Pitch Night (Build in Tulsa)
Female Founders Pitch Night is a dedicated pitch event for female-founded, tech-enabled startups, this night is designed to elevate women entrepreneurs and connect them with investors and mentors.
gener8tor Oklahoma City Showcase
gener8tor Oklahoma City Showcase highlights the latest cohort of gener8tor’s accelerator program, giving founders a platform to pitch to investors and the broader community.
Connect With Investors in Oklahoma Using Visible
At Visible, we often times compare a fundraise to a B2B sales and marketing funnel. At the top of your funnel, you are finding new investors. In the middle, you are nurturing and pitching potential investors. At the bottom of the funnel, you are working through diligence and ideally closing new investors.
With the introduction of data rooms, you can now manage every aspect of your fundraising funnel with Visible.
- Find investors at the top of your funnel with our free investor database, Visible Connect and find a filtered list of Oklahoma's investors here.
- Track your conversations and move them through your funnel with our Fundraising CRM
- Share your pitch deck and monthly updates with potential investors
- Organize and share your most vital fundraising documents with data rooms
Manage your fundraise from start to finish with Visible. Give it a free try for 14 days here.
