Lissa Hamil joined NOW CFO in 2024 as a Business Development Representative, bringing her extensive expertise to the Oklahoma market. With over a decade of business development experience and more than 20 years in management, Lissa is driven by a passion for connecting businesses with the right solutions to streamline their operations and boost profitability. She believes that education is key and is dedicated to empowering others through knowledge.

Outside of work, Lissa loves traveling the world with her husband and three children, with the Caribbean being their favorite destination. In her free time, she enjoys reading and giving back to her community through volunteer work.

Register to attend the February 2025 OVF Power Lunch

Being a visual pitch presenter.

A compelling business pitch can catapult a business forward in many ways, especially during its formative stages. A well-crafted pitch not only captures attention but also lays the foundation for meaningful connections with investors, potential clients, and resource providers.

One of the most powerful tools in your arsenal is the ability to be a visual storyteller. This skill allows you to convey your vision in a way that resonates deeply with your audience. By using visual language effectively, you can transform abstract ideas into tangible and relatable narratives, making it easier for others to see the value and potential of your business.

At OVF, we have witnessed numerous pitch presenters who have mastered the art of storytelling. These individuals consistently leave a lasting impression, and their success boils down to a few key traits:

Conciseness: They keep their pitch short and to the point, ensuring their message is clear and easy to understand.

Memorable Stories: They incorporate compelling anecdotes or examples that stick in the audience’s mind, making their pitch not only informative but also engaging.

Confidence: They deliver their pitch with poise and conviction, exuding an air of trustworthiness.

Visual Impact: They use visuals strategically to illustrate the difference their business is making, bringing their story to life in a vivid and impactful way.

Problem-Solving Clarity: They articulate the problem their business is addressing in a straightforward manner, leaving no doubt about its importance and the effectiveness of their solution.

Mastering these elements can set your pitch apart and position your business for success. Remember, a pitch isn’t just about explaining your idea; it’s about inspiring belief in your vision. By combining concise messaging, memorable storytelling, and visual storytelling, you can make a powerful impression that propels your business forward.

If you would like to pitch at OVF follow this LINK.

 ATTEND 

Join us for Share the Love, an Ecosystem Builders Spotlight, a program dedicated to highlighting and celebrating Oklahoma's entrepreneurial ecosystem builders. This event brings together innovators, mentors, and community leaders who are driving growth, collaboration, and opportunity in the state.

Through informative snippets, bios, teasers, and testimonial stories, we’ll spotlight the passion and dedication of individuals and organizations working to empower entrepreneurs and strengthen Oklahoma’s economic landscape.

Let’s celebrate their impact and foster connections that fuel future success.

Ecosystem  Participants

Meinders School of Business

Tulsa innovation Labs

The Verge OKC

Cultivate Venture Accelerator

Gradient

Plains Ventures

I2E

Oklahoma State University

Launch Rural OK & Rural Ecosystem Builders

OK Farm Bureau / OK Grassroots Rural & Ag Business Accelerators

 ATTEND

Revolutionizing Resources: The Impact of i2E and the OCN on Startups
An Interview with Darcy Wilborn

Written by Dennis Spielmann

Darcy Wilborn serves as the Vice President of Operations at i2E, where she has dedicated over a decade to supporting entrepreneurs on their journeys. Starting as an administrative assistant, she has risen through the ranks to become an integral leader in the organization. She works across internal and external communications at i2E to support entrepreneurs and start-up companies receiving i2E programs, services, and capital.

“We help entrepreneurs and early-stage start-up companies that are anywhere from an idea on a napkin, usually through those first early customers,” said Darcy Wilborn.

Over the past 25 years, i2E has evolved alongside Oklahoma’s entrepreneurial landscape, adapting to meet the needs of a rapidly changing innovation ecosystem. Originally established as the Oklahoma Technology Commercialization Center, i2E has expanded its offerings to support start-ups more holistically. As Darcy Wilborn explained, “We’re in a completely different entrepreneurial environment,” and this shift is evident in initiatives like the Oklahoma Commercialization Network, which leverages partnerships and state resources to provide a collaborative, statewide approach.

The Oklahoma Commercialization Network (OCN) is a transformative initiative powered by the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) to strengthen the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. By uniting over 37 partners, including organizations like Verge in Oklahoma City, Gradient (formerly 36 Degrees North) in Tulsa, and REI Oklahoma, the network ensures entrepreneurs can access a wide range of resources, such as coworking spaces, legal support, workshops, and funding opportunities. Designed to eliminate redundancies and increase collaboration, OCN helps start-ups seamlessly connect with the services they need at each stage of their journey. This network democratizes access to resources, making them more transparent and easier to navigate. For Oklahoma, the OCN represents a significant step forward in supporting innovation, fostering economic growth, and attracting and retaining top entrepreneurial talent in a competitive global landscape.

“I think the thing I’m most excited about is the additive effect,” said Wilborn. “Entrepreneurs are given a menu of resources and get to self-identify and choose those that are most impactful for them. It really changes the game and democratizes how they can access the resources rather than one organization helping ’em with this and then six months later another organization helping ’em with this.”

To learn more about i2E and the Oklahoma Commercialization Network (OCN), entrepreneurs can visit the i2E website at i2E.org/network. The site offers information about i2E’s programs, partner organizations, and available resources. Entrepreneurs can fill out an inquiry form on the website or through any partner organization’s site to connect with the network. i2E’s team works closely with start-ups to understand their goals and provide tailored recommendations for resources, programs, or mentorship opportunities that align with their current stage of growth. Whether they’re looking for training, coworking spaces, funding, or legal assistance, i2E and the OCN streamline access to essential tools to help start-ups succeed.

At the February Power Lunch, Wilborn will discuss how all the partners have come together with these resources to make them more transparent and easier to find.

“I’m hoping to empower folks to come talk to us if there are entrepreneurs at the luncheon that maybe talked to i2E five years ago as we’re a different i2E now,” said Wilborn. “I’d love to have another conversation as part of the statewide network. There are just a lot more tools in our toolkit than we had certainly 25 years ago and even five years ago. The resources for entrepreneurs across the state have really blossomed into this full suite, and I don’t know that everyone knows that.”

Don’t miss your chance to hear from Darcy Wilborn at the February Power Lunch on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, from 11:30 am. at the Metro Technology Center Economic Development Building (1700 Springlake Drive, Entry 13, Oklahoma City). Join OVF to network, learn, and grow with Oklahoma’s vibrant business community.

“I hope everyone comes out,” said Wilborn. Public-private partnership is so important for a state like Oklahoma especially. Our ability to attract and retain brilliant entrepreneurs is crucial. And so I hope everyone comes out and learns more about how the state is supporting entrepreneurship.”

 ATTEND

January Char's Perspective
Gina Bertoletti
Moore Norman Technology Center

Audience Development, Product-Market Fit, and Strategy: A Roadmap to Success

The January OVF Power lunch will focus on Audience Development, Product-Market Fit, and Strategy. Whether starting a new business or re-tooling a mature business, creating a successful venture requires more than a great idea in today's business environment. It requires a deep understanding of your audience, a product that solves a real problem, and a strategy that aligns both.

Audience Development: The Foundation of Your Business

Audience development is the process of identifying, and engaging, the right audience. It is the foundational step in building a business, as your audience is the lifeblood of your success.

Utilizing tools like surveys, focus groups, and social media insights will help you gather data. In turn, you can personalize experiences, content, and communication that resonate with them.

Product-Market Fit: Aligning Your Offering with Market Needs

Product-market fit occurs when your product or service meets the needs of your target market in a way that makes it indispensable. Achieving this is critical because it means you're providing value customers can’t easily find elsewhere.

Does your offering solve their problem effectively? The key is listening to your customers and staying flexible. As the market evolves, so should your product.

Strategy: Turning Vision Into Action

The next step is creating a strategy to scale and sustain growth. A well-thought-out strategy aligns your business goals with your audience’s needs and market conditions.

Consider factors such as competitive differentiation, marketing channels, partnerships, and pricing models when developing your strategy. Regularly assess and refine your approach based on performance metrics, customer feedback, and industry trends. A successful strategy is adaptive!

Audience development, product-market fit, and strategy are not isolated stages—they are interconnected elements that will fluctuate. By understanding and engaging your audience, refining your product to meet their needs, and executing a solid strategy, you’ll be well-positioned to thrive in today’s competitive market.

I hope you will join us for this important presentation from Past OVF Chair Kyle Golding.

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

by Dennis Spielman

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.”

ATTEND

Zehra Mahid is the CEO of GIS, a Coaching and Mentorship Firm dedicated to empowering executives, professionals, high achieving students and political figures as they pursue career advancements, academic endeavors, and opportunities to give back to their communities in significant ways.

Zehra’s Mentorships and Coaching are based on 27 years of experience as a very successful Corporate Attorney for companies ranging from start-ups to Fortune 75’s. She’s worked closely with Senior Leadership and understands how much the “who” behind the “why” impacts business growth.

She’s coached high achieving U.S. and international students who’ve been accepted into and entered elite academic institutions, highly selective graduate training programs, top companies, law firms and philanthropies.

She’s worked as an English teacher and Speech & Debate instructor and is widely recognized in her community as a highly gifted educator who has changed lives and directly impacted the future.

Zehra is the mother of 4 daughters and stepmother to her husband David's two adult children. She is a professional committed to building principle-based leaders who will change the world by becoming CEO’s, public figures, political leaders, innovators, creators and philanthropists.

Register to attend December 2024 OVF Power Lunch

The importance of Ecosystem Builders in Oklahoma

Ecosystem builders are at the heart of Oklahoma’s entrepreneurial spirit. These builders connect startups, small businesses, investors, local government, and academic institutions to create a community where innovation and entrepreneurship can thrive. They also bring community leaders together, addressing shared challenges and promoting initiatives that strengthen the overall economy. Being a part of this vibrant group in Oklahoma creates a supportive network that empowers local businesses, and positions the state as a competitive place for entrepreneurs.

Oklahoma Venture Forum will hold a Share the Love event which spotlights our Ecosystem builders. If you are dedicated to fostering a thriving business landscape, I encourage you to sign up to participate and allow us to celebrate the work you are doing!

We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you are our next gathering.

Register to attend December 2024 OVF Power Lunch

Unlocking Investment Insights: Wisdom from Scott McClain, Tom Evans,
and Jay Wallace

by Dennis Spielman

A trio of seasoned investors, each with a unique journey and perspective, is set to share invaluable advice at the upcoming Oklahoma Venture Forum Power Lunch. The panel features Scott McClain of Hobby Lobby’s HL Investments, Tom Evans of Encompass Financial Services, and Jay Wallace, an angel investor with a diverse tech background. Their collective expertise will provide a comprehensive exploration of strategies for seeking investments, the art of investing, and the evolving venture landscape in Oklahoma.

Scott McClain, a seasoned investor, has shaped his career by working with entrepreneurial giants like Sonic and Hobby Lobby. At Sonic, he saw firsthand how granting ownership stakes to managers drove success. Later, at Hobby Lobby, McClain’s focus turned to private equity and venture capital, aligning with experts to foster company growth. His extensive experience in both corporate and entrepreneurial settings makes him a valuable resource for aspiring investors.

“As an investor, the easiest thing to do is give somebody money,” Scott McClain said. “Being a good investor is being able to provide more than just money, but to provide additional resources to help somebody along in their journey.”

Scott McClain emphasized that honesty is a cornerstone for business success, particularly in relationships with investors. By fostering transparency and trust, entrepreneurs build stronger relationships and increase their chances of long-term success.

“We need to invest with people who are going to tell us the truth, no matter how much it hurts,” McClain said. He explained that open communication allows investors to step in and provide help when challenges arise, potentially saving a struggling business. “We’ve made a number of investments that we could have helped had we known things weren’t going well early on, but people waited too late to tell us, and then the business is lost.”

For those considering becoming investors, Scott McClain advises patience and aligning with experienced partners who can provide guidance.

“Don’t get in a hurry. Take your time and try to align yourself with people who really know what they’re doing and are really good at what they do,” McClain said. He stressed that successful investing is not about rushing into opportunities but building relationships with individuals with a proven track record of execution and expertise. “You’re much better off finding great people who are uniquely gifted in particular areas and helping them do what they’re successful in doing.”

Tom Evans, founder of Encompass Financial Services, has dedicated his career to helping businesses understand and grow their value.

“I always laugh and tell people I have the greatest job that was ever created,” Tom Evans said. “I love what I do, and every day, I wake up excited to do it again.”

Evans’ career began during his college years when he ran a furniture store with his wife. This early experience taught him valuable lessons about debits, credits, and the dynamics of business. Today, his firm works with companies of all sizes, determining valuations for partnerships, mergers, and other strategic decisions.

Tom Evans encourages aspiring investors to approach the process with a focus on collaboration and strategic clarity. By aligning with experienced professionals and honing in on businesses with clear value propositions, investors can position themselves for success while contributing to a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“There are so many avenues now—through groups like I2E, Hurricane Ventures, and Cortado. You don’t have to do it alone,” Tom Evans said. He pointed out that the barriers to entry have lowered significantly, allowing new investors to join groups or funds that pool resources and expertise. “You can get in at low thresholds and be part of a group—it’s way easier today than in the past.”

For those seeking investments, Tom Evans urges entrepreneurs to present their case succinctly. A concise and compelling pitch not only respects the investor’s time but also demonstrates the entrepreneur’s understanding of their own business and goals.

“Get to the story, cut to the chase, and tell me what you do and how it’s going to be profitable,” Evans said. He advised avoiding overly detailed presentations or reading lengthy documents, instead encouraging founders to outline their business model and profitability potential clearly. “Be clear on your exit strategy—how are you going to get out and make it tight.”

Jay Wallace’s career spans roles at major tech firms like Nike and DoorDash, as well as active participation in startup ecosystems. After two liquidity events, Wallace transitioned into angel investing, focusing on early-stage ventures where founder-product fit is key.

“I look for grit—a combination of passion and perseverance,” Jay Wallace said. “Some of the most successful startups out there aren’t the same business they were when they started. Founders who can pivot and persevere through challenges are the ones who succeed.”

Jay Wallace offered practical advice for those looking to become angel investors, emphasizing the importance of leveraging both capital and personal expertise.

“What I bring is capital and skills, and I’m combining those to try to get a return and help the community,” Wallace said. He encouraged aspiring investors to evaluate whether they can add operational value to the ventures they invest in, beyond just providing funding. “Am I valuable to this founder? If I can’t add value—whether through expertise, mentorship, or connections—I’m just as good as a check from anybody, and that’s not great.”

Wallace also advised taking small, calculated steps initially, learning from each investment, and gradually increasing the scale as confidence and experience grow, saying, “You make small investments and learn along the way.”

Wallace is particularly passionate about growing Oklahoma’s ecosystem. Many graduates are encouraged to move to places like Austin for better opportunities, and he believes this trend must change to build a thriving local ecosystem.

“We need to stop shipping talent outside of Oklahoma City,” Wallace said. “If we’re not taking chances early on and investing here first, we’re never going to grow our ecosystem.”

The panel discussion promises to be a deep dive into the nuances of investing, offering actionable insights for both entrepreneurs and aspiring investors. By attending, you’ll gain practical advice that you can immediately apply to your investment strategies, empowering you to make informed decisions and take your ventures to the next level.

“We understand how hard it is to get a business started,” McClain said. “But we’ve also seen the incredible rewards that come from building something impactful. We want to share our story so others can learn from our mistakes.”

“Overwhelmingly, people want you to succeed,” Evans said. “Find someone who can give you good, solid advice—and don’t be afraid to ask.”

For Wallace, the event is not just a discussion but a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and learn from their experiences.

“The right people are here—we just need to bring them together,” Wallace said. “Don’t be afraid to reach out and connect. Together, we can build something amazing in Oklahoma.”

The Oklahoma Venture Forum Power Lunch will be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, and is open to members and guests in person and online. It will be held at Metro Tech EDC Room 123, 1700 Springlake Drive, Entry 13, Oklahoma City.

“By coming to this panel, you’ll walk away with tools, strategies, and connections to help you succeed in the ever-evolving investment landscape,” Wallace said.

Register to attend December 11, 2024 OVF Power Lunch

Oliver Shafaat
Sci-Lume Labs

Oliver Shafaat is the founder and CEO of Sci-Lume Labs™, where he conceived of and leads the development of Bylon™ polymer, fibers, and yarns. He received his PhD from Caltech, working at the crossroads of chemistry, biochemistry and biology. After, he moved to Japan and worked for a biotech where he discovered his love for fibers, while also noting that the significant demand for sustainable alternatives to synthetic fibers by the apparel industry was not being satisfied. He decided to leverage his chemical expertise to bring truly sustainable, drop-in replacement fibers to the apparel market. Sci-Lume Labs develops Bylon, the truly circular apparel fiber without compromise. Bylon is made using highly efficient chemistries to transform agricultural waste into its renewable feedstock. Bylon is a thermoplastic polymer that can drop into existing synthetic fiber manufacturing facilities. At end-of-life, Bylon is 100% recyclable and biodegradable. Finally, Bylon offers familiar performance versatility and seamless integration into conventional downstream yarn and textile processing. By selectively combining the best of natural and synthetic fiber properties into a single product, Bylon is uniquely capable of achieving the large-scale adoption needed to enable a circular apparel future. With Bylon, apparel brands and manufacturers can now meet their sustainability targets without compromising on cost or performance.

Register to attend November 2024 Power Pitch Lunch