It would likely have been impossible for the group of city leaders who started the Oklahoma Venture Forum in 1987 to imagine Oklahoma City as home to the NBA champions. Emerging from the oil bust of the early 1980’s it was understood that to ensure and grow the long-term success and sustainability of the Oklahoma economy diversifying our expertise, opportunities, technology base and talent was a critical next step. To do so a group led by the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, created the Oklahoma Venture Forum as a means to connect early-stage businesses with local capital and service providers to help them build and create the Oklahoma economy of the future. OVF was our ecosystem’s first entrepreneurial community driven organization, and over the years has come to be known as the premier connector, educator and showcase of the best our area has to offer. In many ways OVF has successfully, fully and exceedingly achieved his purpose, mission and vision.
However, with that success and understanding the growth, shifts and diversification that was almost unimaginable 40 years ago, OVF must use this moment of reflection to assess what new needs now exist, what the next iteration of economic ingenuity could look like and how best OVF’s skills, expertise, network and assets can be deployed conquer new heights. In many ways our achievement has cannibalized the original necessity for OVF, and as a result our membership, engagement and financial position has suffered. Over the summer the Board of Directors undertook a strategic planning exercise to address the issues that OVF and several similar organizations have faced such as event fatigue, relevant programing and easy of access. Unfortunately, despite several exciting developments, switching to bi-monthly events, moving to the primer address for innovation in OKC at Innovation Hall and kicking-off our 2025-2026 session with the recently appointed Secretary of Commerce, our membership has continued to erode to the point that continued financial challenges no longer make OVF viable in it’s current iteration. Therefore, after multiple discussions, innovative proposals and hard fought efforts, the OVF Board of Directors made the difficult decision to suspend regular operations following our November luncheon event.
I know this news is difficult for many of you to hear, and I personally am saddened to be the bearer of it. On behalf of myself, our entire board and the hundreds who have been a part of OVF over the years, I want to thank all who have contributed in ways big and small. From coming to a lunch, bringing a guest, making an introduction, investing, mentoring or serving, you have all contributed to OVF’s success and making the dreams of 1987 the reality of today. I would like to also extend my thanks to the vendors, hosts, caterers and others who have made our events so enjoyable over these many years. Finally, OVF's stellar reputation for excellence in programming, networking, and event production are a testament to Ché Loessberg. We are deeply grateful for her 19 years of partnership, beginning as the OVF event producer through her company The Event Company Faire La Fête, Inc. in 2006 and continuing through her 15-year tenure as our Executive Director.
Lastly, it goes without saying that OVF would not be the success it has been and would not have the reputation for quality programming, networking and engagement, and event management that it wears without Ché Loessberg who began as OVF’s Event Management Company in 2006 then as our Executive Director for the past 15 years.
As in any entrepreneurial venture an ending is simply a new beginning, and just as when market conditions shift so too must your offering pivot. Therefore, over the next several months OVF leadership will be working to reimagine the next version of OVF. How can we meet the needs, wants and desires of today’s market and once again set the vision for the next 40 years of entrepreneurship in Oklahoma. To do this we need you! If you want to provide your feedback, thoughts, energy, effort, time, and talent we need you! OVF has always been and will always be a community and communities work together so all can achieve more. I sincerely hope OVF has been a part of your story and provided you great value. Please let us know if you will now help to do the same for the new OVF.
Oklahoma Venture Forum
Chairman of the Board
Andrew Pollock
Please Join Us for the November 12th Pitch Lunch
