Sunny Creek Trading Post 

Sunny Creek Trading Post is a Farm Hub dedicated to connecting local producers with the community by offering high-quality, locally sourced products on consignment. In addition to fresh produce, handmade goods, and specialty foods, we provide community engagement opportunities such as our Little Sunny Creek Young Vendor Event, a free Plant Cutting Library, and an Annual Seed Swap to inspire learning and participation. We emphasize health through real, nutrient-dense food, empowering individuals to make mindful choices for their well-being. By prioritizing small-scale farmers and artisans, we create a sustainable ecosystem that benefits both producers and consumers.

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Oklahoma Farm Bureau 

Oklahoma Grassroots Rural & Ag Business Accelerators 

The mission of Oklahoma Farm Bureau: Our members strive to improve the lives of all Oklahomans who daily rely upon the work done on our state’s farms, ranches and in our local communities. OKFB works tirelessly to support our state’s agriculturalists as they take on the vital endeavor of growing and raising agricultural products for a growing world. Because when rural Oklahoma is strong, it lays the firm foundation for all of Oklahoma to grow. 

The Oklahoma Grassroots Rural & Ag Business Accelerators program is a collaborative rural development initiative from Oklahoma Farm Bureau along with national and state-level partners that develops Oklahoma-based innovators creating ideas, technologies and products creating economic opportunities in rural Oklahoma.  

The accelerators program is comprised of two tracks to help spur agricultural innovation and rural innovation development for companies and ventures based in communities with a population of 50,000 or less. AgCelerate Oklahoma, a pre-accelerator, provides an agriculture-focused curriculum to bring innovations that have on-farm applications to reality through a farmer innovation model. Activate Oklahoma combines an innovation bootcamp, pre-accelerator and business accelerator to connect rural entrepreneurs and innovators with resources from Oklahoma’s world-class business development community to build an even brighter future for rural Oklahoma. 
 

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A Hub of Ideas: Jeff Seymour Talks Innovation at OVF Awards
by Dennis Spielman

As the keynote speaker for the upcoming Oklahoma Venture Forum Awards, Jeff Seymour brings a wealth of experience in economic development and a deep passion for community-driven innovation. His leadership at the Oklahoma City Innovation District reflects a vision that aligns closely with OVF’s mission to foster entrepreneurship across the state.

Seymour has built a strong career in economic development, with nearly two decades dedicated to shaping communities through business strategy, relationships, and public policy. Early on, he worked in small towns, immersing himself in the complexities of attracting and sustaining growth beyond simply landing large employers. Influenced by mentors who encouraged him to combine business acumen with economic principles, Jeff learned to build stronger communities.

Before leading the Oklahoma City Innovation District, he served in a regional economic development role at the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. There, he identified systemic gaps in the local economy, including the need for stronger startup ecosystems, better access to capital, and enhanced research capacity. His insights and leadership now position him to guide the Innovation District in tackling these challenges, aligning strategies with community-driven solutions for long-term impact.

“I think I saw that the Innovation District as an entity had room in its core mission to help make progress on some of those goals,” said Jeff Seymour. “I found myself drawn to the thing that got me excited about economic development in the first place—being able to solve needs that were very human, very community-focused, and being able to connect a lot of dots where we could see progress on things, even if it was incremental, that it built over time and it created more momentum and more success.”

The Innovation District actively drives economic growth and community development in Oklahoma City by connecting research, industry, and entrepreneurship within a 1.3-square-mile hub in Northeast OKC. The team leads strategic efforts across four key pillars: enhancing the built environment with essential spaces like labs and incubators, hosting inclusive programs and events that foster innovation, guiding industry cluster development to attract investment and talent, and expanding workforce training to ensure residents can thrive in future-focused careers. Through these initiatives, the Innovation District creates meaningful opportunities, builds bridges between sectors, and ensures that progress benefits the entire community.

“We try to be thinking about how those four pieces work together and what our role is to push and to convene and to lead in certain ways on behalf of the region to help make sure that as Oklahoma City grows, we’re not only prepared for growth, but we’re connecting our residents to that future as well.”

Seymour recognizes the Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) as a long-standing pillar of support for innovation and entrepreneurship in the state. He appreciates how OVF has consistently created space for thought leadership, collaborative conversations, and meaningful connections that drive Oklahoma’s business ecosystem forward. To Seymour, the Forum plays a vital role in uniting leaders, residents, and partners to imagine and design the state’s future together. He also values the importance of the OVF Awards—not only as a way to honor outstanding leadership but also to inspire others and celebrate the collective success of the community.

“I love how much of a position they’ve taken to create space for thought leadership conversations that then allows others to come along and help fulfill and support in a way that… we wouldn’t be having some of the conversations we’ve been having over the last, you know, 30, 40, 50 years… without their work.”

Join OVF on May 15, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Oklahoma History Center, located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr, Oklahoma City. The awards celebrate the triumph of entrepreneurial dreams and spirit in Oklahoma.

“This is one of those opportunities to pause your nine to five and celebrate success that’s happening,” said Seymour. “A lot of it sometimes behind the scenes… It’s a chance for us to celebrate that success but also to continue to think about what’s next.”

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Sci-Lume Labs uses the apparel industry’s existing equipment to make Bylon, a biosynthetic yarn designed to de-carbonize and de-waste fashion. Our Bylon process takes waste—wool scraps from the spinning floor or second-hand clothes—breaks it down into its natural building blocks and builds it back up into Bylon. Bylon is drop-in ready, 100% recyclable, degradable, melt-spinnable, and a thermoplastic fiber. Our preliminary LCA results suggest a 25% - 50% reduction in GHG emissions at industrial scales. With Bylon, brands and manufacturers can reduce their environmental impact without compromising on quality, scale, or cost.

The Bylon production process converts protein-rich biobased agricultural waste into a novel high-performance yarn. For example, we can take offal—such as bone and blood meal from the slaugherhouse floor—break it down into its natural protein building blocks and build it back up into Bylon. Bylon yarn is made using the apparel industry’s existing melt-spinning infrastructure. This is the industry’s most efficient, cheap, environmentally friendly, and scalable yarn production method, and is used to make ~70% of apparel fibers today.

Bylon yarns drop seamlessly into all downstream processes, including yarn spinning, knitting, weaving, dyeing, finishing, cutting, and sewing. Bylon offers a unique performance profile, combining the comfort and circularity of natural fibers with the strength and tunability of synthetics. Thanks to its unique molecular structure, Bylon is distinct from virgin petrochemical-derived yarns: it is naturally degradable and readily recyclable at end-of-life. Bylon provides brands and consumers with identical performance, use, and care when compared to existing options, paired with superior environmental impact—all at no extra cost.

Safety Radar is a live risk platform that is aiming to prevent job site accidents through behavioral risk tracking and training. The interactive dashboards allow the user to build job specific reports, get real-time updates on job site conditions, and seamlessly modify safety sheets and send new information through the platform. If you know of the safety binders that are required at each job site they are aiming to make those digital. Those safety binders must be continuously updated and employees have to signoff on certain documents and receive training. This platform will allow for hassle-free updates of the safety data sheets across all locations, allow 30-45s training modules to be assigned, and seamless incident reporting all through one platform.

Safety Radar, headquartered in Tulsa, is the first AI platform to collect, analyze, and communicate hazards and make workplaces safer through real-time risk monitoring. Safety Radar’s AI approach to risk management and mitigation enables organizations to quickly identify and address potential risks, protecting their employees, assets, and the environment. Safety Radar has processed over 300,000 hazard reports, and is currently deployed with publicly traded and privately held companies across the country.

Weaver Labs is addressing the urgent PFAS contamination crisis with its groundbreaking Fluor-Mop technology, which removes harmful “forever chemicals” from water. PFAS exposure can pose significant health risks, prompting the EPA to introduce strict drinking water standards in 2024 and allocate billions in funding for remediation. The U.S. PFAS remediation market exceeds $200 billion, with $31 billion for drinking water alone. Our technology offers superior removal performance and is regenerable, ensuring the lowest life-cycle costs. As regulatory pressure and demand for clean water grow, Weaver Labs is positioned to become a leading global PFAS remediation solutions provider.

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WriteSea was founded to address a critical gap in the career management and job search space, providing innovative tools to empower job seekers and career centers alike. The platform has already gained traction within its target market, demonstrating strong product-market fit and a clear value proposition. WriteSea's mission aligns closely with promoting economic growth by streamlining job search processes, improving job placement rates, and enhancing career development outcomes. The leadership team is dedicated to continuous improvement, leveraging customer feedback to drive product enhancements and ensure exceptional user experiences. WriteSea is proud to be headquartered in Oklahoma and to contribute to the state’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

WriteSea is an AI-powered suite of career services designed to enhance job seekers' experiences and outcomes. With offerings like AI resumes, cover letter builders, and mock interview simulations, WriteSea accelerates the job search process while ensuring accessibility and affordability. It serves individuals, job boards, educational institutions, and workforce development offices globally, with a focus on personalization and innovation.

At FX Replay, we’ve built the industry’s most intuitive and powerful backtesting platform, trusted by hundreds of thousands traders around the world to refine their strategies and grow with confidence. We’ve taken a traditionally complex, technical process and made it fast, visual, and accessible, helping traders not only test their ideas but truly understand them. We are looking to expand beyond backtesting to support traders throughout their journey. Our vision goes beyond software. We’re creating a world where trading is collaborative, competitive, and deeply rewarding, a space where everyone feels empowered, supported, and connected. We help everyone get involve in the financial markets.

We are a passionate and innovative team, dedicated to empowering traders to reach their goals. By offering the most advanced backtesting tool, we enable traders to practice, refine, and perfect their strategies with confidence.

Our mission extends beyond borders. We aim to expand FX Replay’s presence worldwide, while also accommodating a diverse range of trading styles to meet the needs of traders everywhere.

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Kevin Moore on Venture Capital, Innovation, and Investing in Oklahoma’s Future
by Dennis Spielman

Kevin Moore's career journey began in civil engineering after earning his degree from Oklahoma State University. However, he soon transitioned into finance, drawn by a desire to understand and impact financial systems. His path led him into venture capital, where he saw an opportunity to support early-stage founders and build something innovative. Recognizing the untapped potential in regions like Oklahoma, Moore founded Serac Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm dedicated to investing in high-growth technology companies. His mission is to level the playing field in venture capital by providing opportunities outside traditional major markets while fostering impactful, high-potential startups.

"I grew up here in Oklahoma. Didn't come from a strong financial background. I would say most people would say I grew up fairly poor. Finance was an area of our lives that was sort of non-existent," said Kevin Moore. "And as I got older, I got interested in that space and left my job as an engineer to pursue a career in financial services. And I thought money made such a big difference in my life. Why not help people with theirs and try to make a difference in that capacity?"

Moore believes Oklahoma offers untapped potential for investors willing to look beyond traditional markets. He challenges the misconception that the state's economy revolves solely around oil, gas, and real estate, emphasizing the growing ecosystem of talent emerging from incubators, accelerators, and venture capital firms. He has seen firsthand how the venture capital landscape has expanded in the past 15 years, attracting more founders and investors who embrace risk and innovation. Moore compares identifying investment opportunities to surfing—where success comes from paddling out early rather than riding waves that are already breaking.

"I always like to use this analogy of when you're a surfer looking for the next big wave, you don't look at the wave, you don't try to get on the wave that's already coming to or close to the shore. You paddle out further, and you wait for the next larger wave that you know is coming," said Moore. "I think Oklahoma and places like Oklahoma are that, and that's sort of how we think about opportunity. If you already see the opportunity and everyone's getting on that, then it's too late. You have to get on the next one. So that would be my words of encouragement for people who are really investors to think about opportunity from that perspective."

Moore urges new founders to take the initiative and start building without waiting for validation from others. He believes too many entrepreneurs hesitate, waiting for someone else to prove an idea's success before pursuing their own. Instead, Moore advocates for an action-first mindset, urging founders to embrace uncertainty, push through challenges, and truly put the 'venture' back in venture capital. According to Moore, real growth happens in moments of discomfort, and those willing to step outside their comfort zones will find the greatest opportunities.

Kevin Moore's talk at the Oklahoma Venture Forum will inspire entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders by sharing his journey from humble beginnings to launching Serac Ventures. He will discuss how underdog founders can overcome obstacles and build something significant while challenging outdated systems that limit innovation. Attendees will gain valuable insights into Oklahoma's evolving venture capital landscape and learn how to identify opportunities before they become mainstream.

"Differentiation is good," said Moore. "If you want to hear a different perspective on how to grow and do something significant, how the venture capital ecosystem is working and growing, and ways that it needs to change, then come out and listen to the presentation. It should be fun, and I look forward to being there and sharing my experiences with the group."

Don't miss the OVF Power Lunch on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. in Metro Tech EDC Room 123 (1700 Springlake Drive, Oklahoma City). This is a prime opportunity to network, gain insights, and engage with Oklahoma's thriving business community.

Register to attend April 9, 2025 Power Lunch

The Investability of Oklahoma

A Growing Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

The strength of Oklahoma’s entrepreneurial ecosystem lies in its ability to foster collaboration and support among business owners, investors, and service providers. With a well-established network of incubators, accelerators, and funding sources, entrepreneurs in Oklahoma have access to critical resources that help turn their ideas into viable businesses. Organizations like i2E, Thunder Launchpad, and Oklahoma City’s Innovation District provide key support structures for startups, ensuring they have the guidance and funding necessary to scale.

Oklahoma’s low cost of living and favorable tax incentives further add to its attractiveness for entrepreneurs. Compared to other major business hubs, startups can stretch their investment dollars further, allowing them to allocate resources toward growth and innovation rather than excessive overhead costs. This affordability factor, combined with an engaged investor community, makes Oklahoma a compelling place to start and scale a business.

Oklahoma Venture Forum is  the bridge

At the heart of Oklahoma’s investability is the Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF), a premier resource for entrepreneurs, investors, and business professionals looking to connect and collaborate. OVF plays a crucial role in strengthening Oklahoma’s business ecosystem by facilitating access to people, resources, and service providers that are essential for growth.

Through monthly networking events, pitch sessions, and expert-led discussions, OVF creates a platform where entrepreneurs can meet potential investors and industry leaders. These connections are instrumental in securing funding, refining business models, and overcoming common challenges in the entrepreneurial journey.

OVF serves as a bridge between startups and the service providers they need to thrive, whether it’s legal counsel, marketing expertise, or financial guidance. By fostering these relationships, OVF contributes to the overall health of the business community, ensuring that Oklahoma-based companies have the support they need to succeed in a competitive marketplace.

Moving Oklahoma Forward

The future is bright for Oklahoma’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, and with continued investment and collaboration, the state will remain a hub for innovation, opportunity, and long-term economic success.

We look forward to seeing you at our April 9^th Power Lunch!

Register to attend April 9th Power Lunch

Kevin Moore on Venture Capital, Innovation, and Investing in Oklahoma’s Future
by Dennis Spielman

Kevin Moore's career journey began in civil engineering after earning his degree from Oklahoma State University. However, he soon transitioned into finance, drawn by a desire to understand and impact financial systems. His path led him into venture capital, where he saw an opportunity to support early-stage founders and build something innovative. Recognizing the untapped potential in regions like Oklahoma, Moore founded Serac Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm dedicated to investing in high-growth technology companies. His mission is to level the playing field in venture capital by providing opportunities outside traditional major markets while fostering impactful, high-potential startups.

"I grew up here in Oklahoma. Didn't come from a strong financial background. I would say most people would say I grew up fairly poor. Finance was an area of our lives that was sort of non-existent," said Kevin Moore. "And as I got older, I got interested in that space and left my job as an engineer to pursue a career in financial services. And I thought money made such a big difference in my life. Why not help people with theirs and try to make a difference in that capacity?"

Moore believes Oklahoma offers untapped potential for investors willing to look beyond traditional markets. He challenges the misconception that the state's economy revolves solely around oil, gas, and real estate, emphasizing the growing ecosystem of talent emerging from incubators, accelerators, and venture capital firms. He has seen firsthand how the venture capital landscape has expanded in the past 15 years, attracting more founders and investors who embrace risk and innovation. Moore compares identifying investment opportunities to surfing—where success comes from paddling out early rather than riding waves that are already breaking.

"I always like to use this analogy of when you're a surfer looking for the next big wave, you don't look at the wave, you don't try to get on the wave that's already coming to or close to the shore. You paddle out further, and you wait for the next larger wave that you know is coming," said Moore. "I think Oklahoma and places like Oklahoma are that, and that's sort of how we think about opportunity. If you already see the opportunity and everyone's getting on that, then it's too late. You have to get on the next one. So that would be my words of encouragement for people who are really investors to think about opportunity from that perspective."

Moore urges new founders to take the initiative and start building without waiting for validation from others. He believes too many entrepreneurs hesitate, waiting for someone else to prove an idea's success before pursuing their own. Instead, Moore advocates for an action-first mindset, urging founders to embrace uncertainty, push through challenges, and truly put the 'venture' back in venture capital. According to Moore, real growth happens in moments of discomfort, and those willing to step outside their comfort zones will find the greatest opportunities.

Kevin Moore's talk at the Oklahoma Venture Forum will inspire entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders by sharing his journey from humble beginnings to launching Serac Ventures. He will discuss how underdog founders can overcome obstacles and build something significant while challenging outdated systems that limit innovation. Attendees will gain valuable insights into Oklahoma's evolving venture capital landscape and learn how to identify opportunities before they become mainstream.

"Differentiation is good," said Moore. "If you want to hear a different perspective on how to grow and do something significant, how the venture capital ecosystem is working and growing, and ways that it needs to change, then come out and listen to the presentation. It should be fun, and I look forward to being there and sharing my experiences with the group."

Don't miss the OVF Power Lunch on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. in Metro Tech EDC Room 123 (1700 Springlake Drive, Oklahoma City). This is a prime opportunity to network, gain insights, and engage with Oklahoma's thriving business community.

Register to Attend April 9, 2025 OVF Power Lunch & Annual Meeting

SkinCheck is a digital health startup dedicated to revolutionizing skin cancer detection and dermatological care access through innovative AI technology. Our platform offers a first-of-its-kind, racially unbiased AI-powered screening tool designed to detect skin cancer accurately across all skin tones. By empowering users with a mobile application for early risk assessment and streamlined teledermatology consultations, SkinCheck bridges the gap between patients and timely medical care. Our business model integrates both B2B and B2C channels, catering to individual users seeking accessible dermatological assessments, as well as health systems and providers aiming to enhance patient care and reduce costs through early detection. With over 130,000 users and partnerships with leading healthcare providers, SkinCheck is poised to transform skin health management globally by improving early detection and reducing healthcare inequities.

XomaHealth, LLC has developed an innovative, patented medical device to remedy Xerostomia (dry mouth), especially at night. This device will improve the quality of life for millions of patients.

Dry mouth causes loss of sleep, decline in dental health, loss of teeth, mouth sores, and other serious health issues. There are NO remedies for millions of people that have the significant medical problem of impaired or no saliva glands or for nighttime relief.

A study estimated 20% of the US population suffers from Xerostomia or approximately 66 million people. This demonstrates a significant market opportunity. XomaGuard will be an OTC product and there are no similar products on the market.

We are a fully packaged and customizable commercial fleet vehicle accident support platform. This means that when, for example, a fleet accident occurs, we align the process for the fleet drivers, fleet managers/companies, and any other party that may be involved. We provide real-time streaming of the accident process (what the fleet driver is doing after the accident) to the fleet company to ensure company protocol is being followed to the T. It is critical that there are no idiosyncrasies in the post-accident process to avoid many costly outcomes with litigation and claims issues being the most costly. We want to make sure that doesn’t happen to your fleet company.

At EnCor Industries, our mission is to enable businesses to scale faster, reduce costs, & retain control over their creations. In the next 2 years, we aim to empower over 50 startups through subsidized prototyping credits, ensuring access to advanced manufacturing. Our short-term objectives include producing more than $500,000 in manufactured parts, establishing 3 strategic partnerships with ESOs & EDOs, & reducing prototyping costs by 80%. Additionally, we are committed to retaining over 15 bioTech & emerging hardTech startups in Oklahoma, strengthening the local innovation ecosystem & fostering a new wave of industrial growth.

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Succession Planning: Lessons from a Business Transition

As a business coach, I recently had the privilege of guiding retiring parents through the process of transitioning their business to their children. Succession planning is a complex journey that requires careful preparation—often taking a year or more to execute effectively. It also demands a strong network of professionals, including accountants, attorneys, and other logistical experts.

Throughout this process, I realized that my association with OVF provided me access to trusted resources, making facilitating a smooth and successful transition easier. Here are some key takeaways from my experience...

Key Insights on Business Succession Planning

• New owners may not be fully prepared for the workload. Many responsibilities happen behind the scenes, and the transition can be overwhelming without a clear understanding.
• A structured growth plan is essential. The new owners need a well-defined strategy to ensure business continuity and expansion.
• A strong support system is invaluable. Having mentors or advisors available for guidance can help the new owners navigate challenges effectively.
• Tax implications must be addressed early. A CPA should be involved to help the exiting owners understand and manage the tax impact of the buyout.
• Leadership roles should be clearly defined. A solid leadership team must be in place before the transition, with well-established roles and responsibilities for the incoming owners.

 

Successful business succession requires both strategic foresight and the right resources. With proper planning and support, business owners can ensure a smooth transition that benefits both generations and secures the company's future. Remember, as an OVF member, you have access to a large network of resources who can help you move forward! I look forward to seeing you in Tulsa for the March Power lunch.

 

Kind Regards,

Gina Bertoletti

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