Fall is a season of tradition and transition, and last week, Oklahoma City had the chance to establish a new one: raising a championship banner. I wasn't there in person, but the power of the event still resonated. In a short span, we collectively reflected on all we had accomplished, remembered the hard-fought battles, and celebrated our journey. Then, almost immediately, the focus shifted to the future, challenging us to rise and begin the next chapter of hard work.

It is with that same spirit—celebrating the past while embarking on a new climb—that I write to you today. When a group of city leaders founded the Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) in 1987, emerging from the oil bust of the early 1980s, their goal was economic diversification. They recognized that ensuring Oklahoma's long-term success required expanding our expertise, technology base, and talent. To achieve this, the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce participated in the creation of OVF to connect early-stage businesses with the capital and resources needed to build a new economy. As our ecosystem's first entrepreneurial community organization, OVF has become the premier connector, educator, and showcase for the best of our region. In many ways, it has not only met but exceeded its original mission.

However, OVF's very success has changed the landscape it was built to serve. The economic diversification that seemed unimaginable 40 years ago is now a reality, and in many ways, this achievement has diminished the original necessity for the organization. As a result, we have faced declining membership, engagement, and financial support.

This summer, the Board of Directors initiated a strategic planning process to address these challenges, which are common among similar organizations. We identified key issues like event fatigue, the need for more relevant programming, and accessibility. In response, we implemented several exciting changes: switching to bi-monthly events, moving to the premier address for innovation at Innovation Hall, and launching our 2025-2026 session with the newly appointed Secretary of Commerce.

Despite these efforts, our membership has continued to erode to a point where ongoing financial challenges are no longer sustainable. Therefore, after extensive discussion and exploration of various proposals, the Board has made the difficult decision to pause regular operations following our November luncheon.

I know this news is difficult to hear, and I am personally saddened to be sharing it. On behalf of our entire board and the hundreds who have been part of the OVF community over the years, I want to express our deepest gratitude to each of you.

Thank you for every contribution, big and small—for attending a luncheon, bringing a guest, making an introduction, investing, mentoring, or serving. You are the reason the dreams of 1987 became the reality of today. We also extend our sincere thanks to the many vendors, hosts, caterers, volunteers, and staff who have helped make our events so memorable.

 Finally, we owe a special debt of gratitude to the dedicated cultivator of OVF's stellar reputation: Ché Loessberg. We are extremely grateful for her 19 years of dedicated partnership. She began as our event producer in 2006, through her company The Event Company, Faire La Fête, Inc., and continuing through her 11-year tenure as our Executive Director. Her commitment has been an integral part of everything OVF has accomplished even as this chapter closes.

But now, just as we admire last year's championship banner, we turn our focus to the future. As this new season begins, I invite you to join us in two important ways.

First, please join us on November 12 for our final OVF luncheon. We have an incredible pitch panel ready to showcase the newest opportunities in our ecosystem, and we look forward to celebrating 38 years of OVF with you.

Second, in any entrepreneurial venture, an ending is simply a new beginning. As market conditions shift, so must our offerings. Therefore, OVF leadership will spend the coming months reimagining a next-generation OVF. We are asking the essential question: How can we meet the needs of today's market and set a new vision for the next 40 years of Oklahoma entrepreneurship?

To do this, we need you. OVF has always been a community, and communities work together to achieve more. If OVF has been a valuable part of your story, we sincerely hope you will now lend your feedback, energy, and talent to help write its next chapter.

 

Oklahoma Venture Forum

Chairman of the Board
Andrew Pollock 

Please Join Us for the November 12th Pitch Lunch

Joseph Meyers
President CEO
Bay Block

Joseph Meyers Jr., the founder and inventor of Bay Block, brings 25 years of experience in the safety industry to his role. Hailing from Western Oklahoma, Meyers identified a critical gap in fall protection systems during his extensive research. He discovered a lack of comprehensive information regarding the specific injuries caused by prolonged suspension in safety harnesses and the crucial time constraints before loss of consciousness or potential fatality, particularly for hunters and skilled workers.

Driven by an unwavering commitment to safety, Meyers recognized the need for innovation in this field. This insight led to the establishment of Bay Block, a company that has revolutionized traditional safety harness design. By addressing the limitations of existing fall protection systems, Bay Block has introduced groundbreaking solutions that are reshaping industry standards and significantly enhancing user safety.

Through his expertise and dedication, Meyers has positioned Bay Block at the forefront of fall protection technology. The company's innovative approach not only improves upon existing safety measures but also provides crucial information to users, empowering them to make informed decisions about their safety in high-risk environments. As a result, Bay Block is setting new benchmarks for fall protection systems, potentially reducing injuries and saving lives across various industries.

Ben Schons
Chief Executive Officer
DeaconTech

Benjamin Schons is the Founder and CEO of DeaconTech, an Oklahoma-based advanced materials company manufacturing high-performance graphene from agricultural and electronic waste. With a background in R&D, automation, and business development, he has led DeaconTech through technology breakthroughs that cut production time, reduce costs, and create sustainable supply chains. Schons has built a strong sales pipeline with domestic and international partners, positioning the company to supply graphene for batteries, concrete, coatings, and other advanced applications.

DeaconTech is an Oklahoma-based advanced materials company specializing in the production of high performance graphene from agricultural and electronic waste through a proprietary, patent-pending process. This method reduces production time, lowers costs, and eliminates reliance on mined carbon feedstocks, creating a sustainable and resilient supply chain. Our graphene is engineered for use in multiple industries, including batteries, concrete, coatings, polymers, and advanced composites. We operate from a compact, scalable manufacturing footprint of under 2,000 square feet, enabling rapid deployment and expansion. With a growing domestic and international sales pipeline, DeaconTech is positioned to become a leading U.S. supplier of sustainable graphene, supporting critical infrastructure, clean energy storage, and next generation manufacturing.

  

Trevor Fogleman
CEO
Jotero

Trevor Fogleman holds an MBA and B.S. degrees in Economics and Marketing from Oklahoma State University. He has co-founded 2 startups and a 150-member data science education organization responsible for over $40,000 in scholarships to students. His previous experience includes product development finance for the Duke Energy Corporation, marketing analytics and market research with the OU Health hospital system, and web analytics and branding for Oklahoma State University. Trevor's grandfather was a diabetic who struggled for years with nail care due to lack of access to podiatric care.

The Free Edge Robotic Nail Care system gives podiatrists (foot & ankle doctors) time back in their day by automating and speeding up the routine nail care procedure. Currently, 40% of podiatry appointments are trimming nails for people who cannot safely do it themselves, mostly diabetic and elderly patients. Podiatrists know this appointment is essential for long-term patient health, but it is not a great revenue source for the time it takes. It can take 12 appointments over 3 hours to make as much revenue from routine nail care as a single, 1 hour hammer toe correction. On top of that, it is incredibly tedious. With modern AI and precision robotics, an everyday clinical procedure like this becomes an easy and short part of the day, helping the podiatrist perform more higher-dollar procedures.

Kemi Olunloyo
CEO
ProBound

At ProBound, we build autonomous voice AI agents for support.  I’ve built and led sales systems that took one company from mid-six figures to more than $40 million in revenue. With over a decade in sales leadership, business development, and team building, I know how to scale organizations quickly and sustainably. Now, as co-founder of ProBound, I’m bringing that same growth-driven approach to support. We design voice-based digital teammates for businesses and teams that answer calls, resolve routine issues, and escalate complex problems with full context. The result is faster resolutions, less burnout, and scalable support without extra headcount. I believe strong relationships and trust are the foundation of every successful business. At ProBound, every feature we create is practical, customer-focused, and built to deliver measurable results.

  

Erin Ogee                     Crystal Glass
Founders
Sober Sally's

What truly sets Sober Sally’s apart are our four unique attributes. First and foremost, we know how important it is to get your car home too, which is why we offer a service that drives your vehicle along with you. Our dual-driver system ensures that both you and your car arrive safely at your destination. Additionally, we prioritize our drivers’ well-being by providing same-day pay, so they can focus on delivering exceptional service without worrying about their finances. We’re also proud to extend our reach to rural areas, ensuring that even those outside the city can enjoy our safe transportation services.

We understand that comfort and safety go hand in hand, which is why we match women drivers with women riders when requested. This thoughtful pairing allows passengers to feel more at ease during their ride home. Whether you want to enjoy your favorite tunes, share a laugh with a friendly driver, or even make a quick stop for a late-night snack, we’ve got you covered.

Bryce Everett
CEO
URMRKT

Bryce Everett, CEO of URMRKT, grew up in a family of farmers whose history stretches back more than five generations. Bryce Everett is the CEO and founder of URMRKT, the online marketplace for agriculture. With a multigenerational farming background and more than two decades of experience in oil and gas negotiations and real estate, Bryce brings both industry insight and business expertise to the table. A serial entrepreneur and outside-the-box thinker, he has built URMRKT to solve one of agriculture’s biggest challenges: inefficiency in how products are bought, sold, and shipped.

Motivated by the fact that Oklahoma loses an average of four farms per day, Bryce is determined to strengthen the agricultural industry with a trusted, digital marketplace. URMRKT saves time, creates value, and expands opportunities for buyers, sellers, and shippers alike. Rooted in his family’s five generation farming legacy, Bryce is passionate about helping producers compete, become more profitable, and build a more sustainable future for agriculture. 

Billy Turner
Founder
TetherTech

Billy Turner, TTWSI founder and retired NASCAR driver, witnessed a tragic accident resulting from a catastrophic wheel-off event. He worked with a team of innovative engineers from the racing industry to create a solution. This innovation will be the biggest game changer for semitrailers since disc brakes or auto-inflation.

Register to attend November 2025 Pitch Lunch

DANIEL WILL  
Director of Cowboy Innovations Accelerator
Executive Director of Cowboy Technologies, LLC

Daniel Will is the Executive Director of Oklahoma State University’s (OSU’s) for-profit, venture investment arm Cowboy Technologies, LLC, and the Director of Cowboy Innovations Accelerator within OSU’s Division of the Vice President for Research’s Cowboy Enterprises organization.  

These programs and resources are generating economic development and diversification in the state through end-to-end technology commercialization accelerator services for OSU affiliated innovations and teams through pre-seed and seed stage venture capital investment in OSU affiliated startups and portfolio management for growth thereafter. Before joining OSU, Daniel was a product line manager at Agilent Technologies, Inc., a Fortune 500 life science and electronic diagnostics technology company. Daniel received his BS in electrical engineering at Kansas State University and his MBA at the University of Colorado. 

Register to attend September 10th Power Lunch

Andrew Pollock
Managing Director
Office of Technology Commercialization - University of Oklahoma

Dear OVF Members and Friends,

There is an energy coursing through Oklahoma City’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. From the rise of cutting-edge startups in life sciences and aerospace to the steady growth of our tech sector, the state of venture capital and entrepreneurship in our city is not just strong—it’s accelerating.

We are witnessing a pivotal moment. More than ever, Oklahoma is recognizing our most valuable natural resource is the innovative spirit of our people.

 Capital is flowing, ideas are flourishing, and the collective will to build a diverse, future-proof economy has never been more aligned.

To continue this incredible momentum, connection and insight are key. That’s why I am thrilled to announce our next OVF Power Lunch on Tuesday, September 10th, featuring a visionary Oklahoma leader.

Please join us for an exclusive conversation with Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce, Deborah Moorad. Secretary Moorad will share her vital perspective on “Empowering Progress: How Oklahoma is Fueling Innovation & Economic Growth.” This is a unique opportunity to hear directly from the architect of the state’s economic development strategy about the programs, policies, and partnerships designed to propel our ventures forward.

And this event marks a special first for OVF!

We are incredibly excited to announce that we will be hosted in a spectacular new venue: Innovation Hall, located in the heart of the OKC Innovation District. This state-of-the-art facility is the physical embodiment of the progress we will be discussing—a hub designed to foster collaboration and breakthrough ideas.

This is a can’t-miss event for any serious entrepreneur, investor, or supporter of Oklahoma’s economic future. Space is limited so register now to attend.

Let’s come together to learn, connect, and fuel the progress that builds our state.

Sincerely,

Your Chair, Andrew Pollock

Register to attend September 10th Power Lunch

Sheila Harding
CEO and Founder
HoloTerra / "ARPath"

ARPath is augmented reality pathways that scale through destination locations to tell deeper stories tied to place. ARPath pioneers smart city technology and is gearing up to tell stories across Route 66!

Sheila Harding, CEO and Founder of Harding Digital, has a rich legacy in leadership, drawing from a family of esteemed engineers, and designers. With nearly 33 years of diverse experience across film, television, stage, web, and XR development, she has been a pioneer in these fields. Her early career featured notable roles, including "Baby Ed" on The Roseanne Show for a few seasons and screen appearances as the 1992 "Michelin Tire Baby". 

 Sheila's journey also includes a successful dance career, where she owned dance studios and choreographed for tours and musical theatre, including work in Las Vegas and also hosting on some of the largest cruise ships in the world. At 13, Sheila taught herself web design and programming, eventually founding OKC Web Design Company, which led to the founding of HoloTerra. Throughout her career, she has developed hundreds of web projects, helping to launch ventures across the U.S., Canada, and Bermuda, with an emphasis in entertainment and technology, including work building interactive maps and NFTs. By this point, her passion for motion capture and adoration of her father's work in flight simulation led her to study Virtual Reality at The University of Advancing Technology, where she founded the Virtual Reality Student Organization. She then earned the Virtual Citizenship Award in 2022. Sheila now leads ARPath, pioneering augmented reality storytelling technology across the American Landscape.ARPath revolutionizes storytelling with a series of cinematic augmented reality movie pathways in real world

locations. ARPath is loaded with AI-enhanced characters that encourage foot traffic along a path while educating tourists and motivating smart cities. Using patent-pending technology, ARPath aims to become the augmented reality movie search platform and wayfinding database of the future. ARPath uses gamification and rewards to provide strategic economic development in focused areas and repeat visits to resorts, attractions, and the civic bodies surrounding them. ARPath’s MVP is funded by a grant from The Preserve

Route 66 Grant Fund of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, with the world's first ARPath now live for private tours on 39th Street in Oklahoma City. Learn more at ARPath.tech

Register to attend the September 10th Power Lunch

Deborah Moorad, Secretary of Commerce
State of Oklahoma

Deborah Moorad serves as Oklahoma’s Secretary of Commerce, leveraging her expertise in business strategy and technology to drive growth and attract new ventures to the state. With extensive experience scaling innovative companies and navigating high-value acquisitions, she brings a unique set of strategic skills that will help strengthen Oklahoma's economic landscape.

Moorad has an enthusiasm and eye for detail that brings life to her work. Moorad's career exemplifies success with notable transactions in the biotechnology space. Her passion and drive are inspired by the love for her community and contributing to areas that make a difference.

As the founding CEO and owner of Jax XII Holdings, Moorad provides strategic guidance and leadership for innovators and companies. Moorad has led multiple companies through transformational growth. As CEO of Nature Technology Corp. (NTC), she spearheaded the development of breakthrough technologies—HyperGRO, Nanoplasmid, and REVIVER—widely adopted by top pharmaceutical and biotech companies, including Genentech, and nearly every contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) in gene therapy. NTC's acquisition by Aldevron, a Danaher Company, was seen as a significant achievement for both its scientific impact and high financial valuation. Moorad’s other career highlights include leading post-merger operations for Dentsply Sirona following their $14.5 billion merger. Moorad also had a key role in Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) efforts to transition repurposed drug (OKN-007) from animal studies to clinical trial for glioblastoma multiforme, which was later acquired.

Beyond science, Moorad is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of leaders in business and science.

Register to attend September 10, 2025 OVF Power Lunch

Andrew Pollock 
Managing Director
Office of Technology Commercialization - University of Oklahoma

Andrew Pollock is the Managing Director for the Office of Technology Commercialization, having joined the University of Oklahoma in 2014.

Andrew manages the overall day to day operations of the University’s technology transfer functions on both Norman and HSC campuses. In these roles Andrew works to formulate protection strategies for intellectual property developed at the University, as well as engaging with industry to amplify the impact of these discoveries through commercialization.  He has lead multiple initiatives to improve the outcomes of University IP including the recent launch of the upfront licensing of IP in research agreements.   

Prior to joining the OTC Andrew was involved in an early-stage startup in the Oklahoma City area focused on external fixation prosthetics, where he built upon his background in Biomedical Engineering, and cultivated experience in grant writing, clinical study design, regulatory filings, venture financing and product development, leading to the launch of 4 new products.  He is a proud alumnus of OU with a 2002 degree in Zoology, and having recently completed his MBA in the Spring of 2025.

Welcome Andrew!

Darcy Wilborn | President  | i2E, Inc. 

The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) congratulates Darcy Wilborn on her well-deserved appointment as the new President of i2E, Inc., a vital force in Oklahoma’s entrepreneurial landscape. With over a decade of leadership at i2E—most recently as Vice President of Operations—Darcy has been a driving force behind key initiatives like the E3 Bootcamp, Bridge2 Pre-Accelerator, and the Oklahoma Commercialization Network, helping countless founders turn ideas into thriving businesses.

Her background—from engineering roles at L'Oréal USA to her strategic leadership at i2E—showcases her ability to merge technical expertise with business vision. As she steps into this role, her focus on statewide inclusivity, collaboration, and economic growth promises an exciting future for Oklahoma’s innovators.

While we celebrate Darcy’s new chapter, we also take a moment to recognize Rex Smitherman, whose leadership at i2E has left an indelible mark on Oklahoma’s startup community. Rex has been a steadfast partner to OVF, offering wisdom, support, and a shared commitment to fostering entrepreneurship across the state.

 Rex Smitherman

His dedication over the years has strengthened the bond between our organizations and elevated Oklahoma’s innovation ecosystem. We are deeply grateful for his contributions and wish him the very best in his next endeavors.

The OVF community looks forward to continuing our strong partnership with i2E under Darcy’s leadership. Together, we will keep building a future where Oklahoma’s entrepreneurs have the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to succeed.

Join us in welcoming Darcy and thanking Rex for his years of service!

OKLAHOMA VENTURE FORUM CELEBRATES INNOVATION & IMPACT AT 2025 AWARDS LUNCHEON
Top Honors Awarded to Trailblazing Ventures Driving Oklahoma’s Entrepreneurial Surge

OKLAHOMA CITY (5/16/25) – The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) ignited excitement at its annual awards luncheon on May 15th, spotlighting the bold visionaries and groundbreaking ventures shaping Oklahoma’s economic future.

For over three decades, OVF has fueled Oklahoma’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by connecting innovators, investors, and industry leaders. This year’s event, featuring keynote speaker Jeff Seymour of the OKC Innovation District, showcased the state’s relentless drive for progress.

“Our winners aren’t just building businesses—they’re transforming industries,” said Che’ Loessberg, OVF Executive Director. “These awards open doors to networks, credibility, and growth, propelling Oklahoma’s most dynamic ventures forward.”

2025 OVF AWARD WINNERS

Economic Impact Award Winner: Oklahoma Farm Bureau – Recognized for championing rural economic development and strengthening Oklahoma’s agricultural backbone.
Venture of the Year Winner: FX Replay – Revolutionizing trading with its web-based backtesting platform, FX Replay empowers traders with real-time simulations—no downloads, just precision and speed.
Most Promising New Venture Winner: Safety Radar – This AI-powered Live Risk Platform is saving lives on job sites by predicting hazards and delivering actionable insights to prevent accidents.
Incubator Tenant Award Winner: Sunny Creek Trading Post – A rising star in Oklahoma’s incubator network, they are a Farm Hub dedicated to connecting local producers with the community.

OVF extends heartfelt thanks to its sponsors, partners, and the vibrant community that made this celebration possible. A special thank you to our keynote speaker, Jeff Seymour, President and CEO of the OKC Innovation District, for sharing his visionary insights on Oklahoma’s growing innovation ecosystem.

As the state’s entrepreneurial momentum accelerates, OVF remains dedicated to fostering the next wave of disruptors and driving transformative change.

Discover more at www.ovf.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LOCAL CONTACT:
Che’ Loessberg
405-410-6259
Che@ovf.org

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. 
 

Attend The OVF Awards