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.

Quillify aims to empower for-profit and nonprofit organizations alike with nondilutive funding to take their next step in productization through grants, government contracts, and public-private partnerships. Quillify developed this proven model by funding Quillify through the tools provided by Quillify. With advanced software applied to finding and writing these grants.  Quillify reduces the associated labor costs by over 75%, saving weeks of time and effort, improving application quality, and ensuring project-grant alignment. Quillify additionally helps procurement offices in governments and foundations create these solicitation materials and manage incoming applications, reducing the time-to-acceptance, rework rates, and labor requirements by months. Quillify uses this ethical AI software to foster greater transparency and efficiency between public-private commercial partnerships and to bolster the innovation ecosystem at every level.

Register to attend March 2025 Pitch Lunch

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

 ATTEND the March Pitch Lunch in Tulsa

 

Devon Laney

President & CEO at Gradient

Tulsa’s Front Door for Entrepreneurship

Written by Dennis Spielman

Devon Laney built his career on a deep-rooted entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to fostering innovation. Growing up in rural Alabama, he drew inspiration from his grandfather, who launched the first radio station in their hometown. Laney started his own journey by founding Southeast Concerts, a web-based logistics company serving the entertainment industry across the SEC market.

"I never really understood the impact that [entrepreneurship] would have on me growing up until later in life when I look back and see my journey and how entrepreneurship had impacted it and helped influence my journey," said Devon Laney.

After selling the business during graduate school, he strengthened his expertise in strategy and technology at Accenture. His passion for entrepreneurship led him to Birmingham, Alabama, where he expanded the Entrepreneurial Center into Innovation Depot, a major support hub for startups. As CEO, he championed entrepreneurship as a driver of economic development. In 2019, he brought his expertise to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he transformed 36 Degrees North into Gradient, a leading hub for innovation and business growth.

"I got a call from another recruiter who told me that there was a group in Tulsa, Oklahoma, really looking to build out their ecosystem," said Laney. "And they had heard about some of the work that we had done in Birmingham, and they felt that Tulsa and Oklahoma were at a really good point to begin to think about how to grow entrepreneurship support in a way that was impactful, meaningful, but also very intentional."

Gradient serves as Tulsa's hub for innovation, providing entrepreneurs, startups, and remote workers with the resources they need to grow. Acting as the front door to the city's entrepreneurial ecosystem, Gradient connects individuals with mentorship, funding, business support, and collaborative work spaces. The organization fosters a thriving business community by offering incubator and accelerator programs, boot camps, and workshops designed to help ventures scale successfully. By uniting key resources under one roof, Gradient simplifies the path for innovators to access capital, legal and marketing assistance, and strategic partnerships. Gradient's dynamic network and data-driven approach strengthens Tulsa's position as a premier destination for business growth and innovation.

"As we've grown and evolved with incubator programs, accelerator programs, boot camps, workshops, all these things, it became clear that everyone in Tulsa, maybe Oklahoma, associated 36 Degrees North with a specific co-working location," said Laney. "The challenge that I put forth to our team was I want us to go through the process of thinking about our identity, thinking about our brand, what it represents, what it means, not historically, but long-term, where we're going and what we're doing as an organization." 

Gradient will host the upcoming Oklahoma Venture Forum pitch presentation, providing entrepreneurs with a valuable platform to showcase their ideas. Devon Laney emphasizes the importance of clarity and impact when delivering a pitch. He advises entrepreneurs to focus on why their product or service matters, rather than getting lost in technical details. According to Laney, a strong pitch should clearly explain the problem being solved, the size of the market, and why the solution stands out. 

"You've got to be quick and compelling in why it matters—why what you're doing matters, and why it's better than anything else that are alternatives," said Devon. "The goal is to get them to have a follow-up meeting with you. That's when you can dive into the features, data, and science." 

Join the OVF Power Pitch Lunch on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, from 11:30 am. at Gradient (12 N Cheyenne Ave in Tulsa). Join OVF to network, learn, and grow with Oklahoma's vibrant business community.

"We're excited about showing everyone Gradient in Tulsa," said Laney. "It's one of America's largest dedicated innovation and entrepreneurship hubs anywhere in America. We're proud of that and excited to host OVF, have the pitches here, and bring people from around the state to Tulsa to see Gradient and the ecosystem here in action so people can check out the website, joingradient.com.”

 ATTEND the March Pitch Lunch

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.

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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.

ATTEND

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.”

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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