Have you ever wondered how Oklahoma City has quickly become one of the giant hubs for startups?

Well, the credit goes to the city's angel investors, who have emerged as pivotal figures in boosting startup success. These visionaries not only provide the required funding but also provide mentorship and invaluable expertise, propelling startups with groundbreaking ideas.

However, even when there are a gigantic number of startups, finding your best match can be confusing.

So, let's not wait any longer and quickly move on to the list of Top 11 angel investors in Oklahoma City.

Top 11 Angel Investors in Oklahoma City

Before we move onto the list of the top 11 angel investors in Oklahoma City, it is important to remember that not all angel investors work on identical criteria. While some may like to invest in Seed Stage Startups, others may think differently.

That is why I have prepared the list of the top angel investors/VC Firms in Oklahoma City to help individuals and entrepreneurs find investors with a similar interests.

i2E

Investor Type: Government Office, Venture Capital
Investment Stage: Early Stage Venture, Seed

i2E (Innovation to Enterprise) has been one of the biggest angel investing networks in Oklahoma City's startup landscape since 1998. This private, not-for-profit corporation focuses on technology-based entrepreneurs and companies, particularly those in their early stages. With a commitment to boosting innovation, i2E invests in ventures with strong growth and disruption potential.

Their screening process tends to be harder than others, as they seek out startups with promising ideas. The investing range of i2E ranges from $50,000 to $2M.

Cortado Ventures

Investor Type: Venture Capital
Investment Stage: Early Stage Venture

Being of the recent angel investing networks in Oklahoma City, Cortado Ventures entered the angel investing environment in 2020. The firm focuses on early-stage ventures that are often overlooked.

They believe in digging deep to uncover hidden opportunities that can significantly impact Oklahoma City's startup ecosystem. Cortado Ventures' team is passionate about identifying and investing in promising businesses while adding value to the community.

Their screening process is often tough due to their intent to identify startups with a high success rate and promising ideas. The investing range of Cortado ventures can extend to as much as $3M depending on the startup potential.

Plains Venture Partners

Investor Type: Venture Capital
Investment Stage: Growth-Oriented Venture Fund

Plains Venture Partners is a growth-oriented venture fund specializing in investing in entrepreneurs and technologies. The investing network prioritizes startups with a unique plan with the potential to disrupt the markets. In the screening tests, Plain Venture Partners carefully evaluate what the startup offers in terms of customer base, innovation, and scalability.

Plains Venture Partners are also known for their commitment to mentoring early-stage companies. They provide entrepreneurs with a comprehensive coaching program to guide them. Through this intensive mentorship, the investors can help startups hone their strategies and maximize their potential for long-term success.

The investment range of Plains Venture Partners depends on the type of startup and its growth potential.

McClendon Venture

Investor Type: Venture Capital
Investment Stage: Venture

Established in 2015, McClendon Venture directs its investments toward the pharmaceutical industry.

Their screening processes aren't as difficult compared with other angel investors, mainly because of their unique investment interests. Usually, McClendon Venture is looking for companies that are driven to innovate and have the potential to significantly impact the medical industry. They are passionate about supporting entrepreneurs with unique ideas that can benefit those needing better quality healthcare services.

Some of their portfolio companies include Aequor Technologies, CAMP4 Pharmaceuticals, and NanoScience Innovations. Their investing range spans from $150,000 to $1M.

Roy Wilkens

Investor Type: Individual/Angel
Investment Stage: Seed

Roy Wilkens, a retired chairman at Adaption Technologies, brings a wealth of experience to the startup ecosystem. His involvement with esteemed companies like MsLeodUSA and Wilte demonstrates his strategic insight.

As an individual angel investor, Roy Wilkens likes to invest in startups related to tech and real estate, offering guidance based on his industry wisdom. His investing range spans from $50,000 to $500,000.

TLW Venture Company

Investor Type: Venture Capital
Investment Stage: Early Stage Venture

TLW Venture Company specializes in early-stage venture capital financing, supporting startups during their formative stages.

Their screening process is designed to identify ventures with solid market potential, innovative ideas, and a dedicated team. This thorough evaluation ensures that the startups they invest in have a strong foundation for growth.

The team behind TLW Venture Company consists of experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts. They understand what it takes to launch a successful business and are committed to helping new ventures succeed. The portfolio companies of TLW Venture Company include Airbnb, DoorDash, and Lyft.

Blueprint for Business (BP4B)

Investor Type: Venture Capital
Investment Stage: Seed

Blueprint for Business (BP4B) was initiated in 2017 as a seed-stage investment program for web, mobile, and software startups. BP4B has funded over 100 projects worldwide, demonstrating its commitment to the startup industry.

Aside from funding, BP4B provides mentorship from successful entrepreneurs and technical experts, plus access to a large network of industry leaders. They have a strict selection process that ensures only the most promising startups get through.

Some of their portfolio companies include Apploft, CloudSparkle, and Teemo Technologies.

Mathew Brainerd

Investor Type: Individual/Angel
Investment Stage: Seed

As an individual angel investor, Mathew Brainerd likes to invest in startups related to the chemical industry. As Brainerd Chemical CO's CEO, Mathew Brainerd knows which startups to invest in and what to avoid.

His investments often align with his chemical industry background, providing startups with financial backing and valuable insights into chemical-related fields.

This alignment between his expertise and investments ensures that the startups he supports gain capital and industry-specific guidance, contributing to Oklahoma City's growth in chemical and related sectors.

Echo Investment Capital

Investor Type: Venture Capital
Investment Stage: Early Stage Venture

Echo Investment Capital debuted in 2012 as a team of strategic investors and operators. Their investments span various industries, including technology, healthcare, and real estate.

Echo Investment Capital aims to identify companies that align with their vision. Once the startups pass the screening test, they get access to many benefits, including funding and mentorship through different professionals who can guide them toward success.

The investment range of Echo Investment Capital ranges from $100,000 to several million dollars, depending on the project.

Cimarron Capital Partners

Investor Type: Private Equity Firm, Venture Capital
Investment Stage: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity

Cimarron Capital Partners has a unique blend of private equity and venture capital services. The firm has diverse investment interests, making them a versatile partner for startups at different growth levels.

Their screening process is detailed as the investors consider factors such as market traction, scalability, and management competence. Cimarron Capital Partners' portfolio features a range of well-established companies, including Casper, Skype, and Zendesk. Their investment range spans from $100,000 to $2M, depending on the startup's potential.

Phil Jones

Investor Type: Individual/Angel

Phil Jones is an individual angel investor contributing to Oklahoma City's startup ecosystem. His investments span various sectors, showcasing his multi sectored approach.

Phil has a simple philosophy when it comes to investing: he looks for startups that have the potential to solve real problems and make an impact in people's lives. He also likes to look for teams of passionate founders who have created something unique and innovative.

The investing range of Phil Jones depends on the related field of the specific startup.

Wrap Up

With the list of the top 11 Angel Investors in Oklahoma City ending, let's discuss some important tips for individuals trying to apply for investment.

First, it is important to understand the idea and create an effective business plan. Having a well-thought-out pitch deck with information about your company and its products can help boost the chances of getting funding from an angel investor.

Finally, have structured discussions during pitches that include sections such as what problem your product solves and how you're different from the competition. Get a broad understanding of “how to pitch to angel investors” before appearing for the screening test.

Frequently Asked Questions