Oklahoma Venture Forum Podcast

In this episode of Oklahoma Venture Forum , host Lindsey Miller, founder of My Marketing Assistant, interviews Joseph Meyers, founder of Bay Block and creator of ZAC, a groundbreaking fall-detection device for individuals using fall protection equipment. He shares the personal and powerful journey behind this life-saving innovation.Joseph Meyers opens up about the meaningful story behind the product’s name and how his 25 years in the safety industry shaped its development. He walks through how ZAC is engineered to protect workers in commercial, industrial, and outdoor environments, and why bringing new safety technology to market requires equal parts courage, persistence, and unwavering belief. Meyers discusses the challenges of innovating in a traditionally slow-moving industry, the importance of surrounding yourself with community support, and why embracing transparency and patience is essential for every inventor.The episode also looks toward the future, highlighting Meyers’ bold vision for transforming modern safety standards and expanding the reach of ZAC to save more lives and empower industries across Oklahoma and beyond.For more information about Bay Block, visit https://www.bay-block.com/The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our inception, we have served as the premier ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurial development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. ⁠https://ovf.org

In this episode ofOklahoma Venture Forum, Lindsey Miller, founder of My Marketing Assistant, sits down with Trevor Fogleman and Joel Quarnstrom, the visionary founders of Jotero, an AI-powered robotic nail care system transforming the future of foot care.Trevor and Joel share how Jotero’s innovative technology was born from Trevor’s family’s personal experiences and a deep desire to bring safety, dignity, and precision to an often-overlooked area of healthcare. They walk us through their journey from early concept to working prototype, highlighting the trusted team of advisors guiding their path forward. They explore Jotero’s bold roadmap for growth, including upcoming funding milestones and their plan to pursue FDA approval, all underscored by a mission rooted in compassion and cutting-edge innovation.The episode also looks ahead to the lasting impact they hope to make as Jotaro strives to improve patient outcomes, elevate standards of care, and set a new benchmark for technology-driven solutions in healthcare.For more information about Jotero, visit https://www.joterollc.com/The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our inception, we have served as the premier ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurial development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. ⁠https://ovf.org

In this episode of the Oklahoma Venture Forum Podcast, host Lindsey Miller, founder of My Marketing Assistant, speaks with Kemi Olunloyo, co-founder of ProBound, who shares her inspiring journey from job loss to launching one of the first managed intelligence providers powered by AI.Kemi Olunyolo shares how Pro Bound’s voice AI agents are transforming customer support and streamlining communication, delivering luxury-level service and real results across industries such as real estate, education, and more. She explores how her personal challenges sparked the vision for ProBound, and how confidence and resilience helped her turn a major setback into a bold new beginning.The conversation highlights how Pro Bound is redefining communication with seamless, intelligent solutions that empower businesses and elevate the customer experience. Kemi also shares her passion for using technology with heart and how the future of AI can be both powerful and deeply human.For more information about ProBound, visit https://probound.aiThe Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our inception, we have served as the premier ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurial development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. ⁠https://ovf.org

In this episode of the Oklahoma Venture Forum Podcast, host Lindsey Miller, founder of My Marketing Assistant, speaks with Ben Schons, founder of Deacon Tech, a pioneering company transforming industries with luxurious, high-performance graphene.Ben Schons shares how Deacon Tech’s innovative graphene solutions enhance everything from batteries to concrete, creating stronger, more efficient, and sustainable products. The conversation explores how Ben and his team are building lasting partnerships, overcoming funding challenges, and scaling innovation right here in Oklahoma. They discuss the inspiration behind Deacon Tech, Ben’s bold journey from horticulture to tech entrepreneur, and how his dedication is reshaping the future of advanced materials. The episode also highlights Deacon Tech’s commitment to sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and groundbreaking technology that’s redefining multiple industries, transforming the future, one atom at a time.For more information about Deacon Tech, visit https://deacontech.netThe Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our inception, we have served as the premier ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurial development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. ⁠https://ovf.org

In this episode of the Oklahoma Venture Forum Podcast, host Lindsey Miller, founder of My Marketing Assistant, speaks with Crystal Glass and Erin Ogee, co-founders of Sober Sally, a luxurious and life-saving rideshare service that helps patrons get home safely in their own cars after a night out.Crystal Glass and Erin Ogee share how Sober Sally’s innovative two-driver method ensures safety and convenience, one driver transports the customer, while the other follows to retrieve the vehicle. The conversation explores how Sober Sally combines empathy, safety, and operational excellence to redefine transportation in rural communities. Crystal and Erin discuss the inspiration behind the company, their personal connection to its mission, and how their team is building trust through features like same-day driver pay and a loving “tuck-in” service.The episode also delves into future plans for growth and community engagement, highlighting how Sober Sally is saving lives, empowering local economies, and setting a new standard for responsible ridesharing in Oklahoma and beyond.For more information about Sober Sally, visit https://sobersally.comThe Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our inception, we have served as the premier ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurial development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. ⁠https://ovf.org

In this episode of the Oklahoma Adventure podcast, host Lindsey Miller talks with Matt Stansberry and Jerad Lovett, co-founders of Banded Together. They discuss how an experience in Savannah, Georgia inspired Matt and Jerad to create a tech platform that facilitates direct giving to unhoused individuals in Oklahoma City. The platform allows users to provide specific assistance, such as funds for furniture or job interview clothing, through a 1-to-1 giving model. Matt and Jerad emphasize the importance of community, nonprofit involvement, and their plans for future development, aiming to foster a supportive environment for those in need. Jerad Lovett, "We get them all set up for the program, give them the band, get them signed up into the system, tell their story so people understand where they came from, what they’ve been going through, where they’re trying to get in their life, and kind of rally around them to help them get there." Banded Together, The Future of Giving - https://www.bandedtogether.co/ The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org

In this episode of the OVF podcast, Lindsey Miller, the new host, engages with Kyle Golding, the long-time host since 2018. Kyle shares his journey from the music industry to consulting and his new role as Director of Corporate Relations at Oklahoma City University’s Meinders School of Business. They discuss the evolution of the OVF podcast, emphasizing its role in promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in Oklahoma. Kyle reflects on memorable podcast experiences and offers advice on effective hosting. The episode is a motivational testament to the power of education, community, and collaboration in driving entrepreneurial success.

At our April 10th, 2024 Power Lunch in Oklahoma City, five local area startups will pitch to OVF members and guests. One of those startup presenters will be Natarianto Indrawan, Co-Founder of FlexiH. Let's learn more about the company and its amazing technological breakthroughs in hydrogen fuels. "FlexiH designs, develops and deploys zero-carbon technologies, which are essential to meeting the decarbonization goals. One of the most prominent candidates for future fuel is hydrogen. As the most abundant element in the universe, hydrogen is emission-free and has a high gravimetric energy density compared to other fuels. Formerly known as rocket fuel, hydrogen is currently shifting to other modes of transportation, including heavy-duty transportation, maritime and aviation." https://flexih.energy MotherBoard, Shelter Share, Barista Bot, and Sugar Security will also pitch that day (subject to change). Register to attend in person at Metro Tech Spring Lake (1900 Springlake Dr.) or via Zoom at https://ovf.org/event-5367260 The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org

At our April 10th, 2024 Power Lunch in Oklahoma City, five local area startups will pitch to OVF members and guests. One of those startup presenters will be Danielle Melton, Founder of MOTHERboard. Let's learn more about the company and how it provides support for working mothers. "We’ve looked at the data on working moms, and let's just say it's not great. Burnout is the primary challenge for working mothers, casting a wide net over every aspect of their professional and personal lives. MOTHERboard is the #1 comprehensive burnout and wellness solution for working mothers." https://joinmotherboard.com/ Shelter Share, FlexiH, Barista Bot, and Sugar Security will also pitch 4/10/24 (subject to change). Register to attend in person at Metro Tech Spring Lake (1900 Springlake Dr.) or via Zoom at https://ovf.org/event-5367260 The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org

At our April 10th, 2024 Power Lunch in Oklahoma City, five local area startups will pitch to OVF members and guests. One of those startup presenters will be Robert Washington, Founder of ShelterShare. Let's learn more about the company and its recent pivot. "ShelterShare is committed to bridging the gap between the unhoused population and vital resources within their communities. Our innovative web-based application revolutionizes the way individuals access support services, ensuring that no one is left behind." https://www.shelter-share.com MotherBoard, FlexiH, Barista Bot, and Sugar Security will also pitch that day (subject to change). Register to attend in person at Metro Tech Spring Lake (1900 Springlake Dr.) or via Zoom at https://ovf.org/event-5367260 The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org

At our April 10th, 2024 Power Lunch in Oklahoma City, five local area startups will pitch to OVF members and guests. One of those startup presenters will be Sam DuRegger, Founder of Barista Bot. Let's learn more about the company and the people involved. Text your coffee order like you text a friend. For Coffee Shops - Barista Bot automates orders and payments so Baristas can focus on quality drinks and excellent customer service. https://baristabot.app Register to attend in person at Metro Tech Spring Lake (1900 Springlake Dr.) or via Zoom at https://ovf.org/event-5367260 Also pitching that day will be MotherBoard, FlexiH, Shelter-Share and Sugar Security (subject to change). The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org

At our April 10th, 2024 Power Lunch in Oklahoma City, five local area startups will pitch to OVF members and guests. One of those startup presenters will be Logan Evans, CEO of Sugar Security. Let's learn more about the company and the people involved. "Sugar Security is working to provide small businesses the same cybersecurity technology and support that the Big Guys get. More than ever, businesses are going virtual, and need their data protected. We make vulnerability scanning easier and more affordable for every business through our cloud-based software and world-class support." https://sugarsecurity.com Register to attend in person at Metro Tech Spring Lake (1900 Springlake Dr.) or via Zoom at https://ovf.org/event-5367260 Also pitching that day will be Claimrev, FlexiH, Shelter-Share and Barista Bot. The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org

At our March 13th, 2024 Power Lunch in Tulsa, we will have 6 local area startups pitching to OVF members and guests. One of those presenters will be Alex Lobodiak, CRO and Justin Carpenter, CEO of Core Scribe. Core Scribe is for anyone who wants to be fully present during a conversation but is distracted by note-taking or documentation. Professionals in healthcare, legal, and sales find it particularly helpful. Core Scribe can generate short to detailed summaries, personalized email follow-ups, memos, SOAP notes and more that can be customized to your organization. https://corescribe.io/ Register to attend in person at 36 Degrees North Basecamp in Tulsa, OK or via Zoom at https://ovf.org/event-5367248/Registration The other pitch presenters will be EDUrain, Titan Intake, Paldara Pharmaceutical, Waysteless and gamr. The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org

At our March 13th, 2024 Power Lunch in Tulsa, we will have 6 local area startups pitching to OVF members and guests. One of those presenters will be Bryon Pierson, JR the CEO of EDUrain. EDUrain was designed to solve a core problem that affects nearly 80% of all college students - it's hard to find housing. The housing search process is daunting. Between scams, overpriced properties and shady landlords, finding a place to live feels more like a hunt than a search. EDUrain seeks to simplify the process by providing all the tools needed, including roommate search and a partnership with renters' insurance services. https://www.edurain.org/ Register to attend in person at 36 Degrees North Basecamp in Tulsa, OK or via Zoom at https://ovf.org/event-5367248/Registration The other pitch presenters will be Titan Intake, Paldara Pharmaceutical, Core-Scribe, Waysteless and gamr. The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org

At our March 13th, 2024 Power Lunch in Tulsa, we will have 6 local area startups pitching to OVF members and guests. One of those presenters will be Rachel Brown, CRO of Titan Intake automated patient intake SaaS. Titan Intake captures 100% of incoming specialty medical referrals, automatically extracts all relevant PHI and integrates directly into a medical practice EMR, all without asking the referring providers to change a single thing. https://www.titanintake.com/ Register to attend in person at 36 Degrees North Basecamp in Tulsa, OK or via Zoom at https://ovf.org/event-5367248/Registration The other pitch presenters will be EDUrain, Paldara Pharmaceutical, Core-Scribe, Waysteless and gamr. The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org

On December 13th, Nathaniel Harding, Managing Partners at Cortado Ventures and James Spann, Managing Partners at Boyd Street Ventures will speak to members of the Oklahoma Venture Forum about venture capital in Oklahoma. The State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), a longstanding program, received increased funding through the CARES Act, with allocations directed to each state based on guidelines from the US Treasury. In Oklahoma, these funds were strategically invested in various venture capital funds to nurture the state’s growing venture capital market. Over the past five years, the number of venture capital firms in Oklahoma has multiplied, showcasing the region’s emerging entrepreneurial landscape. The Oklahoma Center for Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) played a pivotal role in distributing SSBCI dollars to several funds, including allocations to Cortado Ventures and Boyd Street Ventures. This initiative reflects a concerted effort to stimulate innovation and economic growth within Oklahoma’s business ecosystem. The event will be available via ZOOM. RSVP at https://ovf.org/event-5367182 The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. ⁠https://ovf.org

Our November 2023 Power Presenter is Barry Day, Founder and Managing Director of the Oklahoma Clean Technology Association, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of precisely what cleantech is, as well as how entrepreneurs can drive the advancement of clean technology via the private sector. "We’ve seen this in the economy, where most of our clean energy and technology advancements have come from the private sector, not government mandates. It was really important to me to make sure that people knew this was apolitical and that it’s also something we focus on in the entrepreneurial sector, the free market.” OCTA embraces both green and blue technologies, and they are more than willing to work with traditional energy and chemical companies to bring the best, most economically efficient, environmentally friendly technologies to mainstream America. https://oklahomacleantechnologyassocia.godaddysites.com/ Day will speak at the Oklahoma Venture Forum Power Lunch on Wednesday, November 8, 2023. The event will be open to members and guests in person at Metro Tech Spring Lake Campus (1900 Springlake Drive in Oklahoma City) and via ZOOM. RSVP at https://ovf.org/event-5367142 The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org

OVF is coming to Tulsa on 10/11/23 with a panel discussion focused on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) small business incentive funding. The panelists will be Tracey Poole, Managing Partner at 46Venture Capital along with Sean Templemore-Finlayson, Vice President of the Oklahoma Life Science Fund and Rose Washington-Jones, CEO/Executive Director of TEDC Creative Capital. https://ovf.org/Attend-OVF On this episode, we talk with Tracy Poole, an attorney with over 25 years of experience in complex commercial transactions, M&A, financing, energy and venture capital disciplines. Poole was corporate and outside counsel to leading energy marketing and trading companies and helped close some of the largest wholesale energy transactions in existence. He is the former General Counsel of an energy-related hedge fund and the founder of an independent upstream oil and gas producer. https://www.46.capital Register now to attend or to watch via Zoom at https://ovf.org/event-5366650?CalendarViewType=0&SelectedDate=9/27/2023 The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. https://ovf.org

Apexloads is a cloud-based freight marketplace that connects cargo owners with transporters to streamline the freight-truck matching process and facilitate faster payments. Apexloads has adopted industry-proven solutions from developed markets (USA), implementing them in Africa and other developing regions. https://apexloads.com/ Charles Thuo was born and raised in Kenya. He came to the United States for school, starting with an associate's degree in general engineering technology from OSU-OKC. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves and went back to school at OU for his Bachelor's in Aerospace and U.S. Army Engineer school at Ft. Leonard Wood for combat engineering. He has worked in aerospace at Cessna in Wichita and Boeing defense in Midwest City. Charles came with Apexloads after comparing logistics operations in Africa and the United States. Charles will be pitching Apexloads at the September 13th, 2023 OVF luncheon. Register now to attend or to watch via Zoom at https://ovf.org/event-5367030 The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. ⁠⁠⁠www.OVF.org

The September 13th, 2023 Power Lunch presenter is Drew Hendricks, Regional Engagement Principal for the Oklahoma City office of the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN). A relatively new initiative of the DoD, NSIN offers VC-style funding to potential dual-use (civilian and national security) small companies (under 500 EEs). NSIN is an unrivaled problem-solving network in the U.S. Department of Defense that adapts to the emerging needs of those who serve in the defense of our national security. Dedicated to the work of bringing together defense, academic and entrepreneurial innovators to solve national security problems in new ways. Drew Hendricks is a consumer and media researcher, business strategist, and communication professional with 16 years of proven ability to collaborate with multiple levels of management and diverse cultural audiences. He possesses a comprehensive background in public relations, journalism, brand management, media theory and communication strategy with specialized training in advertising, content creation, consumer insight development and project management. Please register to attend at https://ovf.org/event-5367030/Registration The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is the state’s preeminent organization fostering innovation and economic growth. We introduce investors, mentors and support organizations to entrepreneurs, providing collaborative venues for sharing ideas. OVF champions small businesses and economic development by connecting and recognizing venture talents. Since our beginning, we have acted as the preeminent ecosystem for business innovation and entrepreneurship development. Our diverse membership includes investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers from a wide array of statewide industries. ⁠⁠www.OVF.org