Oklahoma’s entrepreneurial attitude has always been its calling card. Now that innovative spirit has found a foothold in an industry that barely existed in this state a little more than a decade ago as more and more Oklahomans - their ideas and innovations - are attracting the attention of venture capitalists around the country.
Now Available: the OCIB 2009 Impact Report
It didn’t happen overnight…
For the past 15 years, the Oklahoma Capital Investment Board has cultivated the venture capital industry in this state -- launching Oklahomans as venture capitalists and drawing outside venture firms to the state.
When OCIB was established in 1992, there were 3 local venture capital firms. Today there are more than fifteen Oklahoma-based venture firms and that many more out of state firms investing in Oklahoma companies. This investment not only takes the form of capital, but also delivers the expertise needed to help Oklahoma ventures become world-class opportunities.
Applied Economic's updated analysis of OCIB's programs conservatively estimates that these programs have generated in excess of $1.1 billion in economic activity for Oklahoma. Read more.
Another study documents that the Board's support of the NBA Hornets has helped produce $74 million in economic benefit for Oklahoma. Read more.
A 2005 state audit concluded that OCIB has more than met its legislative mandates, attracting almost $3 of venture capital to Oklahoma companies for every $1 invested by the Board in professionally-managed venture capital funds. The report also commended OCIB for the results of its Oklahoma Capital Access Program, serving over a thousand small businesses throughout our state!
That’s just a start…
Our goal is to build a burgeoning Oklahoma entrepreneurial community. It takes time, but, pursued with care, can help ensure prosperity for our children and grandchildren!