Plains Ventures

$100 Million Invested. Limitless Potential Ahead. We’re thrilled to announce that i2E, Inc., in partnership with Plains Ventures, has surpassed $100 million in total investments in early-stage startups. This milestone represents the collective success of Oklahoma’s thriving innovation ecosystem—and the countless entrepreneurs, founders, and partners who’ve made it possible. At Plains Ventures, we’re proud to play a key role in funding and supporting innovative companies across industries like healthcare, life sciences, and advanced technologies. From our initial investments in 1999 to major successes like Selexys Pharmaceuticals and @alkamitech, our focus has always been on companies solving high-value problems with big ideas. As President Justin Wilson puts it: “Years ago, many doubted Oklahoma’s ability to grow a world-class startup ecosystem. Today, we’re breaking barriers—and we’re just getting started.” A huge thank you to the entrepreneurs, investors, and partners who have joined us on this journey. Together, we’re building an unstoppable future for Oklahoma innovation. Full story: https://ow.ly/suhX50Uc78z #VentureCapital #Startups #EconomicGrowth #OklahomaInnovation #PlainsVentures

Looking to take the next step in your career? Plains Ventures is proud to partner with innovative companies driving change across industries. Whether you're a tech wizard, a creative thinker, or a problem solver, our Job Board connects talented with meaningful opportunities at our portfolio companies. Visit the job board today to find your next great role: plainsvc.com/jobs Rest (Formerly NoiseAware) Firehawk Wheeler Bio, Inc. #plainsventures #jobboard

FDA Approval Is Just the Beginning! In our latest blog, Meredith Estep Wilkerson, PhD, highlights key insight for medical device innovators: FDA approval alone won’t guarantee acquisition. To attract buyers, founders must also establish a strong reimbursement strategy for market adoption. Key Questions for Success: 1. Does your product target the right patient population for insurers? 2. Can existing codes cover your tech? 3. Will provider payments support adoption? With a focus on value-based care, aligning regulatory, clinical, and reimbursement plans can set startups up for long-term success. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gvqTSNvB #plainsventures #FDAApproval #HealthcareInnovation

Big news for Wheeler Bio, Inc., one of our portfolio companies! Please join us in welcoming Patrick Lucy as Wheeler Bio’s new CEO. Patrick’s leadership in the biotech space and his deep industry experience position him perfectly to steer Wheeler’s next growth phase. With his guidance, Wheeler Bio is set to make an even greater impact on clinical and commercial-stage biotechnology production and support the Oklahoma life sciences ecosystem and beyond. Read more about Patrick’s journey and plans for Wheeler Bio in The Journal Record: https://lnkd.in/gPXSswJb

Join Meredith Estep Wilkerson, PhD at the upcoming Startup Symposium hosted by Project Medtech! This event is dedicated to helping early-stage Medtech companies navigate the challenges of building successful companies in the industry. Join us for 1:1 expert sessions, networking opportunities, a cash prize pitch competition, and insightful panel discussions with thought leaders. Don’t miss out! Register here: https://lnkd.in/ewmnN3Ri #Medtech #StartupSymposium #HealthcareInnovation #Entrepreneurship #Networking

“Justin Wilson at Plains Ventures has been such an amazing resource in connecting us to relevant people in our industry.” Great read on our blog with Edna Martinson, Co-Founder of Boddle Learning, an edtech company that uses gaming to engage students and improve learning outcomes. Edna shares her personal journey, the challenges of launching a tech company, and the strategies that have driven Boddle’s success. #plainsventures

OKC Minority Enterprise Development Week starts Monday! Plains Ventures is proud to be a sponsor as we celebrate BIPOC businesses in the Oklahoma City area. Check out all the great events planned: https://www.okcmed.biz/ #okcmedweek #minorityownedbusiness #oklahomacity #oklahoma #bipoc

Attention Founders: You have a couple days left to apply for StartupNWA’s VC Immersions in Bentonville, AR on October 29-30. Applications due September 30. Visit https://lnkd.in/gngTDkTx to submit your application for a chance to meet 1:1 with top investors, including our very own Matt Hickman, and connect with fellow entrepreneurs at community events. Open to all U.S. startups—no need to be based in NWA! Don't miss this opportunity! #plainsventurs @nwarkcouncil Serafina Lalany

Our team recently visited Wilder Systems Robots to see their latest innovations in modular robotics, which are transforming aerospace manufacturing and maintenance. Wilder is at the forefront of advancing aircraft production and maintenance for both commercial and defense industries, using modular, autonomous robots to handle the majority of tasks. #plainsventures