Technology Ventures Summit set for February in Tulsa

Twelve Oklahoma Companies to Present Plans for Commercializing Their Technologies

Oklahoma's third Technology Ventures Summit will showcase the state's top commercial technology and offer training to both angel investors and entrepreneurs.

The two-day networking event, scheduled for February 15-16, 2011 at the Doubletree Hotel Tulsa-Downtown, will feature concurrent one-day workshops providing practical advice and training for entrepreneurs and angel investors. The second day will include presentations by a dozen local technology ventures to venture capital and angel investors.

"Oklahoma has a significant and growing entrepreneurial talent pool and the Technology Ventures Summit provides an opportunity to showcase that talent to investors so these ideas and technologies can make it in the marketplace," said Devon Sauzek, president of the Oklahoma Capital Investment Board, founding sponsor of the event. "It's all about growing the culture of entrepreneurship across our state."

Lead sponsors for the summit also include the Tulsa Metro Chamber and Tulsa Young Professionals, Oklahoma Business Roundtable, state colleges and universities, and several economic development and venture capital groups.

"We especially want to reach out to those who are just beginning to consider a technology venture and those who have an interest in helping seed a new company or technology," he said
Innovators and companies interested in presenting their technology are urged to submit their Application to Present no later than December 31, 2010. A panel of seasoned experts will select the top 12 presenters by January 14, 2011. Mentors will be assigned to help each group prepare their presentation. During the conference, presenters will have 10 minutes to share their business concept with the audience.

"This session is the highlight of the conference, "Sauzek said, "so whether you're looking for a technology startup to invest in or you're an entrepreneur looking for the next round of financing, the Technology Venture Summit is an incredible networking opportunity."

Day one of the event (February15) will provide two concurrent workshops, including:

"Swing for the Fences – Seed Investing Skills for Entrepreneurs"
(For Entrepreneurs)

The workshop, designed by leading seed investors, will reveal the process investors use as they consider where to put their money, providing entrepreneurs with an insiders' view of how their potential investors think and work.
"Seed Investing as a Team Sport"
(For Angel Investors)

An energetic seminar targeted to new and potential angel investors. The seminar will help participants expand their understanding of business investing, provide a how-to plan for local angel group formation and provide tools to help optimize investment dollars. It will include a comprehensive overview of the angel investing process with additional content from investors from across the country.

Day Two of the conference (February 16) will allow venture capital and angel investors a chance to hear presentations from some of Oklahoma's leading technology startups.
The conference will conclude with a luncheon and keynote speaker.

"We are excited to participate in this event as the Chamber continues to focus on fostering entrepreneurs and start-ups in our region," said Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Metro Chamber. "Innovation and small business are critical to our regional economy."

There are many successful entrepreneurship programs underway in both in Tulsa and throughout the state – and this conference is designed to be a catalyst to further match participants with local and state experts and investors, according to Sauzek.

For more information about the Technology Ventures Summit (including registration and presentation data) contact: http://www.ocib.org/tvs or by phone at 405-848-9456.

About Oklahoma Capital Investment Board

The Oklahoma Capital Investment Board is the State of Oklahoma's institution for building the private venture capital industry in Oklahoma. Since 1993, the Board has supported investment in nineteen venture capital funds, which in turn have attracted equity investment of over $130 million to Oklahoma projects. In addition, the board has supported nearly $42 million in development loans to just under 1,540 small Oklahoma companies.