As I reflect on the past two and a half decades, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the journey that i2E has embarked upon. Our 25th anniversary is not just a milestone – it’s a testament to the unwavering dedication of a community committed to innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
To mark this important occasion, we recently held an event that brought together many of our partners, entrepreneurs, supporters, and friends. It was an evening of celebration and a look forward to the bright future that lies ahead.
Acknowledging Our Achievements
Over the years, i2E has nurtured countless startups, mentored aspiring entrepreneurs, and witnessed groundbreaking innovations that have changed the face of Oklahoma’s economy.
During the 25th anniversary event, we had the privilege of acknowledging some of the milestones we’ve achieved. These statistics are more than just numbers; they represent lives impacted, dreams realized, and communities strengthened.
- 800 Oklahoma companies supported: Thank you to all the entrepreneurs who partnered with us to evaluate and commercialize their ideas. These companies span numerous industries such as software/IT, healthcare services and devices, energy and environment, manufacturing, and biotechnology.
- 400 investments in 236 companies: i2E has managed nine early-stage and growth investment funds that have allowed us to invest over $93 million in promising businesses to help them start up and scale up.
- Funded the state’s first “unicorn”: i2E made an initial proof-of-concept investment in Alkami Technology through the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) Technology Business Finance Program and was one of the first equity investors through the state’s Oklahoma Seed Capital Fund. Alkami was later valued at over $3 billion, making it the state of Oklahoma’s first “unicorn” company.
- $1.2 billion in private capital raised: This demonstrates a $23-to-$1 ratio of private capital for every dollar of state funding invested in our services. These funds have contributed to the creation of thousands of jobs in our state.
The 25th anniversary event was also an opportunity to honor those who have played a vital role in making these numbers a reality. It was good to see familiar faces, from our dedicated team members to our ever-supportive partners, all sharing in our collective accomplishments.
Looking Ahead with Optimism
As we celebrated our past, we also cast our eyes toward the future. i2E’s commitment to driving economic growth in Oklahoma remains as strong as ever. We see a state that continues to evolve into a hub of entrepreneurship, a place where dreams thrive, and innovation is unlimited.
Our 25th anniversary is not just a reflection on the past but a celebration of all the possibilities in store. With every startup we nurture, every program we provide, and every innovative idea we support, we contribute to the legacy of a thriving, forward-thinking Oklahoma.
Here’s to the next 25 years, filled with even more incredible work helping to build, launch and grow great ideas.
Rex Smitherman
President, i2E
