i2E

i2E (Innovations to Entrepreneurs) is a distinctive private not-for-profit corporation based in Oklahoma City, dedicated to fostering the growth of technology-based entrepreneurs and companies primarily within Oklahoma. Established with a mission to diversify and strengthen the state's economy through innovation, i2E acts as a crucial bridge between promising startups and the capital they need to scale. Its unique structure as a non-profit investor allows it to take a long-term view on economic development, providing both funding and strategic guidance to its portfolio companies.

The organization deploys capital through a tiered funding approach, catering to various stages of company development. For early-stage ventures, i2E manages Proof of Concept (POC) Funds, which provide initial investments typically up to $100,000, helping companies validate their technologies and market fit. As companies mature, they can access i2E's Venture Capital Funds, which offer more substantial investments ranging from $250,000 up to $2 million. While the stated minimum for their VC funds is $250,000, i2E has demonstrated flexibility, with some initial investments, particularly in very early stages or through specific programs, starting as low as $25,000. This broad range allows i2E to support companies from their nascent stages through significant growth phases, often co-investing with private investors to amplify capital infusion into Oklahoma businesses.

i2E boasts a significant track record of impact within the Oklahoma entrepreneurial ecosystem. Since its inception in 2001, the organization has invested over $100 million directly into more than 200 Oklahoma companies, demonstrating a sustained commitment to local innovation. Beyond direct investment, i2E plays a pivotal role in attracting further capital, having helped its portfolio companies raise an impressive $2.5 billion in follow-on funding from other sources. In 2023 alone, i2E continued its active support, deploying $10.9 million across 26 companies. This extensive engagement underscores i2E's critical function as a catalyst for economic development, providing not just capital but also expertise and connections vital for the success of Oklahoma's tech sector.