BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)
This month, we’re celebrating our new investments in Safety Radar and Prelude/19Days. We have several portfolio companies making history, like Watkins-Conti’s FDA approved device being released and expansions in Mito Materials. We’re also excited to share our latest investment insights and highlight our portfolio company, Recuro Health. Additionally, we’re showcasing the outstanding work of Spark! in Little Rock, Arkansas. Read on to learn more about the innovative companies and initiatives shaping our ecosystem.
Newsletter Elements
- Cortado News
- New Investment: Safety Radar
- New Investment: Prelude
- Why We Invested: Fluid Efficiency
- Founder Hour: Founders Who Flourish
- 2025 – 2026 Internship & Fellowship Programs Open
- Portco News
- Portco Highlight: Recuro Health
- Portcos In The News
- Portco Jobs
- Ecosystem News & Events
- Builder Highlight: Spark!
- Upcoming Events
Cortado News
New Investments
Cortado Invests in Safety Radar
Cortado Ventures proudly announces our new investment in Safety Radar, a company who focuses on managing operational risks. Safety Radar’s AI approach to risk management and mitigation enables organizations to quickly identify and address potential risks, protecting their employees, assets, and reputation. Learn more about our investment here.
Cortado Invests in Prelude
Cortado Ventures proudly announces our new investment in Prelude, the first fully digital preneed experience. Prelude combines the industry’s best commission and growth rates with a family-first pre-planning experience for greater preneed success. Learn more about our investment here.
Why We Invested: Fluid Efficiency
In our latest “Why We Invested” blog, we explore Fluid Efficiency, a California-based polymer materials company focused on the oil and gas industry. Fluid Efficiency is revolutionizing pipeline efficiency with their Single Injection Flow Improver. They differ from drag-reducing agent (DRA) market competitors by applying their patented Mega-Supra-Molecule (MSM) technology as a flow improver. Learn more about why we’re excited to invest in this groundbreaking company in our full blog post.
Founder Hour: Founders Who Flourish
Join us on Thursday, September 26, for “Founders Who Flourish: A Look Inside The EIR Program” at The Verge OKC. Hear from successful entrepreneurs, Deborah Moorad of CorriXR and Blake Bixler of Senslytics, as they share their experiences in our Entrepreneur-in-Residence program. The evening kicks off with networking, refreshments, and an open bar, followed by inspiring presentations and a Q&A session. Click here for more details and to RSVP.
Now Accepting 2025 – 2026 Internship Applications
Apply for Cortado’s 2025-2026 internship program by October 11! If you or someone you know is looking for a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in venture capital, engage with high-growth startups, learn from experienced entrepreneurs and contribute to real-world initiatives, click here to view opportunities.
Portco News
Portco Highlight: Recuro Health
This month, we’re highlighting Recuro Health, a company revolutionizing virtual healthcare with a personalized, proactive approach. Their virtual-first care platform offers customizable services, including primary care, behavioral health, and urgent care, along with benefits like pharmacy and care management. Learn more about Recuro Health.
Portcos In The News
Watkins-Conti Launches FDA-Cleared Yōni.Fit in Oklahoma!
Watkins-Conti‘s FDA cleared Yōni.Fit® has launched! Yōni.Fit® is a non-surgical solution for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women! Available by prescription, it’s a self-administered silicone insert that reduces urine leaks and is offered through Oklahoma healthcare providers and pharmacies. The device aims to improve access to pelvic health care, especially for women in rural areas. Read the full article here.
St. Croix Fly Expands Mito Graphene Adoption
Mito Material Solutions expanded its collaboration with St. Croix Fly, incorporating graphene into the Technica Series fly rods. This enhancement improves rod recovery, rigidity, and strength, offering anglers greater control and precision. Following this success, Mito is exploring prepreg options infused with their E-Go graphene technology for broader applications. Read the full article here.
Brad Scoggin of ArborXR Featured in “The Wall Street Journal”
Brad Scoggin, Co-Founder and Chief Executive of ArborXR, was featured in “The Wall Street Journal” for revolutionizing workforce training through virtual reality. ArborXR’s platform helps businesses like UPS and Volvo integrate VR for training on crucial skills, from equipment maintenance to soft skills like empathy and leadership. Read the full article here to discover the true potential of VR to enhance employee training.
Portco Jobs
Ardley – Senior Software Engineer
Boddle – Senior Software Architect
Drov Technologies – Quality Assurance Engineer
Drov Technologies – Embedded Software & Firmware Engineer
Lumata Health – VP of Clinical Operations
Lumata Health – mVT Specialist
Lumata Health – Customer Success Manager
Lumata Health – Ophthalmic Assistant – Continuous Care Coach
Mate Fertility – Embryologist
Mate Fertility – Founding Full Stack Engineer
Volt – Growth Specialist
Wilder Systems – Mechanical Engineer
Wilder Systems – Controls Engineer
Wilder Systems – Field Technician
Wilder Systems – Robotics Software Engineer
Ecosystem News & Events
Builder Highlight: Spark!
Spark!, in partnership with the Little Rock Regional Chamber, is a 10-week accelerator designed to empower Central Arkansas entrepreneurs. Co-founded by The Venture Center, it offers mentorship, strategic publicity, and expert insights on key topics like marketing, finance, and human resources, providing the resources and connections to grow your business. Learn more about their mission and work here.
Ecosystem Events
- September 16, 2024 – The Verge’s Pitch, Pizza & Pints
- September 25-26, 2024 – Oklahoma’s State Suppliers Expo
- September 26, 2024 – Founder Hour: Founders Who Flourish
- September 27, 2024 – Silk & Spices Gala
- October 3, 2024 – OKC Women’s Business Breakfast
- October 8, 2024 – Cocktails & Collaboration
- October 9, 2024 – 1 Million Cups OKC