As Devon and Expand Energy depart, Oklahoma City should call on its oil and gas talent to stay, build and power a new generation of innovation
OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 16, 2026) – As Oklahoma City faces a defining economic moment following the announced departures of Devon Energy and Expand Energy’s headquarters to Houston, Cortado Ventures is stepping forward with a bold commitment to the state’s future: the launch of a new $10 million angel fund dedicated exclusively to investing in Oklahoma-based companies.
The fund is designed to provide early, catalytic capital to founders building technology-driven businesses in Oklahoma — and to encourage the state’s deep bench of oil and gas talent to stay and help power a new generation of innovation.
“For decades, energy companies anchored our skyline, payrolls and civic identity and the recent news of two major players in Oklahoma City departing is emotional and disruptive,” said Cortado Ventures General Partner Susan Moring. “While headquarters may move, the talent that built this city does not have to. This fund is about backing the engineers, operators and builders who are ready to create what comes next, right here in Oklahoma.”
Oklahoma City has quietly developed a growing base of tech talent, startups and investors laid by a foundation of generations of oil and gas talent that built this city, including engineers, geologists, landmen, data scientists, operators, and executives. Now, more than 22,000 tech workers call this region home, and universities and training programs are producing thousands of graduates in engineering and computer science.
“The skills developed in oil and gas, including complex systems engineering, project management, capital allocation, risk modeling and large-scale operations, translate directly to new industries such as automation, advanced manufacturing, AI, energy transition technologies, aerospace and defense,” Moring said. “The next generation of Oklahoma companies will be built at the intersection of physical industries and software, a space where our workforce already excels.”
Startups in software, AI, aerospace, cybersecurity and industrial technology are taking root here and serving customers around the world, supported by organizations like The Verge OKC, a place where founders connect with mentors, resources, capital and one another. Its nonprofit model has created real on-ramps for people who want to launch and scale companies in Oklahoma City.
More information about the angel fund and how to apply will be available soon.
About Cortado Ventures:
Founded by a team of seasoned CEOs and industry veterans in 2020, Cortado Ventures is a venture capital firm that’s working to define the Midcontinent’s success story for generations to come. Going beyond raising capital to support businesses – Cortado’s deep experience as leaders and innovators helps their portfolio companies accelerate their growth through strategic planning, training, and guidance. With focused efforts on entrepreneurs and startups who are founder-led by people with innovative, disruptive ideas in the energy, mobility and logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare technology sectors that are a natural fit for the Midcontinent region. Learn more at cortado.ventures.