Cortado Ventures Doubleshot Newsletter: May 2026

by | May 13, 2026 | Media, Newsletters

Jim Bridenstine Joins Quantum Space, Learn about our July Pitch Competition with The Verge OKC, and Portfolio Updates

Cortado Ventures backs early-stage founders building scalable companies across the Midcontinent, with a focus on long-term value creation and regional growth.

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

This month, we highlight partner Jim Bridenstine’s new role with Quantum Space and what it represents for continued leadership in the aerospace sector. We also announce our upcoming July pitch competition co-hosted with The Verge OKC, bringing together founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders for a showcase of emerging startups and innovation in the region. Our Portco Highlight features Safety Radar and the company’s continued progress in safety technology. Across the portfolio, Onto Health, Watkins-Conti, Motive, AroborXR, and CorriXR all have new updates. We close with open roles across the portfolio and upcoming events shaping the ecosystem.

Newsletter Elements

  • Cortado News
    • Partner Jim Bridenstine Named CEO of Quantum Space
    • The Verge OKC x Cortado Ventures Angel Fund Pitch Competition
    • Events We’re Attending
  • Portco News
    • Portco Highlight: Safety Radar
    • Portcos In The News
      • Onto Health
      • Watkins-Conti
      • Motive
      • ArborXR
      • CorriXR
    • Portco Jobs
  • Ecosystem News

Cortado News

Cortado Partner Jim Bridenstine Named as CEO of Quantum Space

Congratulations to Cortado Ventures partner Jim Bridenstine on his appointment as CEO of Quantum Space.

Jim’s leadership across government, aerospace, and national security continues to shape the future of the space industry. We’re excited to see what’s ahead for Quantum Space under his leadership at such a pivotal moment for the sector.

Read the full announcement here.

The Verge OKC x Cortado Ventures Angel Fund Pitch Competition

The Verge OKC and the Cortado Angel Fund are partnering to host a live pitch competition for early-stage Oklahoma startups.

Up to eight finalists will be selected to pitch in person, with the winning company receiving a $10,000 investment from the Cortado Angel Fund through an uncapped SAFE.

This is a chance to pitch your company, connect with investors, and compete for capital to accelerate your growth.

Eligibility Requirements
* Oklahoma-based startup
* Active member of The Verge OKC
* Not already funded by Cortado Ventures

Key Dates
* Applications Open: May 22, 2026
* Applications Close: June 26, 2026
* Finalists Notified: July 3, 2026
* Live Pitch Event: July 15, 2026, 4:00–7:00 PM at The Verge OKC

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram to stay up to date on competition announcements and key deadlines.

RSVP using the link below to be notified when applications open, receive event updates, and reserve your spot to attend the live pitch competition on July 15, 2026.
RSVP by clicking here!

Questions? investors@cortado.ventures

Events We’re Attending

A look at where our team is showing up and connecting this month.

05/12-05/15 – Beyond Allocate Summit – Park City, UT

05/12-05/14 – Cameron VC Retreat – San Francisco, CA

05/20 – CO Deep Tech Summit – Golden, CO

Portco News

Portco Highlight: Safety Radar

Meet this month’s Portco highlight, Safety Radar, an Oklahoma-based software company co-founded and led by Garrison Haning and Matt Weis.

Recognizing the growing need to improve safety within high-risk industries, Haning and Weis built a platform designed to streamline safety procedures and increase risk visibility, ultimately increasing worksite safety.

Safety Radar delivers AI-powered insights that streamline safety solutions for teams within high-risk industries, including energy, manufacturing, aerospace, and construction. Safety Radar’s Live Risk Platform utilizes advanced AI technology to convert frontline safety inputs into immediate, actionable intelligence that drive real results.

We invested in Safety Radar in 2024 based on the team’s deep industry experience and clear understanding of the problem. Haning and Weis bring years of experience across military operations, environmental safety and health, and enterprise software deployment. Their perspectives help position the company to reimagine safety practices across high-risk industries and save lives. Since our investment, Safety Radar has earned national recognition, including being named a 2025 Most Promising New Venture by the Oklahoma Venture Forum and being featured in The American Oil & Gas Reporter’s December Editor’s Choice for their work reshaping safety management across oil and gas.

Read about Why We Invested in Safety Radar on our Cortado Ventures Insights page.

Keep up with Safety Radar here: Website | LinkedIn

Portcos In The News

Onto Health Closes $20M Series A

ONTO Health announced the close of a $20 million Series A financing round. The funding will support expanded clinical operations across the United States and growth into the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Led by CEO and Co-Founder Dr. Roohi Jeelani, ONTO combines physician-led fertility care with AI-driven diagnostics, automation, and longevity science to deliver more personalized and proactive reproductive healthcare.

Read more here.

Watkins-Conti Expands Yōni.Fit® With Dual-Use FDA Cleared Indication

Watkins-Conti announced a new indication for its flagship Yōni.Fit® Bladder Support device, making it the first FDA-cleared product of its kind approved for both stress urinary incontinence management and menstrual fluid collection. The reusable, self-administered device is designed to help women manage bladder leaks while also supporting menstrual care, offering a more flexible and sustainable pelvic health solution.

Read more here.

ArborXR Launches Insights Tool for XR Program Measurement

ArborXR introduced ArborXR Insights, a new platform capability designed to help organizations better measure and optimize the performance of their XR deployments. The tool provides visibility into usage, engagement, and program outcomes, giving teams stronger data to support scaling and operational decision-making. The launch reflects growing demand for measurable performance and accountability across enterprise XR initiatives.

Read more here.

Motive Named Certified Partner for Honda and Acura Digital Programs

Motive has been named a certified partner for both the Honda Digital Solutions program and the Acura Digital Dealer Program. The designation expands Motive’s presence across the automotive retail ecosystem and reflects the company’s ability to deliver trusted digital solutions for leading automotive brands.

Currently, the brand is a certified partner for several brands:

Read their latest announcement here.

CorriXR Chief Scientific Officer Selected as Day 1 Chair at 26th BioPharma Drug Discovery Nexus

Eric B. Kmiec, Chief Scientific Officer of CorriXR Therapeutics, was named Day 1 Chairperson for the 26th BioPharma Drug Discovery Nexus in Philadelphia. The appointment recognizes his leadership and expertise in gene editing and molecular medicine as CorriXR continues advancing its therapeutic platform.

Read more here.

Portco Jobs

Our portfolio companies are growing. Explore open roles across sectors from engineering and sales to data science and operations.

Ecosystem News & Events

What’s Happening in the Midcontinent?

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