FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2, 2023
Contact: Meridith Tucker
mtucker@saxum.com
Presbyterian Health Foundation invests in Cortado Ventures to fund biomedical research in Oklahoma
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Presbyterian Health Foundation (PHF) announces its investment into Cortado Ventures’ Fund II as an institutional limited partner (LP) to fund biomedical-driven startup companies in Oklahoma and beyond.
“We have funded over $205 million in grants and investments in biomedical research, education, discovery, and health initiatives in Oklahoma, all with the goal of enhancing and saving lives,” said Presbyterian Health Foundation President Rick McCune. “Our investment in Cortado Ventures continues to support our efforts to invest in ambitious, growth-driven tech companies, especially in life sciences to enhance the quality of life for all Oklahomans and global citizens.”
This partnership will further Cortado Venture’s ability to invest in startups and entrepreneurs in the biomedical space with the strength of PHF’s long track record and support bringing scientific discoveries to market.
“At Cortado Ventures, we have a large focus on biotech startups that are taking on ambitious solutions to today’s problems,” said Nathaniel Harding, Managing Partner of Cortado Ventures. “Together, we will invest in the projects and people helping to unravel the mysteries of medical science bringing the latest in healthcare offerings to doctors offices.”
Cortado Ventures second fund includes biomedical investments like Moat Biotechnology, a new clinical development stage company. The Oklahoma City- based company holds an exclusive patent license from Mayo Clinic for the novel second generation single-cycle adenovirus vaccine platform (SC-AdVax) to develop intranasal and oral vaccines that can elicit and boost both mucosal and systemic immunity for the treatment of infectious diseases, like COVID-19.
Since its inception in 1985, PHF has focused on accelerating ideas and early-stage biomedical research, medical education and innovation taking place within the Oklahoma Health Center campus to elevate the growing biotechnology sector in Oklahoma.
About Cortado Ventures
Cortado Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in ambitious, growth-driven companies, backing a new generation of economic prosperity for Oklahoma and the Midcontinent region. As one of the largest VC funds in Oklahoma, Cortado’s focus is on tech companies bringing innovative solutions to the energy, logistics, life sciences, aerospace and the future of work sectors. For more information, visit cortado.ventures.
About Presbyterian Health Foundation:
Presbyterian Health Foundation (PHF) (phfokc.com) is a private Oklahoma City-based foundation dedicated to accelerating lifesaving scientific research from ideas to medical innovations. Since 1985, PHF has granted over $205 million primarily to biomedical research institutions and health-focused organizations with an emphasis on the Oklahoma Health Center campus.
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