Is Oklahoma City a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Oklahoma City has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Oklahoma City gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Oklahoma City

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Oklahoma City offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

Oklahoma City's early-stage funding scene is growing, with several local players supporting startups. Notable VC firms like Cortado Ventures and i2E Management Company actively invest in early-stage technology and life science companies. i2E, a non-profit, also provides seed capital and business development services, having invested over $100 million in Oklahoma startups. Angel networks like SeedStep Angels, managed by i2E, also help bridge the funding gap for early ventures. Government support comes from entities like the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST), which offers programs like Seed Capital Investment and the Technology Business Finance Program. Despite these resources, challenges remain, including a recognized gap in seed-stage funding between initial R&D and larger VC rounds. While overall deal value has seen positive trends, the total number of deals can fluctuate. Accessing capital beyond early rounds can also be a hurdle for OKC startups.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Oklahoma City has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Oklahoma City has a growing startup and innovation ecosystem with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. The city ranks highly for small businesses, supported by a good growth rate of business applications and GDP. There is a notable presence of coworking spaces, with numerous options available across the city. OKC also hosts various tech events, including conferences, meetups, and networking opportunities like Techlahoma Monthly Meetups and InnoTech Oklahoma. The ecosystem supports both early-stage and more mature startups through a variety of resources, including accelerators and incubators that offer mentorship, funding, and tailored programs. Some programs specifically target early-stage founders and provide personalized support and resources to help them develop their business concepts and access capital. Local investors and experienced entrepreneurs actively provide guidance and connections.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Oklahoma City can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Oklahoma City, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Oklahoma City is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Oklahoma City has a growing talent pool that supports startup growth, partly due to its educational institutions. The city produces over 1,000 tech graduates annually and ranks 9th in tech talent production among up-and-coming markets. Local universities and CareerTech centers play a key role in preparing graduates with needed skills. Industry-specific skills in demand include those in the tech sector, such as software development, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics. The city also has strengths in aerospace, biotechnology, and energy. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through a growing workforce, rising tech wages, and a supportive community with resources like accelerators and investors. The lower cost of living also makes the city attractive to professionals and entrepreneurs.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Oklahoma City can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Oklahoma City boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Oklahoma City offers a robust ecosystem for startups, featuring numerous incubators and accelerators like gener8tor OKC, StitchCrew, and the Tom Love Innovation Hub, providing mentorship, resources, and funding opportunities. Co-working spaces and networking events further support collaboration and community building. Government initiatives and state-backed organizations play a significant role. The Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) offers funding programs, including those enhanced by federal SSBCI funding, to help startups access capital. OCAST also powers the Oklahoma Commercialization Network (OCN), a statewide resource connecting startups with essential support. Programs like the Oklahoma Innovation Expansion Program and support from the Small Business Administration (SBA) further contribute to a thriving environment for new businesses. These combined resources help businesses launch, grow, and succeed in Oklahoma City.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Oklahoma City. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Oklahoma City Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Oklahoma City provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Oklahoma City presents a mixed landscape for startups. While often cited for its low cost of living and doing business compared to major tech hubs, which provides a longer financial runway for startups, competition exists within its growing ecosystem, particularly in key sectors like technology, healthcare, and energy. Navigating regulatory compliance, including business formation, contracts, and industry-specific rules, can also pose challenges for new ventures, requiring careful attention to legal requirements. However, the city is actively working to support entrepreneurs through various resources and initiatives.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Oklahoma City or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Oklahoma City offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash