Is Tulsa 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.

Tulsa 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 Tulsa 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 Tulsa

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Tulsa 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.

Tulsa's early-stage funding landscape is evolving, supported by local initiatives and investors. Notable players include Atento Capital, an early-stage VC firm, and SeedStep Angels, an angel network focused on Oklahoma startups. Government support is also present, with Tulsa Innovation Labs leading efforts that have secured significant federal grants for tech sectors like advanced mobility. Programs like ACT Tulsa and W.E. Build specifically aim to address funding disparities for Black, Latino, and women founders. Despite these resources, a challenge remains in the seed-stage funding gap and ensuring entrepreneurs are aware of available support. While Oklahoma has seen growth in VC, access to early-stage, pre-Series A capital is noted as a need.

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  

Tulsa 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.

Tulsa has a growing startup and innovation culture with significant entrepreneurial activity. The city has numerous coworking spaces like 36 Degrees North, Catalyst Coworking, and The Root, fostering a collaborative environment. Tech events and meetups, such as those organized by Techlahoma and Startup Grind, are regular occurrences, providing networking and learning opportunities. The ecosystem actively supports early-stage founders through various programs. Initiatives like ACT Tulsa and Build in Tulsa Techstars Accelerator specifically target underrepresented entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, and tailored programming. The University of Tulsa's new Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship also aims to cultivate and seed-fund student and alumni startups with hands-on support and mentorship. While there are standardized programs, there's a clear focus on providing personalized support and equitable opportunities for diverse early-stage ventures.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Tulsa 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 Tulsa, 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 Tulsa 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.

Tulsa has a growing talent pool for startups, supported by various educational institutions like the University of Tulsa and Oral Roberts University, which offer relevant programs including entrepreneurship and business. Tulsa Community College and career tech centers also provide industry-specific training in areas like IT, manufacturing, and healthcare. The city has a workforce skilled in technology, production, cybersecurity, networking, and autonomous technology. Organizations like Tulsa Innovation Labs and inTulsa actively work to attract and connect talent with startups, fostering entrepreneurial growth. The presence of incubators and accelerators further supports the ecosystem.

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 Tulsa 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

Tulsa 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.

Tulsa offers a robust ecosystem for startups, featuring numerous support systems and infrastructure. These include a dozen co-working spaces, various business incubators like 36 Degrees North and The Forge, and accelerators such as Techstars, ACT Tulsa, and iStart, providing mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. Funding is accessible through diverse sources including seed funding, venture capital firms like Atento Capital, and angel investments. Government initiatives play a significant role. The City of Tulsa offers small business loans through TEDC Creative Capital. PartnerTulsa supports economic development with tools for business growth. The Tulsa Tech Hub, backed by a $51 million federal investment, aims to make the city a leader in autonomous systems, supporting related startups. Programs like the Oklahoma Small Employer Quality Jobs Program also provide incentives. These combined resources help startups access capital, gain expertise, and navigate growth challenges.

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 Tulsa. 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 Tulsa Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Tulsa 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.

Entrepreneurs launching startups in Tulsa may encounter several challenges. While Tulsa boasts a lower cost of living compared to major tech hubs, which can be appealing, navigating the competitive landscape requires a strong value proposition. Regulatory issues can also pose hurdles; for instance, municipal permitting processes have historically been noted as opaque, although the city has made efforts to improve this with online portals. Immigrant entrepreneurs, in particular, may face difficulties with understanding these processes and qualifying for traditional loans. Despite a growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and increased resources, awareness and navigation of available support can still be challenging for many founders.

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 Tulsa or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Tulsa 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