About

Startup OU is an entrepreneurship hub that fosters and champions the next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators, and emerging workforce. Our organization serves as an entry point into the University of Oklahoma, state, and regional startup ecosystems; a connection point for startup founders and university resources and talent; and a launch point for university-affiliated and community startups into the state and regional economies.

Launched in early 2021, Startup OU has grown from a single consulting program to a hub of entrepreneurial activity, offering a number of launch programs, community initiatives, startup competitions and events designed to help kickstart the entrepreneurial journey. Whether someone is interested in acquiring new skills, exploring an idea, joining a startup or founding a company, Startup OU is the starting point.

Our organization serves early-stage entrepreneurs and startup workforce across the central Oklahoma region, offering programs in venture creation and development, research and technology commercialization, workforce development, entrepreneurial ecosystem development, and venture capitalization.

Since launching in January 2021, Startup OU has supported nearly 60 startup projects, with more than 40 supported projects transitioning to active startups—nearly 30 of which remain engaged with and currently receive services through Startup OU—and creating more than 160 jobs* in the surrounding economy.

*Startup OU defines "jobs" to include part- and full-time positions within a company compensated through equity arrangements and/or capital. Under this framework, created jobs may include:

• startup founder and cofounder positions, whether receiving payment through the company or otherwise; 
• equity-based employment without salary compensation; 
• salary-based employment without equity compensation; 
• a combination of equity- and salary-based employment; and 
• independent contractors compensated in equity, capital, or other valuable consideration as agreed between the company and the contractor.

Additionally, Startup OU's portfolio of startups has secured nearly $3,000,000 in seed capital via government grants, private grants, personal or private loans, angel capital, and/or venture capital, either during or after their involvement with the organization.

If you have any questions about Startup OU or any of our opportunities, please contact us by email at startups@ou.edu or by phone at (405) 325-7808.