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i2E, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit Oklahoma corporation focused on wealth creation by growing the technology-based entrepreneurial economy. Originally founded as the Oklahoma Technology Development Corporation in September 1997, i2E operates several programs. Since 1998, hundreds of innovative Oklahoma entrepreneurs have secured make-or-break financing through the Technology Business Finance Program (TBFP), a state-funded program that has been recognized both nationally and internationally as a model of best practices. The program is funded by the state legislature to specifically address early stage capital needs of technology-based businesses. Over $15 million in funding from i2E's Concept Fund and the Oklahoma Seed Capital Fund has helped Oklahoma companies attract more than $440 million in subsequent investment. Created in 2007, Oklahoma Seed Capital Fund (OSCF) is a venture capital fund that provides seed and start-up stage equity financing to small, technology-based Oklahoma companies. OSCF looks and operates like a conventional venture fund with the specific goal of furthering economic activity and success in the state by bridging the early stage funding gap between personal sources and traditional sources of venture capital. Concept investments typically range from $50,000 to $200,000 and require participating co-investors. Seed investments are typically less than $500,000 and also require co-investors. Recently, a collaboration among i2E, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, and the U.S. Treasury Department has created three investment funds totaling $13.2 million. This $13.2 million initiative is being launched under the name Accelerate Oklahoma! and includes the StartOK Accelerator Fund, aimed to accelerate emerging growth businesses showing potential for new products to market and increase private capital; the Oklahoma Angel Sidecar Fund, which will invest alongside angel groups and investors in innovative startups; and the GrowOK Fund that will target later stage companies in need of capital for expansion. i2E expects the three funds to attract up to $130 million in follow-on private capital in Oklahoma companies that receive investment through Accelerate Oklahoma! With nearly $64 million of investment capital under management, i2E is focused on serving Oklahoma companies in all phases of the business life cycle, from startups looking for their first round of capital to established businesses seeking funding to expand their markets or products. 186 companies have been funded.
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