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Plains Ventures is a venture capital firm founded over 20 years ago in Oklahoma. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage companies, particularly in the Seed and Series A funding stages. Plains Ventures aims to support entrepreneurs and innovative ideas that emerge outside of traditional coastal markets, focusing on fostering growth in the Great Plains region.
Currently, Plains Ventures manages a diverse portfolio and has a team of experienced professionals dedicated to identifying and nurturing promising startups. The firm operates from two office locations: Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Oklahoma. Plains Ventures emphasizes its commitment to the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance and resources to help companies thrive.
Over the years, Plains Ventures has established itself as a key player in the regional venture capital landscape, with a focus on sectors such as biotech, healthcare, advanced materials, and IoT. The firm continues to evolve, adapting its strategies to meet the needs of the startups it supports.
Plains Ventures invests in a variety of sectors, including biotech, healthcare, advanced materials, IoT, software, life sciences, and manufacturing. The firm typically provides capital ranging from $250,000 to $1 million, targeting pre-seed, seed, and Series A funding rounds. This investment strategy emphasizes not only financial support but also guidance and resources to help companies grow and succeed.
The firm seeks to partner with entrepreneurs who demonstrate strong leadership and innovative ideas, particularly those emerging from non-coastal markets. Plains Ventures values companies that are addressing significant challenges within their industries and are poised for growth. Their investment approach includes a focus on providing strategic guidance, operational support, and access to a network of resources that can facilitate the development of their portfolio companies.
Plains Ventures has a diverse portfolio of notable companies, including:
In addition to these notable companies, Plains Ventures has active investments in other sectors, including IoT, healthcare, and diagnostics, with companies such as Whisker.IO, Deka Biosciences, and Progentec Diagnostics. This diverse portfolio reflects the firm's commitment to supporting innovative ideas across various industries.
Justin Wilson: President & Managing Director. Justin has extensive experience in venture capital and has led numerous successful investments in early-stage companies.
Ryan Cargill: Vice President & Director of Investor Relations. Ryan holds a CFA designation and has a strong background in finance and investor relations.
Shannon Carr: Vice President of Marketing & Communications. Shannon brings expertise in marketing strategies and communications within the venture capital space.
Cindy Henson: Senior Underwriter & Investment Compliance Officer. Cindy ensures compliance with investment regulations and manages risk assessment processes.
Matt Hickman: Investment Principal. Matt has a track record of identifying promising startups and managing investment portfolios.
Shaun O'Fair: Senior Associate, Portfolio Management. Shaun focuses on supporting portfolio companies and optimizing their growth strategies.
Michael J. Rohleder: Principal, Portfolio Management. Michael has significant experience in managing investments and providing strategic guidance to startups.
To pitch Plains Ventures, startups should use the contact form available on their website at plainsvc.com/contact/. It is recommended to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market analysis, competitive landscape, and financial projections. Founders should also provide information about their team and any traction achieved thus far.
Response times may vary, but startups can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are preferred, but cold pitches are also accepted through the website.
On March 17, 2026, Plains Ventures published a blog post titled "Built for the Long Term: Plains’ Experience and Momentum in 2026," highlighting their ongoing engagement and thought leadership within the venture capital space. This post reflects their commitment to sharing insights and updates about their investment strategies and portfolio developments.
Recently, Plains Ventures has been actively involved in discussions regarding investment opportunities in the Great Plains region, emphasizing their focus on supporting local entrepreneurs and innovative ideas.
What are Plains Ventures' investment criteria?
Plains Ventures focuses on early-stage companies in sectors such as biotech, healthcare, advanced materials, and IoT. They typically invest in pre-seed, seed, and Series A rounds, providing capital ranging from $250,000 to $1 million.
How can startups apply or pitch to Plains Ventures?
Startups can pitch to Plains Ventures through their website at plainsvc.com/contact/. They encourage entrepreneurs to provide detailed information about their business model, market opportunity, and team.
What makes Plains Ventures different from other venture capital firms?
Plains Ventures distinguishes itself by focusing on early-stage investments outside traditional coastal markets. They emphasize supporting innovative ideas and entrepreneurs in the Great Plains region, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance and resources.
What is the geographic scope of Plains Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in the United States, with a specific focus on the Great Plains region. They aim to support local entrepreneurs and foster growth in underserved markets.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Plains Ventures have?
Plains Ventures actively engages with its portfolio companies, offering strategic guidance, operational support, and access to resources that facilitate growth. They aim to build strong relationships with founders to help them navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Plains Ventures typically invests between $250,000 and $1 million in their portfolio companies, depending on the stage and needs of the business.
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