Echo

It's finally official! OKC will be the destination for canoe slalom and women's softball in the LA28 Games. That's right. The OLYMPICS! Congratulations to all involved in shepherding this incredible opportunity for our community to welcome the world's best athletes and for our world-class sporting venues to shine on the prestigious international Olympic stage.

At Germin8 Ventures, we invest in companies that don't just participate in industries, but they redefine industries, and Wheeler Bio, Inc. is doing just that in biologics manufacturing. Out of America's heartland in Oklahoma City, Wheeler is compressing the gene-to-GMP timeline from years to months, transforming biomanufacturing from a bottleneck into a catalyst for breakthrough therapies. Its modular approach, cutting-edge analytical tools, and strategic partnerships position it as a game-changer in the rapidly growing CDMO space. Much like our work in food and agriculture, where we prioritize scalable solutions that rewire supply chains for better health and productivity, Wheeler is reshaping biotech value chains with speed, flexibility, and efficiency. With strong regulatory tailwinds, increasing demand for domestic manufacturing, and a best-in-class team, we’re thrilled to back Wheeler Bio as it accelerates innovation and expands access to life-changing therapies. Additionally, Wheeler is an insightful example for opportunities at the convergence of Food and Health—just as a systems-based approach is essential to link scientific breakthroughs with practical production and distribution of therapies, innovations in nutrient density, microbiome science and functional ingredients must move efficiently from research to real-world application, ensuring they reach consumers at scale. Under the expert leadership of Wheeler Bio CEO Patrick Lucy, and partnered with Echo (Christian Kanady and Christine Urquhart), Alloy Therapeutics, Inc. (Errik Anderson), Mitsubishi Corporation, and Russell Westbrook Enterprises (Russell Westbrook), Wheeler Bio is on path to be a company of major positive consequence. #biotech #frontierscience #infrastructure #supplychaintransformation #sonsofthemidwest

Incredibly proud to announce that Russell Westbrook Enterprises is investing in Wheeler Bio, Inc.! Wheeler Bio is changing the game in the global biopharma supply chain with its Modular CMC platform, helping therapies move from the lab to patients faster and more efficiently. This investment will drive Wheeler’s growth, including a 52,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility and a biomanufacturing training center in the heart of Oklahoma City—strengthening the U.S.’s role in global drug development. Investing in OKC while helping to solve critical challenges in the global supply chain makes this even more meaningful. Excited to partner with Christian Kanady and Echo to support Wheeler’s mission and future impact! 🖇️ https://lnkd.in/gdNuMZKM Russell Westbrook Donnell Beverly Jr Alloy Therapeutics, Inc. Mitsubishi Corporation Germin8 Ventures

Big news! Echo and Christian Kanady, as a proud co-founder of Wheeler Bio, Inc., are excited to lead an oversubscribed Series A-1 financing round alongside Alloy Therapeutics, Inc., Russell Westbrook Enterprises, Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas), Germin8 Ventures, and others. Wheeler Bio is transforming the global biopharma supply chain — accelerating drug development and helping life-saving therapies reach patients faster. This investment will drive new growth, including a 52,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility and a biomanufacturing training center in OKC — strengthening the U.S.’s position in global drug production. Proud to partner with this incredible group to fuel Wheeler’s next chapter of growth and innovation!

Creating connectivity, building community, and further transforming downtown OKC through public-private partnership are key tenets of this core Echo project. We're proud to collaborate with the City of Oklahoma City and MAPS 4 in delivering a world-class stadium that will anchor the new entertainment district we're planning with Robinson Park. As a connecting link within our evolving downtown, the area is poised to become a hub for professional soccer and other sports & entertainment activity while creating a vibrant new gathering place for our community. 🏟️ Read more and get EXCITED here: https://lnkd.in/gedgcWw5

Listening to the community has been central to our OKC For Soccer initiative since day one. As part of the ongoing movement to reimagine pro soccer in OKC and after receiving thousands of community ideas from our "Name the Team" campaign, the TOP 5 contenders have been revealed! Continue to have a say in shaping the club's future brand. Weigh in and tell us what you think HERE: https://lnkd.in/dybDWggX The very brief survey will be open through Monday, March 24.

Tomorrow, our community will gather to remember the incredible life of Gene Rainbolt, who influenced numerous lives in Oklahoma and beyond. His profound impact and legacy extends to our founder Christian Kanady, who recently shared the following personal tribute: H.E. “Gene” Rainbolt was not just an Oklahoman titan who forever changed banking and financing regionally. He was a friend and mentor to many, and I was fortunate to be one of them. I will miss him. Known for his brilliant business mind, he was also a dreamer, constantly dreaming big for all citizens of the Sooner State. He dedicated his life to enriching lives through his passion for better education and pathways to economic mobility, which is traditionally not very banker-like. I will remember the many times he hosted me at his home, where the coffee was bland but the conversation was electric. Through Gene’s uncanny ability to drop "wisdom bombs" as we chatted about business, politics, family, and humor, I learned to be a better human. As we continue to honor his incredible legacy and transformative leadership, all of us at Echo extend our heartfelt condolences to the Rainbolt family, especially David and Leslie. Gene’s spirit will continue to inspire us, and we intend to honor his life by helping to make his dream a reality. *At the link below, read additional words from others inspired by Gene's leadership and mentorship.*

Watch, share, and get HYPED for pro soccer and the growth of sports & entertainment in downtown OKC! ⚽ #OKCforSoccer #OKCesFútbol

Yesterday, we joined with area leaders, partners, and supporters to commemorate the site of the MAPS 4 multipurpose stadium in a unique way...with a flag raising! Now until the stadium is completed in 2027, a flagpole viewable to drivers along I-40 will carry various emblems – starting with rotating OKC For Soccer and OKC es Fútbol flags – to build continued excitement around the future home for pro soccer and the growth of sports & entertainment in downtown Oklahoma City. We're honored to partner with Mayor David Holt, the City of Oklahoma City, and MAPS 4 in delivering what will be yet another world-class asset that transforms, connects, and adds to the vibrancy of our thriving downtown. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gP2ZqUrV

Oklahoma City has seen incredible growth over the last three decades, and momentum continues to build as a result of close-knit, public-private partnerships that are driving significant investment and citywide development. During an in-depth discussion organized by The Oklahoman held at OKCMOA, our own Christian Kanady shared his vision and perspective on projects that are transforming the city, adding to the vibrancy of downtown, strengthening community, and creating opportunity. At Echo, we’re proud that includes our partnership in Convergence OKC and development of the future MAPS 4 multipurpose stadium that will be home to pro soccer and anchor a new downtown entertainment district. Read a full recap from the panel, which also featured Mark Beffort (Robinson Park) and Richard Tanenbaum (Gardner Tanenbaum), at the link below. ⬇️