Hurricane Ventures and University of Tulsa Invest in Tobe Energy's Innovative Hydrogen Production

In a significant move towards clean energy innovation, the University of Tulsa together with Hurricane Ventures has officially announced an investment in Tobe Energy. This pioneering startup, co-founded by University alumni Colby DeWeese and Caleb Lareau, is making waves in the field of hydrogen production through its groundbreaking approach to electrolysis.

Founded in April 2023, Tobe Energy aims to change the landscape of hydrogen generation by developing new electrolyzer technology. This device is designed to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, facilitating the production of clean hydrogen with minimal emissions. The outlook of Tobe Energy is particularly striking as it seeks to drive down the costs of hydrogen production by as much as 75%, thus making it more accessible on a global scale.

Chris Wright, the director of UTulsa's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, expressed pride in the alumni's endeavors, stating, "We are proud to see our UTulsa alumni leading the charge in clean energy transition. Hurricane Ventures was created to be a catalyst for exactly this kind of entrepreneurial success." This investment underscores the commitment of both UTulsa and Hurricane Ventures to foster innovation while tackling the pressing issue of climate change.

Hurricane Ventures, known for investing in early-stage companies connected to the university, leverages a valuable network of resources and knowledge to propel its portfolio companies toward success. As the latest beneficiary of this initiative, Tobe Energy stands to gain not just financial backing, but also access to the vast support system offered by the university's Collins College of Business and the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

This investment is particularly timely given the increasing global focus on a low-carbon economy and sustainable energy solutions. Tobe Energy's membrane-free electrolyzer technology simplifies hydrogen production, reducing waste heat and making the technology scalable for use in prominent industries such as energy, transportation, and manufacturing.

Colby DeWeese, who serves as the CEO of Tobe Energy, brings extensive experience to the new venture, having successfully led over $75 million in energy infrastructure projects in the past. His co-founder, Caleb Lareau, pairs a strong academic background with entrepreneurial acumen, having previously co-founded Cartography Biosciences, a company specializing in precision therapeutics that successfully acquired over $50 million in funding.

DeWeese remarked on the advantages of launching such projects in Oklahoma, highlighting the local venture capital landscape and the support from the university: "Our mission is simple but ambitious - make hydrogen production so efficient and affordable that it drives the transition to a low-carbon economy. With Hurricane Ventures behind us, we're one step closer to turning breakthrough technology into real-world impact."

The investment marks Tobe Energy as the eleventh company to receive funding from Hurricane Ventures, cementing the commitment of the University of Tulsa and its affiliates to advance clean energy solutions. As the momentum builds, the vision for a sustainable future through innovative technologies gets closer to becoming a reality.

In summary, the partnership between UTulsa, Hurricane Ventures, and Tobe Energy not only represents a milestone for all parties involved but also contributes to the larger narrative of the transition to renewable energy and the imperative for sustainable practices in the face of climate challenges. The journey towards a cleaner and more efficient future is being propelled by the entrepreneurial spirit and innovative minds emerging from institutions like UTulsa.