University of Tulsa's Hurricane Ventures Invests in Innovative Start-ups Percipio Health and Prelude

University of Tulsa's Venture Push in Innovation

The University of Tulsa's Hurricane Ventures recently announced a strategic investment in two promising start-ups: Percipio Health, an AI-driven platform focused on population health monitoring, and Prelude, a digital solution designed to modernize the pre-need funeral planning process. This move is part of Hurricane Ventures' mission to back innovative thinkers and entrepreneurs reshaping their respective industries.

Supporting Groundbreaking Innovations

According to Chris Wright, the director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at UTulsa, Hurricane Ventures was established to foster the growth of visionary companies like Percipio Health and Prelude. These start-ups embody the kind of innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit that the university champions. The recent investments underline Hurricane Ventures' commitment to nurturing founders who are poised to make a significant impact in their fields.

Launched in April 2023, Hurricane Ventures has been actively investing in early-stage companies that benefit from strategic connections with the university. By leveraging UTulsa's extensive knowledge network and resources, the fund aims to propel the success of its portfolio companies. Through collaborations with the Collins College of Business and the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Hurricane Ventures is playing a critical role in enhancing UTulsa's innovation ecosystem while driving economic growth in the Tulsa region.

Introducing Percipio Health

Percipio Health is making strides with its AI-powered population health monitoring platform. The pioneering technology enables healthcare providers to gather and analyze a variety of health indicators through a simple smartphone interface, thereby reaching wider segments of the population at substantially reduced costs. The absence of specialized medical monitoring devices means the system can be scaled rapidly across different risk categories. With this innovation, healthcare providers are better equipped to proactively manage high-risk populations by leveraging multiple health signals, which include vision-based AI biomarkers for vital signs and vocal AI biomarkers for cognitive health assessments.

Percipio Health is collaborating with Oxley College of Health and Natural Sciences at UTulsa to conduct annual research projects involving faculty and students, underscoring the start-up's dedication to merging educational initiatives with healthcare advancements.

Prelude's Modern Approach to Funeral Planning

Prelude, emerging from the Tulsa-based venture studio 19days, is transforming the often-overlooked area of pre-need funeral planning. Co-founded by a UTulsa instructor and alumnus, Prelude aims to streamline the experience of arranging funeral plans. By creating a user-friendly interface that connects funeral homes, consumers, and insurance providers, Prelude simplifies both planning and payment processes. This modernized approach not only makes it easier for families to arrange pre-need plans but also aids funeral homes in increasing their pre-need revenue.

Under the leadership of CEO Kris Yee, who previously held roles at Gitwit and Gabbart Communications, Prelude seeks to redefine planning as a thoughtful and caring gesture, enhancing the overall user experience while boosting profitability for funeral homes.

Growing Momentum in Tulsa's Innovation Scene

Hurricane Ventures' portfolio has recently crossed an impressive milestone, raising over $40 million in total capital, which showcases the rising momentum of the University of Tulsa and the broader Tulsa innovation ecosystem. Investors and entrepreneurs alike are taking notice of the dynamic environment that is fostering new technologies and solutions capable of making substantial societal contributions.

As Hurricane Ventures continues to invest in the fresh ideas emanating from UTulsa, both Percipio Health and Prelude are set to pave the way for innovative practices that not only address pressing societal needs but also reflect the university's enduring legacy in nurturing entrepreneurial talent and innovation.