Welcome to Echo Amplified, where we revisit the latest from our portfolio companies, highlight new investments in cutting-edge ideas, and share other recent updates from the EchoSystem.
The last few months included major news that will drive considerable investments in the future. Read on for the latest insights.
Landmark asset sale closed with Sixth Street
Last month, Echo closed with Sixth Street on a significant sale involving a portion of our mineral and royalty interests in the Permian and Anadarko basins – a move that will fuel bold new investments and developments.
What they’re saying:
The significant sale of our world-class mineral asset marks the start of a new era for Echo. While energy remains a core focus of our strategy, we look forward to unlocking and advancing American innovation by making transformative investments in high-growth industries going through massive technological disruption.
Go deeper: Read the full announcement here.
Twisters touches down in Oklahoma, takes box office by storm nationwide
Twisters, the most anticipated summer blockbuster, has finally arrived at the box office! Over the weekend, the movie debuted as the top film in North America and best opening ever for a disaster film.
Back where it all began: Filmed across Oklahoma and in partnership with our platform company Prairie Surf, the follow-up to the 1996 hit thriller once again highlights a unique piece of history associated with the state.
To celebrate the release of the film, several members of the cast and crew recently returned to downtown OKC for a special red carpet event and advance screening.
Oklahoma film on the rise: The premiere of Twisters showcases the state’s role as a valuable collaborator and partner in the film industry nationwide.
In an insightful new op-ed, Prairie Surf’s Matt Payne offers a great overview of the key partnerships that have enabled the film industry to thrive and attracted more and more productions to the state.
Echo becomes majority owner of Energy FC
Echo recently expanded its portfolio of media & entertainment investments with the addition of OKC Energy FC.
Catch me up: As the newly established majority owner of Oklahoma City’s professional soccer club, we look forward to elevating the team to new heights and further advancing the sport in the coming years.
What they’re saying:
By having the vision to establish the Energy FC franchise, Bob Funk Jr. and Tim McLaughlin created a virtual turn-key opportunity for professional soccer to thrive in OKC. With the sport’s popularity exploding in this country, we are excited to own another high-quality asset in Echo’s portfolio while positioning OKC as a player in the next chapter of this internationally loved sport.
Met with excitement: The announcement received noteworthy coverage and interest from local and national media, community leaders such as OKC Mayor David Holt, and soccer fans alike. This included an exclusive feature in The Oklahoman.
New investment in Antheia
Echo was proud to recently add Antheia to our portfolio of strategic investments.
Why it matters: Led by the brilliant Dr. Christina Smolke, Antheia is pioneering biotechnology that is changing the outlook for security and resiliency of our biopharmaceutical supply chains.
What they’re saying:
Biotechnology has a critical role to play in U.S. national and economic security. With the support of both the public and private sectors, we can leverage this technology to bolster essential medicine production in the U.S., with an agile, scalable biomanufacturing approach that leapfrogs existing pharmaceutical manufacturing practices.
Go deeper: Learn more about Antheia’s disruptive innovation and groundbreaking technologies here.
Sandino discusses community development
Sandino Thompson recently joined “This is Oklahoma,” a podcast that highlights the people who make Oklahoma an interesting place to live, work, and play.
A boomerang story: With deep roots in Oklahoma spanning generations and a fascinating journey that led him away and then drew him back again, the conversation with host Mike Hearne delves into it all, including Sandino’s current role at Echo leading our Impact strategy to build and empower underserved communities.
🎧 Listen here!