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 key hires and the start of exciting projects that will drive American innovation and build community.
Read on for the latest insights.
Seasoned biotech executive appointed CEO of Wheeler Bio
Our platform company Wheeler Bio recently welcomed Patrick Lucy as Chief Executive Officer.
An industry veteran: Patrick is a remarkable leader with exceptional instincts, sharp business acumen, and decades of diverse experience in the industry. With a proven track record, he has overseen numerous company milestones and driven significant growth.
Why it matters: His fresh perspective will be vital in shaping Wheeler’s long-term vision and positioning the company for great success in the future, including planned build-out at Convergence to further scale production.
In turn, his leadership will help solidify Oklahoma City as a hub that fosters and unlocks American innovation in drug discovery and development.
What they’re saying:
I am honored to join Wheeler Bio at such a pivotal time. Jesse and the entire Wheeler team have built a strong scientific foundation, and I am excited to lead Wheeler into the future with the support of our investors. I am confident that Wheeler and the Oklahoma biotechnology ecosystem are well-positioned to support both clinical and commercial-stage biotechnology production, establishing it as the next major biotechnology cluster in the United States.
Patrick Lucy, CEO of Wheeler Bio
Go deeper: Read the full announcement here.
Shaping the future of pro soccer in OKC
Exciting plans are underway and key partnerships are taking shape for a development that will add to the vibrancy of downtown OKC and deliver a world-class entertainment experience for the community and broader region.
Catch me up: As the majority owner of OKC’s professional soccer club, Echo is driving the movement to reimagine professional soccer and develop a multipurpose stadium that will be a hub for a variety of entertainment activities.
With the club on hiatus and to inform efforts with soccer specifically, we launched a brand review and announced inclusion of a women’s team as part of the club’s future.
At the heart of the OKC for Soccer | OKC es Fútbol movement is the goal of creating a world-class professional soccer club that resonates locally and internationally and promotes both gender and cultural equity.
Community driven: To help us shape a truly representative vision for the club, we established an advisory committee comprised of 33 influential civic, business, sports, and cultural leaders from key corners of our region.
Top talent: With more than 20 years in the professional sports industry, Court Jeske is leading the charge with all of these initiatives.
Prior to joining Echo in August, he held senior roles at U.S. Soccer, Major League Soccer (MLS), Nashville Soccer Club, and United Soccer Leagues (USL). Most recently, while at USL, he accelerated the organization’s growth through landmark deals across media, sponsorships, and various strategic partnerships.
What they’re saying:
As we work to build the very best soccer club for Oklahoma City, we are committed to a holistic approach that is guided by community input and feedback every step of the way.
Court Jeske, Partner, Echo
Join the movement: Visit OKCforSoccer.com to learn more.
Recap of company milestones
During the last quarter, several milestones were achieved across our portfolio of strategic investments, including…
- Cell X Technologies announced a collaboration and licensing agreement with Aspen Neuroscience to support automated clinical solutions.
- Firehawk Aerospace entered a partnership with the U.S. Army to advance new rocket technology.
- Resilience secured $17.5 million in new funding to support pharmaceutical production.
- Wheeler Bio announced a strategic licensing agreement to create more flexibility for customers in the pharmaceutical development process.
- Wilder Systems secured a $30 million contract with the U.S. Air Force to provide a suite of autonomous capabilities for its aircraft operations and maintenance.
- Luna Physical Therapy celebrated its one millionth in-home patient visit since launching its virtual PT platform in 2019.