The University of Tulsa and Hurricane Ventures have announced two new start-up investments: Percipio Health, an artificial intelligence-powered population health monitoring platform, and Prelude, a digital solution modernizing preneed funeral planning.
“Hurricane Ventures was created to support groundbreaking companies like Percipio Health and Prelude, both of which exemplify the kind of innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit we champion at The University of Tulsa. These investments reflect their commitment to backing visionary founders who are transforming their industries and creating meaningful impact,” said Chris Wright, director of UTulsa’s Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
Launched in April 2023, Hurricane Ventures invests in early-stage companies with strategic connections to the university. The fund leverages UTulsa’s knowledge network and resources to drive success across its portfolio. Through the Collins College of Business and Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Hurricane Ventures advances UTulsa’s innovation ecosystem and drives economic growth across the region.
Percipio Health
Percipio Health recently launched its population health monitoring platform, powered by AI and scalable across rising and high-risk categories. The revolutionary platform collects and analyzes multiple health signals via smartphone, without medical monitoring devices, to reach broader populations at lower costs, while reducing risk and advancing value-based care. The technology empowers health care providers and payers to proactively manage high-risk populations by analyzing multiple health signals, including vision-based AI biomarkers for vital signs and medication monitoring, combined with vocal AI biomarkers for brain health assessments, among others.
“As a native Tulsan, I am thrilled that Hurricane Ventures is joining our mission to elevate clinicians with advanced tools to enhance care for underserved Oklahomans,” said Eric Rock, CEO and co-founder. Rock and co-founder David Lucas bring a history of successful health care exits to their latest venture. The duo previously led Vivify Health, a remote patient monitoring platform acquired by UnitedHealth Group’s Optum division in 2019, and MEDHOST, an emergency department medical records and workflow solution acquired by HealthTech Holdings in 2010. Percipio Health is partnering with UTulsa’s Oxley College of Health & Natural Sciences on annual research projects with faculty and students.
Prelude
Prelude, launched from the Tulsa-based venture studio 19days, which was co-founded by UTulsa instructor Dan Fisher and alumnus Jacob Johnson, along with managing partner Joey Wignarajah, modernizes the preneed funeral planning experience. By connecting funeral homes, consumers, and insurance carriers through its user-friendly interface, Prelude streamlines planning and payment, making it simple for families to arrange preneed funeral plans.
Led by CEO Kris Yee, formerly of Gitwit and Gabbart Communications, Prelude reimagines planning as a thoughtful gift and helps funeral homes boost preneed revenue. By partnering with Prelude, funeral homes can offer families a personalized experience while enhancing their bottom line.
“We understand the demands placed on funeral directors,” Yee said. “We created Prelude to be a transformative tool for everyone involved.”
Hurricane Ventures
Across its growing portfolio, Hurricane Ventures’ portfolio companies recently surpassed $40 million in total capital raised, demonstrating the momentum of The University of Tulsa and the greater Tulsa innovation ecosystem.
“We continue to be impressed by the deal flow associated with the UTulsa community. Both Percipio and Prelude bring high quality digital products to the market and have been well received by customers. We’ll continue to provide friendly capital through Hurricane Ventures to outstanding founders with high growth opportunities where we have the ability to leverage the university network to help founders succeed,” said Tracy Poole, founder of FortySix Venture Capital LLC (46VC), investment manager to Hurricane Ventures.
Hurricane Ventures is a collaborative venture between 46VC and The University of Tulsa. Hurricane Ventures invests in early-stage, high-growth companies led by University of Tulsa students, employees, alumni, and strategic partners. Leveraging the university’s resources, alumni network, and expertise, Hurricane Ventures aims to support visionary founders in launching and scaling new ventures. The fund embraces a sector-agnostic approach while prioritizing the sectors where the university has demonstrated expertise. For more information, please visit hurricanevc.com