L-17 Capital Venture Studio logo – Oklahoma venture capital, innovation, and strategic partnerships.

Think-Tank-to-Execution

Turning High-Impact Ideas into Thriving Companies in Oklahoma

The Challenge

Oklahoma doesn’t lack ideas, capital, or technology. What’s missing is the hard work of execution—turning enduring innovations into local realities.

Our Answer

Think-Tank-to-Execution (TM) model—where big ideas are sharpened by the brightest minds and advanced through an uncommon network of leaders dedicated to Oklahoma’s future. Aligning capital, operations and a relentless commitment to Oklahoma we build legacy’s worth starting today.

Join The Movement

Be the first to hear about Ventures,
Investment Opportunities, and impact in Oklahoma

Purpose Driven Ventures

Mission

Vision

Uniquely Oklahoman, we launch companies that align profit with purpose, tackling our most pressing challenges in healthcare, housing, and energy.

We build scalable ventures that merge disciplined capital with human-centered design to transform Oklahoma’s future economy.

To be the most trusted venture studio in the Midwest, proving that innovation can deliver both top-tier returns and enduring civic impact.

Green Light Committee logo for L-17 Capital Venture Studio – leadership board symbol with green approval button representing venture governance, innovation, and strategic partnerships.

Our independent council of leaders safeguards mission integrity and approves only ventures with high impact and strong returns

“Because the future doesn’t build itself; we create ventures that turn the boldest ideas into lasting impact.”

— AARON DIEHL, CEO & Co-Founder
L-17 Capital Venture Studio

Investor First Model

Designed for transparency and growth — from first pitch to market success, we protect capital and accelerate returns. We invest in long-term sustainable ventures delivering profit with purpose

Think-Tank-to -Execution

Designed for transparency and growth — from first pitch to market success, we protect capital and accelerate returns. We invest in long-term sustainable ventures delivering profit with purpose

A top-down view of a business meeting with six people working at a table with laptops, documents, charts, and office supplies.

The Studio Approach

Designed for transparency and growth — from first pitch to market success, we protect capital and accelerate returns. We invest in long-term sustainable ventures delivering profit with purpose

Meet the Founders

L-17 Capital Venture Studio was founded by alumni of
Leadership Oklahoma City LOYAL Class XVII… the best class ever!

Our journey began with a shared commitment to impact-driven leadership, and it continues today with a mission to turn high-potential ideas into ventures that strengthen Oklahoma’s future.

Aaron Diehl in Oklahoma City A smiling man with glasses and a beard, dressed in a dark suit, white shirt, and blue striped tie, posing in front of a blurred cityscape background.
Donald Darais in Oklahoma City man with short dark hair, blue eyes, and light skin smiling, dressed in a gray suit, white shirt, and blue tie, standing in front of a brick wall.

Aaron Diehl

Mario Franklin - A man wearing a gray suit, black shirt, and red tie taking a selfie at an event with a backdrop that says "Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence" and balloons in gold, cream, and green in the background.

Don Darais

Dr. Mark Dimiski a pediatric Hospitalist - A smiling man with a beard and a checkered shirt standing in front of a rocky background.

Mario Franklin

Jim John Esq. A man in a suit with dark hair and brown eyes standing inside a wooden arched hallway.

Mark Dimski, MD

Nathan Cook - A young man with blond hair wearing a suit and a light blue shirt, smiling at the camera against a light-colored background.

Jim John, Esq.

Nathan Cook

Black and white MRI scan of a brain showing two profiles facing each other of a mother and her child
Logo for the Pediatric Imaging Center of Oklahoma

Featured Venture

Children across Oklahoma are waiting too long for answers. A three-month backlog for diagnostic imaging in December 2023 grew to seven months by June 2024, and by July 2025, families now face delays of over eleven months. These aren’t just numbers—they represent delayed treatments and unnecessary stress for children and parents.

PICO is built to change that, deploying technology on par with St. Jude Children’s Hospital to deliver faster, safer, and more accurate results:

  • 50% Faster Scans – reducing wait times dramatically

  • 60% Greater Resolution – sharper images, earlier detection

  • 80% Reduction in Sedation – safer for children

  • Needleless Contrast – less invasive, more comfortable

  • Enhanced Cardiac Diagnostics – precision for complex cases

  • Lowest Dose Radiation on the Market – safer long-term outcomes

PICO is more than a medical center—it’s a lifeline for Oklahoma’s children.

Contact Us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!