NextStream is the new kid on the block in downtown Oklahoma City’s Innovation District, but it’s already developing five new technologies for the oil and gas industry. “Those technologies will soon make their own splash,” says James Roller, NextStream’s Managing Director. “I can’t tell you what they are, but I can tell you that they will fit into the continued evolution of the oil and gas industry.”

Founded by Baker Hughes, a GE company (BHGE), NextStream is a holding company for emerging technologies. “We are a catalyst,” Roller says, “and each of our companies is a start-up. When someone chooses to partner with us, they look to us to support their development, not just financially, but in setting up systems, process and the focus to grow their products into sustainable, large scale businesses that are truly successful in the market.” NextStream purchased its first set of technologies from Baker Hughes, a GE Company.

“It’s very important to us to be located in BHGE’s Energy Innovation Center, which is in the Innovation District,” says Roller. “Being next door to other individuals who are developing technology is highly valuable to our scientists and our business leaders.”

“There are continued opportunities to enhance skill sets and find additional resources that are beneficial to the overall environment.”

NextStream’s location is a perfect fit for the Managing Director who identifies his role as that of, “the tip of the spear for our teams to help them be successful in their ventures. At this point, NextStream is ensuring that our technologists are enabled, empowered and have the strategic resources to develop their products. NextStream helps teams develop their path to market, commercialization, product segmentation, and sales and deliverables to customers.”

“One of my most important responsibilities,” he says, “is to align the progression of our technical development with financial accountability.”

Given its robust suite of services, it’s not surprising that Roller says, “NextStream is not your traditional venture capital group. NextStream pairs the resources of a leading global technology company with the DNA of a startup. NextStream is not required to exit any of our investments in a short time period. That doesn’t mean we won’t, though, if the right opportunities are there to return capital to our investors. Our priority is to build sustainable companies, whether that means companies are maintained within NextStream for a period of time or sold to another company at a later date.”

Of the time when the NextStream’s first five acquisitions reach sustainability, Roller has this to say: “I anticipate that the Oklahoma Venture Forum will feature those companies in this newsletter. Those technologies have a story to tell.”

“Technology is the leader that brought the oil and gas industry to where it is today. As we move forward, NextStream will be pursuing additional opportunities in the industrial energy space. NextStream has a world-class technology pipeline and is partnering with world-class operators and investors. We are excited to help develop the future of energy.”

Interview by Kyle Golding for The Golding Group.