(Startup founders celebrate their awards at the 2023 Bend Venture Conference | Photo by Marisa Chappell Photography)
Each fall, hundreds of entrepreneurs and investors from around the country descend on Bend, Oregon for a two-day celebration of entrepreneurship. Now in its 21st year, Bend Venture Conference (BVC) is the longest standing angel investment conference in the Pacific Northwest and has served as a catalyst for startup investment in Central Oregon. Since its inception, the BVC LLC Funds have awarded over $14 million in investment and participating companies have leveraged connections from the conference to receive millions in additional funding. As Central Oregon’s flagship entrepreneurial event, BVC aims to garner as much exposure for these companies as possible. Throughout the conference attendees hear company pitches, attend networking events, and learn from aspiring entrepreneurs and industry thought leaders.
“Bend Venture Conference continues to play a vital role in positioning Central Oregon as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. This year, we’re thrilled to introduce a new partnership with The BFM Fund for the New Economy Track, which will provide an incredible opportunity for startups focused on creating impactful technologies for marginalized/SEDI (socially, economically disadvantaged individuals) communities. We encourage entrepreneurs to apply and take advantage of this unique platform to gain exposure, investment, and mentorship that can drive their businesses forward,” said Brian Vierra, Venture Catalyst Director at EDCO.
Throughout the event, startup companies from around the country will take the Tower Theatre stage to pitch their businesses to BVC’s community of investors. Growth Stage finalists have historically received investments of $250,000 or more (targeted; BVC reserves allocation rights; subject to final due diligence). Early Stage companies will compete for mentorship and exposure as well as potential funding from BVC partners. Companies in the New Economy Track have an opportunity at investment of $100,000, thanks to the partnership with The BFM Fund.
Apply
This year’s conference will feature three competition categories: Growth Stage, Early Stage, and New Economy (formerly Impact) Tracks. The application period is open now through Friday, August 9, and companies across the United States are invited to apply.
- Growth Stage Track: This category is open to companies that are post-revenue who have a complete business plan, are ready for market expansion, and in need of growth capital. The company may have raised an earlier seed round and is currently raising at least $500K in investment capital.
- Early Stage Track: This category is open to companies that have a business concept close to or fully developed, are working on product market fit, and are likely pre-revenue or very early revenue. The company may have raised a pre-seed round and is seeking to raise at least $200K in investment capital.
- New Economy Track: This category is open to for-profit companies who are creating products and technologies that accelerate the ability for marginalized communities to meaningfully participate and contribute to the innovation economy. Generally speaking, New Economy applicants have generated between $100K-$900K in revenue in the last 12 months and are seeking their first institutional funding round.
About Bend Venture Conference (BVC):
The Annual BVC, hosted by EDCO, is one of the largest angel conferences in the country. Over the past 21 years, BVC has served to evolve and grow the startup ecosystem throughout Central Oregon and across the Pacific Northwest. Since its inception, more than $14 million has been invested in 59 companies as a result of the conference. This year’s conference will gather entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders, and students at the Tower Theatre in Bend on October 17-18, 2024.
About Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO):
EDCO is a non-profit corporation supported by private and public members and stakeholders, whose mission is to create middle-class jobs in Central Oregon by recruiting new employers to move to the region; helping entrepreneurs start new, scalable businesses; and working with businesses that are already here to grow their operations.
