Winners of the 2024 Bend Venture Conference standing outside the Tower Theatre with their awards.

The Growth Stage competition at BVC highlights companies that have demonstrated significant traction and are poised for rapid expansion. Following considerable due diligence, companies in this category have historically been awarded funding ranging from $100,000 to $2,500,000 from the BVC LLC and partner VC funds.

Hundreds of attendees packed the outdoor patio at Worthy Brewing for Central Oregon PubTalk, where 10 semifinalists competing to pitch at the Bend Venture Conference (BVC) delivered three-minute pitches to a lively crowd. Attendees, along with a panel of expert judges, determined which five startups would advance.

These four finalists will pitch on stage at the Tower Theatre on Friday, October 18th for an opportunity to secure investments from BVC partner funds.

Meet the 10 Early Stage semifinalists advancing to pitch on stage at EDCO's September Central Oregon PubTalk, where the audience, along with an expert panel of judges, will vote to decide which companies advance to present at BVC. The audience favorite receives a $3,000 cash award, courtesy of Washington Trust Bank.

As Central Oregon’s flagship entrepreneurship event, BVC creates an opportunity to connect investors and industry leaders with startups looking to scale. Each year, a new BVC Growth Fund is raised to invest in the most promising growth stage companies that compete in the annual conference.

The New Economy Track is dedicated to supporting startups that are creating impactful technologies with a specific focus on accelerating inclusive innovation that encourages participation for marginalized or socially and economically disadvantaged (SEDI) communities. 

BVC is back for its 21st year on October 17-18, 2024. This annual event is the largest angel investment conference in the Pacific Northwest, offering opportunities to connect with entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders. Secure your spot by September 30th to enjoy a 10% discount and receive a free commemorative shirt.

In 2022, 14 finalists presented their ideas and business models to an audience of hundreds at the Tower Theatre in hopes of gaining investment from prominent funds. Of those finalists, seven companies walked away that day with checks totaling $665,000 in investments. But that was just the beginning of the BVC magic.

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 9th, and companies across the United States are invited to apply.

The 20th Annual Bend Venture Conference took place on October 19-20, 2023 at venues across Bend. During the conference, 14 finalists presented their ideas and business models to an audience of hundreds in hopes of gaining investment from prominent funds. Of those finalists, eight companies were awarded a total of $595,000 in investments.

The following companies will present in the Growth Stage and Impact Track during the 20th Annual Bend Venture Conference. In addition to company pitches, attendees will hear from leading experts in venture capital and entrepreneurship, such as Joth Ricci, CEO of Dutch Bros. Coffee, who led the company through its initial public offering (IPO), and serial entrepreneur and investor Allie Magyar, who received over $2 million in investment during the 2016 Bend Venture Conference for her event technology company, Hubb.