Five companies walked away with nearly $700,000 in investment as part of the latest Pitch Oregon event.
A total of 13 startups pitched in four categories at the event. The group raised $350,000 for the category winners plus other angel groups and investors made separate investments for a total of $697,000 awarded. Here are the winners:
- The Early Stage winner was Hillsboro-based Instinct Environmental Co., which brings sensor data to land management to fight climate change. The startup was awarded $25,000.
- The Clean Technology winner was Los Angeles-based Komfort IQ, which uses sensors to bring microzone climate control to ventilation and office buildings. The startup received a $100,000 equity investment.
- The Life Science winner was Portland-based Biomotum, which is developing robotic wearable aids to help people with mobility limitations or rehabilitation. The startup received a $100,000 equity investment.
- The Software/Tech Enabled category had two winners. Eugene-based Moonshadow Mobile, which develops database engines and visualization tools, was awarded a $25,000 equity investment. Seattle-based Loopie Laundry, an on-demand laundry service, received a $75,000 equity investment.
This year’s event had 130 applicants. TiE Oregon Executive Director Kari Naone noted it was difficult to select the finalists and the winners.
“I’m excited and thankful to the TiE Oregon team, Oregon Growth Board, Business Oregon, and angels from Tie Oregon, and chapters from across the network including Southern California, Atlanta, Seattle and Silicon Valley for their support and investment,” said Nitin Rai, TiE Oregon president and chair of TiE Oregon Angels in a written statement.
Loopie Laundry received added investment from Elevate Capital for $250,000 and from TiE Southern California angels and TiE Silicon Valley Angels for $122,000. The company connects people willing to do laundry with those seeking to have their clothes washed and delivered back.
The event also honored Founders of the Year: Allie Magyar of Hubb and Ganesh Shankar of RFPIO; as well as Entrepreneurs of the Year: Serendipity Lang and Ashley Lin; and TiE Oregon Angel of the year Steve Marsh, founder of Smarsh and Archivist Capital.
