The venture capital-focused research organization Pitchbook took a look back at how various sectors performed in 2022.
Based on the results, there are several Oregon startups that are likely happy with the results. To determine the "emerging tech leaders and laggards," Pitchbook charted the percent change in deal activity, deal count and median valuation in 11 VC-backed verticals.
Among the leaders were two sectors in which Oregon has a strong presence, health tech and climate tech.
In the latter category, Tualatin battery maker ZincFive was a standout, securing $54 million in a Series D round. CEO Tim Hysell told the Business Journal that the round could precede "some really significant things that could happen ... in as early as 2023."
The region is home to a growing cluster of battery and energy storage companies that, in addition to ZincFive, includes Powin, ESS, Entek and GridStor, a grid-scale energy storage firm. GridStor is backed by Goldman Sachs Asset Management, which has raised a more than $400 million fund to back the Oregon firm.
Oregon is also strong In VC-backed health tech. For proof, look not farther than the Business Journal's recent list of startups to watch. Among the 13 companies highlighted, three are in health tech: Birch Biosciences, cancer detection system maker Sklip and leakproof underwear maker Ondr.
They join other health tech companies the PBJ has covered in 2022, including digital telehealth company Boulder Care, which raised $37 million last year, and cancer risk assessment startup Gabbi, which raised $4.4 million.
