The Bend Venture Conference returns this fall to downtown Bend and this year will feature Dutch Bros Coffee CEO Joth Ricci as the keynote speaker.
The conference gathers hundreds of entrepreneurs, investors and others to Central Oregon. Select startups pitch for investment from a fund raised for the event. Other deals are hashed out or announced at the event.
This year’s conference is Oct. 19-20. Startups that want to pitch have until Aug. 16 to apply.
Here’s the pitch categories:
- Growth Stage: These companies generally have at least $1 million in revenue over the last 18 months and/or have raised at least $500,000 in outside investment. Companies are seeking between $250,000 to $2.5 million in investment over the next six to 12 months.
- Early Stage: These companies generally have less than $1 million in revenue over the last 18 months and have raised less than $500,000. Companies are seeking $1 million or less in investment over the next six to 12 months.
- Impact: These are for-profit companies with business models that are integrated with a social or environmental impact. Companies should be building businesses to generate long-term enterprise value and generate returns on capital.
The competition is open to companies from across the U.S. Over the last 20 years $12 million has been invested in 52 companies. Past winners include Elemental Technologies (now AWS Elemental), Jama Software, Hubb and RFPIO (now Responsive).
“This event showcases the incredible potential and innovation present in our region and serves as a platform for entrepreneurs to access the resources they need to thrive,” said Brian Vierra, interim venture catalyst director at event organizer Economic Development for Central Oregon. “BVC plays a vital role in accelerating the growth of our local startup ecosystem and fostering economic development in Central Oregon.”
In past years the Growth Stage winner has received $250,000 or more. Early Stage winners receive at least $25,000 from Portland Seed Fund. Impact companies have received between $50,000 and $100,000 in investment, according to organizers.
Ricci, this year’s keynote, joined Dutch Bros (NYSE: BROS) in 2019. He led the Grants Pass-based company through its 2021 IPO, which was the largest in Oregon’s history. Prior to Dutch he was CEO of Adelsheim Vineyard and was previously president of Stumptown Coffee Roasters.
Ricci is chair of the Oregon Business Council and co-founder of Taste for Equity.
