The Bend Venture Conference Returns October 17-18

Bend Venture Conference Returns October 17-18, 2019 - Conference Tickets on Sale Now; Company Applications Open Through August 15th

BEND, OR (July 17, 2019) – Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) will host the annual two-day Bend Venture Conference (BVC), now in its 16th year, on Thursday, October 17 - Friday, October 18, 2019, at the iconic Tower Theatre in downtown Bend.

Tickets to the 16th Annual BVC are on sale now and can be purchased here. This year’s conference will feature three competition categories: Growth Stage, Early Stage, and Impact. The application period is open through Thursday, August 15th, and companies across the United States are invited to apply.

• Growth Stage Competition: This category is open to companies that have a proven concept, have generated initial revenues, and are prepared to scale quickly with investment. To apply, click here.
• Early Stage Competition: This category is open to companies that have a great idea and are close to "proof of concept." They are pre-revenue (or very early-revenue) and are in the process of testing their product in the market. To apply, click here.
• Impact Competition: This category is open to for-profit companies whose business models are integrated with a mission to have a significant and measurable social or environmental impact. Applicants should aim to generate long-term enterprise value and attractive returns on capital. To apply, click here.

Last year, 600 attendees, 50 prominent investors, and over 70 companies joined us for a celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation. Investments, awards, and prizes totaling approximately $2.35 million were awarded to multiple winners at the 2018 conference.

“The Bend Venture Conference has become a staple in the Pacific Northwest’s entrepreneurial community. What started as a one-day conference 16 years ago has matured into nearly a week of diverse entrepreneurial activity in Central Oregon. We’re excited to see how BVC grows this year, launching capital into businesses locally and nationally,” said Brian Vierra, EDCO’s Venture Catalyst.

Jason Moyer, Fund Manager for the 2019 BVC, LLC, added, “BVC has come a long way. We’re now syndicating with professional funds to invest meaningful sums in many of the region’s most promising ventures. Multiple exits and up-rounds suggest that our selection process is on the right track.”

Companies in the Impact Competition historically compete for investments ranging from $50,000-$100,000. This year’s Early Stage Competition has received a commitment from Portland Seed Fund to invest at least $25,000 into the winning company. Growth Stage Competition finalists could receive investments of $250,000 or more. The 2019 BVC will feature impressive panelists and keynote speakers from across the country, including angel investors, venture capitalists, and entrepreneurs, to be announced at a later date.

About Bend Venture Conference (BVC)

Now in its 16th year, BVC, hosted by EDCO, is one of the largest angel conferences in the country. Over the past five years, more than $10 million has been invested in 38 companies as a result of the conference. This year, over 600 entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders are expected to attend the multi-day conference on October 17-18 in Bend, Oregon. For more information, visit www.bendvc.com.

About Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO)

EDCO is a non-profit corporation supported by private and public members and stakeholders. Its mission is to create middle-class jobs in Central Oregon by recruiting new employers to the region, helping entrepreneurs start new, scalable businesses, and working with existing businesses to grow their operations. For more information, visit www.edcoinfo.com.