Oregon Entrepreneurs Network Announces 2017 Angel Oregon Semifinalists

RIPCLEAR, PIERCE FOOTWEAR, COLOR KITCHEN, OUTDOOR PROJECT - ALL SEMIFINALISTS IN OEN’S 2017 ANGEL OREGON PROGRAM - POTENTIAL TO RECEIVE OVER $200,000 IN FUNDING

BEND, OR (March 8, 2017) – Out of 101 applications, three Bend-based companies and one Bend Venture Conference Winner have advanced through the next round of cuts in Oregon Entrepreneurs Network’s (OEN) 2017 Angel Oregon Program. These four semifinalists are part of an elite group of only ten companies in the Early Stage Semifinalists category.

Ripclear, Pierce Footwear, and Color Kitchen are all from Bend, and Outdoor Project took home a top prize during EDCO’s 2016 Bend Venture Conference. These four companies will compete for a spot to present at OEN’s Angel Oregon Showcase April 27^th in Portland. The winner of the showcase has historically been awarded a prize worth over $200,000.

Additionally, cash prizes and loans for the top women and minority-owned businesses will be awarded at the event.

The finalists will be announced on or before March 23. Congratulations to all four companies still in the competition!

• Pierce Footwear: “We re-invent the shoe.”
• ColorKitchen: “Naturally vibrant food colors and artificial dye-free, plant-based, and non-GMO decorative kits for the health-conscious home-baker and bakeries.”
• Ripclear: “Ripclear lens protectors are a patented thin film technology that protects eyewear lenses & meets ANSI Z87 military rated clarity. Screen protectors for lenses.”
• Outdoor Project: “With 5.5 MILLION users and 700% year-over-year growth, the fastest growing website in the U.S. for outdoor recreation and travel.”

About Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) is a non-profit corporation supported by private and public members and stakeholders, whose mission is to create middle-class jobs in Central Oregon by: recruiting new employers to move to the region; helping entrepreneurs start new, scalable businesses; and working with businesses that are already here to grow their operations. For more information, visit www.edcoinfo.com.

About Bend Venture Conference Bend Venture Conference, hosted by EDCO, is one of the largest angel conferences in the country. More than 500 attendees, six funds, 32 prominent investors, and 90 companies participated in 2016’s conference, where close to $4 million was awarded to 10 winners.

For Press Inquiries: Elise Rossman Director of Marketing and Communications, EDCO 541.388.3236 x6 elise@edcoinfo.com