Zapproved vies for Willamette Angel Conference crown as lone Web startup finalist

When it comes to Oregon companies competing for Angel funding, I’m always going to pull for the Web-based apps. It’s just kind of how I am. And those folks are definitely starting to turn heads, whether it’s at speed pitching events like the Big Idea Bash or through competitions like Angel Oregon.

In 2009, Portland-based WeoGeo has come closest to winning top prize at these competitions. Earlier this year, they were robbed walked away as the runner up for the Angel Oregon event.

Now, another Portland startup, Zapproved, is looking to claim the prize at the first Willamette Angel Conference.

One of five finalists, Zapproved will be vying for the top prize: a $125,000 investment. Other finalists hoping to take that prize include:

• CenterSpace Software, a company that provides numerical components for financial, engineering, and scientific applications.
• Floragenex, Inc., a genomics research and tool company founded in 2006 from U of O research.
• Wicked Quick, an established premium clothing and accessories brand.
• ZAPS Technologies, a company that produces an instrument that optically detects contaminants in water.

What’s the Willamette Angel Conference?

The Willamette Angel Conference is a brand new investors conference, designed to “encourage, accelerate and showcase start-up companies in the Willamette Valley” by introducing them to early stage investors. The competition is expected to have real economic impact in the Willamette Valley, generating new business and jobs using local entrepreneurs, talent and intellectual property.

The first annual Willamette Angel Conference will be held May 14, 2009 in Corvallis at the CH2MHill Alumni Center on the Oregon State campus. This year’s Willamette Angel conference is a significant collaboration between Eugene, Corvallis and many other economic development organizations in the Willamette Valley. Sponsored by Endeavor Law, Palo Alto Software, Hendrick & Kellison, OSU, U of O, The Corvallis-Benton Chamber Coalition, The Eugene Chamber of Commerce, The Business Enterprise Center, the Small Business Development Centers of both Lane and Linn/Benton Counties, and it has widespread participation and reach.

For more information, visit the Willamette Angel Conference.

(Hat tip John Sechrest)

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Published by Rick Turoczy

More than mildly obsessed with the Portland startup community. Founder and editor at Silicon Florist. Cofounder and general manager at PIE. Follow me on Twitter: @turoczy View all posts by Rick Turoczy