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Tag: OEN

NedSpace partnership with OEN, SAO, and TechAmerica: A glimmer of things to come?

NedSpace is continuing that momentum, striking up a partnership with industry organizations OEN, SAO, and TechAmerica.

Last summer, many people rejoiced in the fact that the City of Portland had chosen to adopt the Portland Economic Development Strategy. Those of us around here were especially happy that a portion of that Strategy contained the recognition of coworking spaces as a crucial and viable part of Portland’s startup culture.

Among those named in the Strategy, was none other than relative newcomer NedSpace, a coworking space that developed a rapid—and perhaps even rabid—following with the startup crowd. Now, true to form, NedSpace is continuing that momentum, striking up a partnership with industry organizations OEN, SAO, and TechAmerica. Read More

OEN Venture Northwest 2009: Recapping pitches from Giftango, Elemental, Prolifiq, ShopIgniter, and Second Porch

Now, Venture Northwest isn’t a tech-centric thing. It’s a startup thing. But there were some interesting tech companies that pitched. So I thought I’d recap for you. Or more appropriately, steal borrow my own recaps from the Venture Northwest guest posts I submitted to TechFlash.

I had the opportunity to attend Venture Northwest, Oregon Entrepreneurs Network‘s annual pitch day for early stage startups. You know, kind of like a DEMO or a TechCrunch 50. No cash prizes. But a great deal of opportunity to score some cash, given that the folks at Venture Northwest have the opportunity to pitch their ideas  in front of a roomful of potential investors from throughout the angel and venture capital communities.

Now, Venture Northwest isn’t a tech-centric thing. It’s a startup thing. But there were some interesting tech companies that pitched. So I thought I’d recap for you. Or more appropriately, steal borrow my own recaps from the Venture Northwest guest posts I submitted to TechFlash. Read More

Angels in Oregon: The definitive guide to early stage investment opportunities for both startups and potential investors

In Oregon and Washington, there are many activities that give startup companies the chance to present to Angel Investors.

[Editor: John Sechrest has put together what is, arguably, the most comprehensive collection of Oregon Angel events and organizations in existence. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to publish this guest post.]

[HTML1]Just as the sun is starting to fade and the rain is starting to be a daily occurrence, the Northwest Startup Ecosystem is starting to bloom.  During the quiet of the summer, seeds were being planted, companies reviewed and now in October, things start to move. In Oregon and Washington, there are many activities that give startup companies the chance to present to Angel Investors.

In Oregon, there is a flow to the year. Beginning with small opportunities to get out in front of people and followed by big events that can put you in front of potential investors. Read More

OEN Tom Holce Entrepreneurship Awards get downright webby for 2009

Usually when it comes to entrepreneurial awards in the Silicon Forest, I do my best to cheer for the Web, open source, and mobile startups who receive nominations. And then I usually wind up crying in my beer when the awards are handed to apparel and biotech startups.

But not this year, my friend. Oh no. This time around the OEN Tom Holce Entrepreneurship Awards recognized three Web types with awards: Ray King of AboutUs, Jama Software, and Monsoon. All Portland-based, respectively. Read More

Oregon Angel Fund closes $3 million fund—and dishes out portions to three startups

Talk to practically any Oregon entrepreneur about angel investors and venture capital and you’ll get a luke warm reception—at best. But is that response simply perception and assumption or is it reality? I ask because the Oregon Angel Fund just gave us three million little reasons for taking another look at the Oregon angel scene.

You see, Xconomy is reporting that the Oregon Angel Fund has closed a $3 million fund. Read More

Miss the OEN Venture Northwest application deadline? No you didn’t

It happened again, didn’t it? I know, I know. You were planning to do it. But you kept hitting snooze on the task. And then when you finally had a second to consider it, you realized that the deadline for applying for OEN Venture Northwest had passed. So sad. And you had “smart investment” written all over you.

Well, turn that frown upside down, my friend. You’re in luck. You’ve been granted an extension. That’s right. The deadline is now September 8. So get working on that Venture Northwest application. I mean, you weren’t planning to do anything this weekend anyway, right? Read More

OEN Venture Northwest: You’ve got one week left to apply

For many entrepreneurs, convincing a venture capital group to fund their business is a dream come true. Not only do they gain capital, but they also get some validation that—contrary to what their families have been telling them—they may not be crazy.

But making those connections—even before the funding comes into the picture—can be difficult. Very difficult. That’s why there are any number of events that work to play matchmaker between startups and people looking to fund startups. And one of the most respected events for making those connections around here? That would be OEN Venture Northwest. And if you act fast, you could be one of the companies being introduced to those investors. Read More

Portland Economic Development Strategy passes, City formally recognizes open source, mobile, coworking, and startup communities

Aside from being the first publicly recognized Portland economic development strategy in 15 years, it’s the first time that Portland has formally recognized the open source, mobile, coworking, and startup community.

[HTML2]While the news coming out of yesterday’s Portland City Council meeting will likely be mired in heated he-said she-said debates about the fate of the 39th Avenue / Cesar Chavez hoopla, something very important happened late in the day: Portland’s City Council unanimously passed the Portland Economic Development Strategy.

Why is this so momentous? Well, aside from being the first publicly recognized economic strategy for Portland in 15 years, it’s the first time that Portland has formally recognized the open source, mobile, coworking, and startup community. And that’s a big step forward. As Eva Schweber says, we should be proud. Read More

Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN) could use your help

Meyer Memorial Trust has awarded the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN) a grant, but it’s a matching funds grant. That means OEN’s money is contingent on one small thing: their ability to raise $50,000 by June 30.

If you’re a startup in the Portland area, you’ve probably come into contact with the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN). And if you haven’t, you should. The OEN is a non-profit organization focused on helping your startup make it through the initial phases of building a business. From helping first-time entrepreneurs learn the ropes to giving startups the opportunity to practice their pitches to helping seasoned entrepreneurs find funding through events like Angel Oregon, the OEN uses its available resources to ensure that Oregon has a healthy entrepreneurial scene.

But all of that could be in jeopardy if we don’t act quickly. Read More

GadgetTrak and WeoGeo make OEN Angel Oregon final round

I’m happy to report that GadgetTrak and WeoGeo have been selected for the final round of OEN Angel Oregon 2009 competition, “the nation’s premier investor/entrepreneur matchmaking event.”

That puts the two companies in the running for a first place prize of $150,000 or a second prize of $75,000.

For those of you who haven’t yet encountered these two cool Portland companies, GadgetTrak is “the company that turns your stolen electronic devices into a sentient Neighborhood Watch for nabbing thieves.” While WeoGeo “supplies surveyors, engineers, cartographers, and scientists with the ability to conveniently store, search, and exchange global mapping and geo-content.”

So who is the competition? The Biotech/CleanTech track features DesignMedix and Tau Science Corporation and the Consumer track features Glide Cycle (I could not stop watching their demo video… something strangely mesmerizing about it) and Wicked Quick.

There are also 20 other companies who get to fly through a one minute elevator pitch—but unfortunately I don’t have their names, yet.

Now, I’m hoping the tech folks can do us proud. We’re still trying to recover from 2008, when Angel Oregon selected an apparel company as the winner.

The Angel Oregon 2009 event will be held March 12 at the Governor Hotel. For more information, see OEN Angel Oregon 2009 on Upcoming or Calagator.

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