Angel Oregon Succeeds with 3 Tracks

Angel Oregon 2008 , a program of the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, announced the winners of their annual conference last week with three companies receiving awards. This year, Angel Oregon showcased premier opportunities in the sectors where Oregon is considered world-class; Technology, Sustainability and Consumer Products. In each category, two companies were chosen to make final presentations and the winner of the Seed Oregon event was also provided the opportunity to present, making for a total of 7 presentations.

End//Outdoor, a sustainable footwear play, won the grand prize of a $150,000 investment. Osoeco and Revelation both won investments of $57,500. The three track system encouraged a more focused evaluation of the companies and created a wider expectation of the types of companies that would be funded. This new system should put to rest the thoughts that Angel Oregon only looks at Tech companies.

In the Tech category, Vesticon has developed a machine to aid in treating vertigo. Consumer Products track finalists Sameunderneath and Ausculto are both also sustainable apparel plays. Sustainability track finalist Powermand provides a way to aggregate power for small businesses as a way to conserve energy.

Frequently, companies will find additional funding after the event as individuals invest directly in the companies.

In Washington, the Northwest Entrepreneur Network (NWEN) is now taking submissions for the Early Stage Investment Forum (ESIF). The ESIF conference will be held on May 9th at the Washington  State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle.  If you are interested in investing in start-up companies, or you have a start-up you would like to see funded, it is worth connecting with these types of conferences to get connected to the people who are engaged in this activity.