Press ReleasesPress Release – Oregon Entrepreneurs Network Announces the Return of Angel Oregon—With a Twist
The organization that caters to entrepreneurs across the state relaunches their signature investment event with a focus on industry sectors. Companies will compete for an investment of approximately $100k.
PORTLAND, OR, March 7, 2019 – – /PRNewswire/ – – Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN), a long-standing institution in Oregon that has supported entrepreneurs for nearly three decades, announced today the return of Angel Oregon. Angel Oregon, launched in 2005, changed the investment landscape across the state. It was the first fund to invest in early-stage companies in Oregon and catalyzed other investment vehicles since its inception. To date, OEN’s Angel Oregon LLCs have invested $3.7 million directly into 21 Oregon/SW Washington startups.
Historically, Angel Oregon invited companies from all sectors to compete for an investment award. In its new format, the program will focus on individual industries and will commence this year with food & beverage products. OEN is partnering with the Food Innovation Center, Food Northwest and industry experts to provide a robust educational program to support the participants throughout the process. Taught by successful food & beverage entrepreneurs, the four-part series will run from April – June, 2019. The program will culminate with the Angel Food Investment Conference and Food Fair on June 19, 2019, at Redd East in SE Portland.
OEN recognized the need to offer programs and services dedicated solely to the food & beverage space as the state’s resident innovators are some of the most forward-thinking across the country. Their efforts have a huge impact on the state’s economy, contributing 300,000 workers, or 15% of the state’s workforce, that their companies employ.
In addition to the investment award, the June 19th event will include the opportunity for companies to gain access to pro bono professional services, exposure to potential investors, customers, retail partners, distributors, copackers and other industry leaders. The program is open to Oregon and SW Washington based food & beverage companies and will have two categories: Concept (for those that are pre-revenue) and Startup/Developing (for those with up to $2mm in revenue).
“We have learned that investors have preferences – some prefer tech; others prefer products they can touch, feel, or even taste, leading us to pursue a sector-specific funding approach. Our 2018 food & beverage showcase proved that there are many investable, high growth food & beverage products companies in the region, thus warranting a fund dedicated to the sector,” said Maggie Finnerty, OEN’s Executive Director.
OEN will roll-out additional educational programs and angel investment opportunities focused on other industry sectors in the future.
For additional information, please visit https://www.oen.org/angel-food-conference-2019/.
About Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN)
OEN, a nonprofit in the State of Oregon, is one of the first and largest organizations dedicated to improving Oregon’s economy by supporting startups from every industry across the state. A member-based organization with a 28-year history, OEN is the heart of Oregon’s entrepreneurial community. OEN helps entrepreneurs start up and scale up by connecting them to peers and mentors, funding opportunities and hands-on training. Its mission is to drive innovation, facilitate job creation, and put Oregon on the map as a center for entrepreneurial excellence. Learn more at oen.org.
Contact:
Miles Shattuck
Marketing & Communications Manager
Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN)
(503) 222-2270
miles@oen.org
