Got a Great Idea?
We want to help it take flight. Apply to OEN’s Angel Oregon 2017 Early Stage Competition for an opportunity to:
- Receive a sizeable investment (likely between $200,000-300,000)
- Hone your pitch and business plan
- Get intensive coaching & mentoring from our network of Angel Investors
- Present to 300+ investors and business leaders at OEN’s annual Angel Oregon Showcase
Applicants may also be considered for loans ranging from $25,000 – $250,000 through Business Oregon’s Small Business Expansion Program.
Additionally, women and minority entrepreneurs may be considered for a cash award (not loans, not equity!) of $15,000 from the Portland Development Commission. For this award, we are seeking companies that are led by teams or founders who are diverse in terms of gender, race, veteran status, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity and other demographics that are typically underrepresented in the startup community.
Eligibility Requirements
OEN’s Angel Oregon 2017 Program is only open to companies located in Oregon or Clark County, Washington.
Companies participating in the Early Stage competition typically:
- Have a proven concept and a complete business plan developed
- Product or service is developed; may have had betas or limited rollout
- Have generated initial revenues and are ready for market expansion
If you do not meet the criteria for our Early Stage Competition, please review our Concept Stage criteria here.
The due diligence process was very well-done and extremely professional. I was really impressed by the quality of the investors and their ability to understand the market opportunity and business model.”
Timeline
January 26: Application Deadline
January 26: Application Deadline
Applications are due by 11:59 PM on January 26. Once the application period is closed, OEN’s Angel Oregon Investment Team will review all applications and determine which companies most closely fit the program’s criteria.
February 1: First Cut
February 1: First Cut
Applicants will be notified if they have or have not made the first cut. Those who make the first cut are invited to present to the Angel Oregon Investment Team. Those who do not will receive feedback from a member of the selection committee.
February 7: First-Round Pitches
February 7: First-Round Pitches
Companies who made the first cut are invited to make a five-minute pitch to the Angel Oregon Investment Team. Investors will then form due diligence teams around each of the presenting companies. If you make the first cut, you will be contacted by your due diligence lead and advised of the next steps, which will likely include one-on-one meetings and requests for additional information.
February 22: Semifinalists Announced
February 22: Semifinalists Announced
Companies will be notified if they have or have not been selected as a semifinalist. Semifinalists will be invited to make a seven-minute pitch to the Investment Team.
March: Mentor Day
March: Mentor Day
Companies who make the first cut are invited to attend Mentor Day (exact date TBD), a fast-paced day-long immersion with finance, sales, marketing, technology, product, legal, and strategy experts. Companies who do not make the first cut may be able to attend on a space-available basis.
March 7: Second-Round Pitches
March 7: Second-Round Pitches
Semifinalist companies are invited to make a seven-minute pitch to the Investment Team. Due diligence will continue.
March 22: Finalists Announced
March 22: Finalists Announced
Companies will be notified if they have or have not been selected as a finalist. Finalists will be invited to make a 10-minute pitch to the Investment Team.
April 4: Third-Round Pitches
April 4: Third-Round Pitches
Finalist companies are invited to make a 10-minute pitch to the Investment Team. Due diligence will continue.
April 19: Finalist Q&A Session
April 19: Finalist Q&A Session
Finalist companies are asked to attend to participate in a five-minute Q&A with investors. Due diligence teams make their recommendations to the Investment Team.
April 26: Angel Oregon Finalist Reception
April 26: Angel Oregon Finalist Reception
Finalists are invited to a private evening reception with the Investment Team the evening prior to the Angel Oregon Showcase.
April 27: Winner Announced
April 27: Winner Announced
The winner will be announced at OEN’s Angel Oregon Showcase, which will take place on April 27 at Castaway. Presenting companies will have the opportunity to make their pitch to an audience of 300+ investors and business leaders. Finalists from the 2017 Program are automatically invited to present at the Showcase, and all applicants to the 2017 Program will be considered for participation in the Showcase.
Application Fees
The cost to apply to the Angel Oregon 2017 Early Stage Competition is $75 for OEN members and $195 for non-members. The non-member rate includes one year of OEN Early Stage Membership (cost of $120, with a $400 value). All applicants will receive:
- Feedback from experienced business leaders at various points throughout the Angel Oregon process
- Free admission to two OEN workshops on pitching and valuation ($40 value)
- 50% off the ticket price to our Angel Oregon Showcase on Thursday, April 27
Those who make the first cut will be invited to participate in Mentor Day at no charge. Finalists will receive complimentary one-on-one presentation coaching.
Investment Vehicle
The investment award will likely be made in the form of a convertible note. This instrument will later convert into company equity as part of a “qualified equity financing” or other qualifying event.
The process of Angel Oregon helped refine and shape our business focus. We were introduced to the best of the best mentors in Portland. Winning was icing on the cake and set our business on a whole new growth trajectory. If you have a growing idea with customer traction and great people on the team, Angel Oregon is a must!”
