The Bend Venture Conference happened for the 15th year in a row. To be sure, at this point the event happens – it’s a thing – and yet I find myself always somewhat amazed that so many investors, entrepreneurs, and startup supporters come to Bend, millions of dollars are doled out to promising companies, and respected key note speakers have inspiring conversations on stage.
By Sean Leslie
Founder, Cascade Cadence
If you’re looking for a reason to be optimistic, then yesterday’s BendTECH’s unConference is a great place to start. The first-come, first-serve group of entrepreneurs was certainly one of the strongest cohorts we’ve seen pitch at the event. The pitches were polished and in most cases, the founders had already launched.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the BendTECH unConference tomorrow at 2 p.m. at the 1001 Tech Center. This year promises to be a fun-filled event with cash prizes for winning founders, and free drinks and fun for everyone else. Here’s a sneak peek at what to expect:
Last night the first cohort of the BendX Women’s Entrepreneurial Bootcamp pitched their startup ideas to a packed room at the Deschutes Brewery. The evening represented the culmination of eight classes that advised 15 early stage entrepreneurs on the first steps needed to transform their ideas into a tangible endeavor.
The Bend Venture Conference and the Bend Outdoor Worx conferences are coming up — and the news about the startups participating in these pitch contests has been coming fast and furious too.
Were you dying of suspense? I was. To recap: Earlier this month, Cascade Angels sponsored a fun contest to give away a BVC ticket. The Bend-based angel fund asked applicants to provide short answers to three questions, and the winner gets a ticket to the Bend Venture Conference.
Just this week, my office mate devoted multiple emails and two frustrated phone calls to an unsuccessful attempt to cancel a subscription box. The process was hard to navigate, and ultimately left her infuriated and not only unlikely to recommend the company, but also probably apt to actively campaign against it.