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Category Archives: Events

Events Local Tech Outdoor Gear Startups By /

Bend Startup Tribe Pilot Wins at OUTFOUND Pitch Competition

Remember when we reported that new Bend startup Tribe Pilot had been selected as one of three early stage companies to pitch at the OUTFOUND festival in Hood River last weekend? They won. Matt Smith, the company’s founder, snagged the popular vote for his early-stage startup, a social app that helps plan group adventures.

“People were really excited about the idea, and couldn’t believe that it didn’t exist,” Smith says. “The most common response we got was ‘I’m planning three trips and I need this right now.'”

Tribe Pilot was initially selected from more than 30 companies to compete in what OUTFOUND calls its venture stage, essentially concept-stage startups. Matt narrowly squeaked by his two presenting competitors to win a bottle of Oregon bourbon, and of course the glory of winning.

Events Funding By /

Questions About Fundraising? Local VC, Angel Funds and More Will Answer Them Tuesday

If you’re a startup looking for money, then you have plans Tuesday. What are they? Glad you asked. The Technology Association of Oregon is hosting a panel discussion on funding and fundraising featuring experts from right here in Bend.

From TAO:

We will start the evening with an overview of investment sources and funding criteria, before moving on to the panel discussion where you will hear from representatives from the Bend Venture Conference, Cascade Angels, Cascadia Group, and Seven Peaks Ventures.

Come join us at the Tech Talk Happy Hour – Funding on Tuesday, June 13th for a lively discussion led by subject matter experts. Our hand-picked panelists have experience across multiple sectors and are looking forward to sharing their historic, current and future insights on raising capital.

Events Outdoor Gear By /

Bend Startup Tribe Pilot to Pitch at Inaugural OUTFOUND Series in Hood River

Hood River will be hosting an adventure sports and outdoor innovation festival next week, and a host of Bend speakers, startups and business leaders are participating. The inaugural OUTFOUND Series, slated for June 9 through June 11, combines an outdoor business expo and startup competition with social and recreational activities. According to the news release:

The 3-day event includes Outfound Talks: 20-minute lightning presentations from inspiring leaders in the outdoor space; OutFounder: a pitch competition for outdoor driven startups; and The Expo: an adventure sports consumer show where innovative brands showcase and demo the latest products. All of these activities take place on a scenic, 30-acre waterfront outdoor playground filled with sports activities, workshops, outdoor films and music performances.

Big Ideas Events By /

New Group Launches w/ Party & Mission for More Women in STEAM Careers

A group of pretty awesome women have started the Technology Association of Oregon STEAM (science, tech, engineering, arts and math) initiative and aim to kick it off right with a launch party on Thursday, June 1. The vision? TAO STEAM wants to form a network of Central Oregon professionals committed to creating a path for girls and women interested in STEAM careers — and a gender balanced future.

One of our favorite people, Maggie Hubbell, CEO of Agency Revolution and Chair of the Steering Committee says, “In the ideal world the term ‘women in STEAM’ wouldn’t exist. But, the reality is this issue does need special attention right now. We want to provide a supportive community that enriches the experience for women currently in STEAM careers and find ways to attract more women into these fields. Central Oregon has a lot of support around this issue and I believe if we work together we can really make a difference.”

Big Ideas Events Startups By /

Great Free Advice from These Experts at Next Week’s Startup Resource Fair

The BendTECH Startup Resource Fair is just around the corner — Wednesday, May 24 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. — and attendees will get the chance to learn from experts in a variety of fields. The 10-minute Free Advice segments begin at 5 p.m. and include:

  • Tips for Crafting a Winning Investor Pitch, from startup coach Pam Stevenson
  • What to Know Hiring Your First Employee, from BBSI’s Eric Strobel
  • You Can Get There From Here, Strategies for Entrepreneurial Success, by Cascade Angel’s Julie Harrelson
  • Government R&D Funding for Small Businesses, from Oregon Best’s Leon Wolf
  • Startup Financing Tips, from Gary O’Connell at Summit Bank
Events By /

Check Out the First Annual BendTECH Startup Resource Fair

As a startup founder — or founder in the making — you have limited time. But what if you could connect with all the resources you need to start or grow your business, in one place? You can at the BendTECH’s first Startup Resource Fair, May 24th at the 1001 Tech Center.

What is it?

This fun-filled event puts all the resources you need to start or grow a business in one location. The fair features two dozen exhibitors, including:

  • Venture Capital, Angel Funds and Banks
  • Business/Founder Mentor Groups
  • Small Business Assistance Programs
  • Core Professional Services
  • Educational Organizations and Resources

For a full exhibitor list, see below.

Why do I need to go? 

You can conveniently connect with all of the best entrepreneurial resources that Central Oregon has to offer — all in one place, at one time.

What will happen at the fair? 

Basically tons of awesomeness. Each exhibitor will have a table, and attendees can walk the fair, meet and chat with each of them. In addition, the event will include:

Education Events By /

Calling Techies, Makers and More: Partner with Students for Central Oregon’s First Make-a-Thon

If you love technology and learning and kids, then you’ll want to check out this awesome event happening next week. High Desert Career Technical Education is partnering with Skyview Middle School to launch Innovate Oregon’s Make-a-Thon program in Central Oregon. And they are seeking community professionals to participate on teams with students to make the event a success.

Make-a-Thon details:

What it is: At the Make-a-thon, teams comprised of a middle school student, an educator, and an industry professional will learn about and collectively create solutions using an electronic circuit board. No experience (or expertise) necessary! All materials will be provided; fun is guaranteed! This video from Yamhill County shows more about what the event will look like.