Founded in 2011, Portland Seed Fund is a venture capital firm based in Portland, Oregon. It invests in seed-stage companies across the Pacific Northwest, with a focus on Oregon. The fund is sector-agnostic but has invested predominantly in B2B software and SaaS startups. Since its inception, PSF has invested over $8 million in more than 90 companies, which have gone on to raise over $370 million from other sources.

Oregon Venture Fund, established in 2007 and based in Portland, Oregon, is a prominent venture capital firm dedicated to supporting startups and early-stage growth companies primarily located in Oregon and Southwest Washington. The firm invests across a diverse range of sectors, including energy, healthcare, consumer products, technology, and life sciences, among others. It typically commits between $500,000 and $4 million per investment round, with an annual investment of approximately $15 million. Oregon Venture Fund focuses on nurturing innovative businesses that demonstrate high growth potential, aiming to create significant job opportunities within the region. With a portfolio that has led to the creation of over 4,200 jobs, the firm is recognized as one of the most active and effective venture funds in North America.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency established in 1950 and based in Alexandria, Virginia. It is dedicated to supporting research and education in science and engineering across a wide range of disciplines. The NSF provides significant non-dilutive funding, up to $1.5 million, to startups and small businesses through its America's Seed Fund initiative, which is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program mandated by Congress. With an operating budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF is committed to advancing fundamental research and education, thus fostering innovation and technological development in the United States.

Rogue Venture Partners is a venture capital firm that invests in startups and early-stage companies. Based in Portland, Oregon, the firm focuses on opportunities in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, while maintaining activity across the United States, particularly in software and technology-driven sectors.

The U.S. Department of Energy is a government agency established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. Its primary mission is to ensure the security and prosperity of the nation by tackling energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges. The Department focuses on promoting transformative scientific and technological solutions to address these issues, thereby supporting the country's energy needs and environmental sustainability.

Elevate Capital is a venture capital firm based in Hillsboro, Oregon, established in 2016. It focuses on seed and early-stage investments across the United States, with a regional emphasis on the Pacific Northwest and Portland metro area. The firm targets technology-enabled startups and seeks to diversify founder representation, supporting ventures founded by underrepresented entrepreneurs. Elevate Capital typically participates in early rounds and makes minority investments, providing more than capital through advisory support and access to networks to aid long-term growth. Portfolio scope includes software, life sciences, hardware, consumer products, fintech, healthcare, sustainability, and related technology sectors.

Cascade Seed Fund is a Bend, Oregon-based venture capital firm that makes pre-seed and seed investments in software companies and consumer brands in the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 2013, the firm focuses on early-stage technology and consumer products startups in the Northwest, providing support through initial rounds and modest investments to help founders bring innovative offerings to regional and broader markets.

Seven Peaks Ventures is a Bend, Oregon-based venture capital firm founded in 2013 by Dino Vendetti that focuses on early-stage technology companies. It backs seed and Series A rounds in data-driven enterprise software, digital health technologies, ML/AI, IoT and cloud-based solutions, with a Pacific Northwest and West Coast orientation. The firm generally invests between 2 and 8 million dollars and seeks opportunities in B2B software, healthcare IT, financial technology, cybersecurity, energy tech, and other information technology sectors.

Voyager Capital is a Seattle-based venture capital firm focused on technology startups in the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada. It invests in early-stage and growth-stage B2B software, analytics, cloud infrastructure, big data, and AI-enabled solutions, often leading first venture rounds and providing follow-on support. Founded in 1997, Voyager Capital maintains offices in Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver, and offers portfolio companies strategic guidance, go-to-market support, and team-building resources to help build market leaders.

Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN) is a nonprofit organization based in Portland, Oregon, dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs through a robust network of peers, mentors, and funding opportunities. Established in 1991, OEN has a long-standing commitment to fostering innovation and job creation within the region. The organization provides hands-on training and resources to help startups navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. With over 23 years of experience, OEN has positioned itself as a central hub for the entrepreneurial community in Oregon, aiming to enhance the state's reputation as a center for entrepreneurial excellence.

Stormlight Holdings is a family office and private investment firm established in 2019, located in Portland, Oregon. It serves as the investment arm of the Silverstein Family, managing and directing their financial interests and assets. The firm focuses on a diverse range of investment opportunities, aiming to grow and preserve the family's wealth over the long term.

FocusVision is a company focused on delivering deep customer insights that extend beyond mere feedback to uncover the motivations and emotions that drive consumer behavior. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in New York, the firm offers a comprehensive suite of experience insights software solutions, including advanced surveys, online interviews, focus groups, and qualitative research community tools. These solutions enable businesses to map customer journeys, test brand health, assess product concepts, and gather employee feedback. FocusVision serves a diverse range of clients, including major corporations such as Facebook, Procter & Gamble, and Microsoft, and is recognized for its innovative approach to customer experience management, having received the 2018 Martech Breakthrough Award. With additional offices in several U.S. cities and Europe, FocusVision aims to empower brands to authentically connect with their customers by revealing the underlying truths that shape their perceptions and actions.

Columbia Sportswear is a U.S.-based company that specializes in designing, developing, marketing, and distributing active outdoor and lifestyle products. Founded in 1938 in Portland, Oregon, the company aims to provide innovative and authentic outdoor gear for active consumers of all ages. Columbia Sportswear operates under several brands, including Mountain Hardwear, SOREL, prAna, and OutDry. Its products are available in approximately 100 countries, reflecting its commitment to meeting the needs of outdoor enthusiasts worldwide.

Techstars is a global platform that invests in and supports early-stage technology companies. Founded in 2006, it operates a mentorship-driven accelerator program, providing seed funding, intensive mentorship, and access to a network of investors and entrepreneurs. Techstars has programs in various locations worldwide, including Boston, Boulder, New York, Seattle, London, Chicago, and Austin. It invests $118,000 in each company, with $18,000 in seed funding and an optional $100,000 convertible debt note. Techstars also has industry-specific accelerator programs, such as Techstars Retail and Techstars Music, focusing on retail and music technology, respectively. Its portfolio includes over 1,000 companies with a combined market cap of $8.1 billion.

Insight Partners, established in 1995, is a global private equity and venture capital firm headquartered in New York City, with additional offices in London, Tel Aviv, and Palo Alto. The company specializes in investing in growth-stage technology and software companies, with a particular focus on sectors such as Fintech, Cybersecurity, AI/ML, DevOps, and Healthcare. As of December 31, 2022, Insight Partners has over $75 billion in regulatory assets under management. The firm has invested in more than 750 companies worldwide and has seen over 55 portfolio companies achieve an IPO. Insight Partners' mission is to partner with visionary executives, providing practical, hands-on software expertise along their growth journey, from initial investment to IPO.

U.S. Venture Partners is a Menlo Park-based venture capital firm established in 1981 that concentrates on early-stage and growth investments in technology and healthcare. The firm backs business-to-business software, IT security, consumer internet, mobile, e-commerce, and IT-enabled healthcare services, as well as digital health, cloud technology, and life sciences including oncology. Its focus spans enterprise software, cybersecurity, healthcare IT, SaaS, manufacturing, and related sectors on the West Coast. The team comprises former entrepreneurs, technologists, executives, and industry experts who help portfolio companies scale and reach customers.

Bain Capital, established in 1984, is a global multi-asset alternative investment firm with over $100 billion in assets under management. Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, the firm operates through several business units: Private Equity, Public Equity, Credit, and Venture Capital. Bain Capital Private Equity invests in various sectors, including consumer, healthcare, industrials, and technology, across North America, Europe, and Asia. Bain Capital Ventures, the venture capital arm, focuses on seed to growth-stage investments in enterprise software, infrastructure software, and industries being transformed by data. Bain Capital Life Sciences, a dedicated life sciences investment platform, invests in biopharmaceutical, specialty pharmaceutical, medical device, diagnostics, and enabling life science technology companies globally. Bain Capital Double Impact, the firm's impact investing arm, builds great companies that deliver both competitive financial returns and meaningful, measurable social and environmental good.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) leads initiatives in food, agriculture, natural resources, and rural development. It aims to expand markets for agricultural products globally, foster alternative markets domestically, improve rural infrastructure, enhance food safety, promote nutrition education, and manage public lands collaboratively.

Madrona Venture Group, established in 1995 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, is a venture capital firm focusing on early-stage investments in the information technology sector. The firm primarily invests in the Pacific Northwest region, with a preference for companies operating in consumer Internet, commercial software, digital media, and emerging technologies like AI/ML and fintech. Madrona typically invests between $2 million and $10 million, often taking a board seat in portfolio companies.

Align Capital Partners is a growth-oriented private equity firm headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with an office in Cleveland, Ohio. Founded in 2016, the firm pursues lower-middle-market investments across the United States and Canada. It targets control investments in platform companies with EBITDA under $20 million and employs a buy-and-build strategy to accelerate growth. The firm focuses on differentiated companies in the technology, business services, specialty manufacturing, and distribution sectors, and partners with business owners and management teams to provide capital, strategic support, and resources that support growth, benefiting management, employees, and investors.

Peninsula Ventures, established in 2000, is a venture capital firm headquartered in San Mateo, California, with additional offices in Menlo Park and Portland. The company specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on software, infrastructure, and core technology sectors within the Western U.S. Its investment portfolio spans across various industries, including B2B, SaaS, cloud, fintech, cybersecurity, healthcare, and software, with a particular interest in data aggregation, mobile applications, and alternative energy. Peninsula Ventures supports entrepreneurs and their innovative ideas, aiming to deliver consistent returns and contribute to the growth of the companies it invests in.

E8 Angels is an angel investment network based in Seattle, Washington, established in 2006. The organization focuses exclusively on early-stage clean technology companies that aim to enhance sustainability and health on the planet. E8 Angels partners with innovative entrepreneurs, providing them with investment capital and strategic guidance to foster market success. The network has invested nearly $14 million across 43 companies throughout North America, including regions such as Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and British Columbia, Canada. By leveraging the collective expertise of its members, E8 Angels is dedicated to accelerating the transition to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable world.

Ideaship specializes in investing in early-stage US startups with innovative inventions. It provides strategic patent strategy and filing services to enhance companies' intellectual property portfolios, thereby increasing their valuation potential.

Big Basin Partners is an early-stage technology investment partnership founded in 1997 and based in Sammamish, Washington. The firm focuses on supporting entrepreneurs who have not yet secured traditional venture capital funding and may lack a formal business plan. Big Basin Partners specializes in identifying and refining target markets that are crucial for the initial growth of emerging companies. The firm invests across a range of sectors, including computer hardware, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things, semiconductors, internet software services, application software, medical devices, healthcare, alternative energy, and education.

Intel Corporation, established in 1968, is a global leader in semiconductor chip manufacturing. The company designs, manufactures, and sells essential technologies for cloud, smart, and connected devices worldwide. Intel operates through various segments, offering platform products like central processing units and chipsets, and non-platform products such as accelerators, connectivity products, and memory and storage solutions. Additionally, Intel provides Internet of Things products and computer vision technology. Serving original equipment manufacturers, original design manufacturers, and cloud service providers, Intel collaborates with other tech giants to advance computing and communications. Intel Capital, the company's strategic investment arm, invests in innovative startups targeting cloud, AI, 5G, and other disruptive technologies. With a workforce of over 100,000 employees globally, Intel is transforming from a PC-centric company to a data-centric one, powering the future of computing and communications.

SmartForest Ventures was an early-stage venture capital firm based in Portland, Oregon, founded in 2000 by Hugh Mackworth and Debi Coleman. The firm focused on investing in promising technology companies in the Pacific Northwest, particularly within the information technology sector. SmartForest aimed to foster the growth of innovative entrepreneurs by providing not only capital but also valuable expertise and mentorship, positioning itself as one of the region's first incubators. However, the firm phased out of business in 2015.

Endeavour Capital is a private equity firm based in Portland, Oregon, founded in 1991. It concentrates on lower mid-market companies across the Western United States, partnering with management to drive growth and value creation. The firm invests across sectors such as business services, healthcare, manufacturing, consumer, industrials, specialty retail, transportation, and logistics. Endeavour Capital emphasizes a practical, collaborative approach and long-term value creation, aligning investment activities with management teams. It operates as a registered investment adviser, providing governance and strategic oversight to portfolio companies and leveraging its regional network to support operational improvements, market expansion, and scalable processes.

Vintage Wine Estates is a privately held wine company comprised of a consortium of vintner families with extensive experience in the wine industry. The company owns a diverse collection of winery estates and brands, including Clos Pegase Winery, Cosentino Winery, Girard Winery, B.R. Cohn Winery, Swanson Vineyards, Viansa Sonoma, Windsor Vineyards, Cameron Hughes, Firesteed, and several others. Vintage Wine Estates is dedicated to producing high-quality wines and providing exceptional customer experiences across its wineries located in Napa, Sonoma, California's Central Coast, Oregon, and Washington State. The brand portfolio also features exclusive labels such as Middle Sister, Tall Dark Stranger, Pro-mis-Q-ous, Monogamy, Girl & Dragon, and Purple Cowboy, reflecting a commitment to craftsmanship and innovation in winemaking.

Martis Capital is a California-headquartered private equity firm with offices in San Francisco and Washington, D.C., focused on middle-market investments in the United States. The firm concentrates on the healthcare sector and related industries, including consumer and wellness, products and diagnostics, information technology, services and outsourcing, and life sciences, aiming to partner with mid-sized healthcare companies to support growth and strategic development.

Founded in 2001, Capricorn Investment Group is a global investment firm that manages assets for individuals and institutions committed to driving sustainable positive change. It invests across public equity, fixed income, private equity, and real assets markets, with a focus on environmental, health, and social impact.

Nike is a leading global brand in the athletic footwear and apparel industry, known for designing, developing, and marketing a wide range of products including shoes, clothing, and sports equipment. The company's portfolio includes the well-recognized brands Nike, Jordan, and Converse, catering to various sports categories such as basketball, running, and football. Footwear constitutes a significant portion of Nike's sales, generating approximately two-thirds of its revenue. The company operates a vast retail network, which includes company-owned stores, franchised locations, and third-party retailers, alongside e-commerce platforms in over 40 countries. Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike relies on a global supply chain, predominantly outsourcing production to contract manufacturers across more than 30 countries. With a commitment to innovation and societal impact, Nike seeks to foster progress for athletes and the broader community.

Advantage Capital Partners is a United States–based venture capital firm established in 1992 that provides equity and debt investments to small and growth-stage companies, with a focus on underserved communities and state and local economic development. The firm targets sectors including information technology, manufacturing, business services, healthcare, life sciences, energy, agribusiness, and related industries, and also supports real estate development and affordable housing initiatives. It typically makes initial investments between 0.5 million and 10 million and can participate in larger rounds based on milestones; it often co-invests with other investors. Capital offerings include senior debt, mezzanine debt, subordinated loans, and government-guaranteed lending, with instruments such as preferred equity or convertible debt. Advantage Capital operates nationwide in the United States, maintaining offices in multiple cities and focusing on communities underserved by traditional risk capital to drive economic development and job growth.

HealthCor Management, established in 2005, is a New York-based, employee-owned investment management firm. It offers services to a diverse range of clients, including investment companies, pension funds, and sovereign wealth funds. The firm specializes in global healthcare and life sciences, investing in public equities and providing growth equity to private companies. HealthCor employs a combination of bottom-up fundamental and top-down analysis, supplemented by external research, to make informed investment decisions. With approximately $365 million in capital commitments, the firm aims to deliver quality returns to its clients.

Lithia Motors is a prominent automotive retailer headquartered in Medford, Oregon. It operates over 500 stores globally, offering new and used vehicles from more than 50 brands across the United States, Canada, and the UK. The company is committed to providing customers with an honest and simplified buying and service experience.

Oregon Sports Angels is a non-profit angel network based in Oregon, dedicated to investing in early-stage companies that cater to athletes, teams, and fans. Composed of a diverse group of experienced sports industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors, the organization aims to identify and support innovative sports and fitness products and services. Oregon Sports Angels focuses on high-potential investments in various sectors, including sports products, experiences, services, and technology. Beyond financial backing, the members actively engage in mentoring and coaching entrepreneurs, providing essential resources for business development.

Tiger Global Management is a New York based investment firm that manages public and private market strategies to pursue technology-driven growth opportunities worldwide. Founded in 2001 by Charles (Chase) Coleman, the firm invests in leading global companies across various industries, with a particular emphasis on technology-enabled growth. In public markets it employs long/short and growth strategies, while in private markets it targets opportunities from early to late stage. The firm operates globally, including the United States, China, India, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, and works with portfolio companies across their lifecycle to drive long-term value.

Hayfin Capital Management, established in 2009, is a London-based independent investment firm specializing in private credit and alternative asset management. The company offers tailored lending solutions to middle-market European companies and provides asset management services to institutional clients. Hayfin operates across Europe and the United States, with offices in London, Paris, Madrid, Frankfurt, Luxembourg, Tel Aviv, and New York. The firm employs a value-investing approach, focusing on four strategies: Direct Lending, Special Opportunities, High-Yield Credit, and Securitized Credit. Hayfin's team comprises industry generalists with expertise in managing complex restructurings, along with dedicated specialists in healthcare, shipping, and real estate.

Founded in 1934, Janus Henderson Investors is a global asset management firm headquartered in London. It specializes in delivering investment performance and services to institutional, retail, and high-net-worth clients across various asset classes such as equities, fixed income, property, and alternatives.

Montlake Capital is a private equity and growth capital firm based in Seattle, Washington, with an additional office in Portland, Oregon. Founded in 1999, it pursues control or non-control investments and serves as a proactive board member for portfolio companies. The firm focuses on middle-market opportunities in the Northwest and Western United States, with a preference for the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountain regions. It targets companies with revenues of $5 million to $50 million and EBITDA of $1 million to $10 million. Sectors include consumer products and services such as food and beverage, health and wellness, household products, outdoor and active lifestyle, pet products, personal care, and specialty apparel; business services such as distribution and logistics, professional services, human capital, and education and training; financial services including community banks, insurance, and wealth management; growth technology such as communications and networking, digital media, e-commerce, hardware, IT services, and software; retail. The firm typically takes a minority stake and provides active governance to support growth.

Terra Tech is focused on developing sustainable solutions for food production through innovative technologies. The company emphasizes indoor and vertical farming, which allows for highly productive and controlled agricultural environments. This approach aims to address the growing global demand for food while minimizing environmental impact, improving yield efficiency, and enhancing the nutritional quality of products. Additionally, Terra Tech is involved in agricultural research and development to further advance its capabilities in cultivating crops sustainably. Its operations reflect a commitment to integrating natural processes with technological advancements in agriculture.

OVP Venture Partners, established in 1983, is a Seattle-based venture capital firm with an additional office in Portland, Oregon. The company specializes in early-stage investments, primarily in the biotech, clean-tech, and technology sectors across the United States. OVP is known for its Entrepreneurs Fund, which brings together leading entrepreneurs from the Pacific Northwest to co-invest in projects alongside the firm, providing deal flow, contacts, and seasoned insights. The firm has a proven track record of navigating various market cycles and has successfully raised and managed multiple funds since its inception.

Built Oregon is a digital magazine dedicated to showcasing Oregon's entrepreneurial network through engaging storytelling. It aims to inspire entrepreneurs and connect businesses with support organizations.

Riverlake Partners, LLC, established in 2003, is a private equity firm headquartered in Portland, Oregon, with additional offices in Chicago, Illinois. The firm specializes in investing in small, profitable companies, typically with enterprise values between $15 million and $75 million and revenues exceeding $10 million. Riverlake focuses on established industrial and consumer products manufacturing and business service firms, with a particular interest in sectors such as industrial parts and products, specialty chemicals and materials, industrial services, and business services. The firm seeks to invest between $3 million and $10 million in companies with positive cash flows, aiming to be a lead investor and drive value through operational, financial, and strategic changes. Riverlake primarily invests in the Midwestern and Western United States, as well as the Canadian Pacific Northwest.

Casa Verde Capital is a venture capital firm based in West Hollywood, California, founded in 2015. It concentrates on early-stage investments in the cannabis sector, with a focus on ancillary businesses that do not touch the plant, including areas such as agtech, health and wellness, financial services, technology, media, compliance, and laboratory technology.

Meketa Investment Group is an employee-owned investment consulting and advisory firm founded in 1978, with its headquarters in Westwood, Massachusetts. The firm has established itself as an independent fiduciary, serving a diverse clientele through a comprehensive range of services, including investment policy formulation, pacing analysis, and private market integration. Meketa also conducts diagnostic assessments of investment portfolios, reviewing existing investment policy statements, asset allocation strategies, and actuarial reports. With a team of over 200 professionals, Meketa operates from multiple offices located in Boston, Miami, San Diego, Portland, New York, and London, providing clients with tailored guidance and support for informed decision-making.

SoftBank Group is a multinational telecommunications and internet corporation based in Japan. It operates through four segments: mobile communications, Sprint, fixed-line telecommunications, and internet. The company provides a wide range of services, including mobile and fixed-line voice and data transmission services, broadband services, internet advertising, e-commerce, and digital television. SoftBank Group also invests in various technologies through its venture capital arms, such as SoftBank Investment Advisers and SoftBank Vision Fund, focusing on areas like artificial intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of Things. One of its notable subsidiaries, SoftBank Robotics, designs and manufactures humanoid robots for various applications, including education, healthcare, and business.

Providence Health & Services is the third largest not-for-profit health system in the United States, dedicated to meeting the healthcare needs of communities, particularly those who are poor and vulnerable, across Alaska, California, Montana, Oregon, Texas, and Washington. This Catholic health care system operates multiple hospitals and numerous non-acute facilities, including physician clinics, long-term and assisted living, palliative and hospice care, and home health services. With a workforce of over 73,000 caregivers, Providence Health & Services provides a comprehensive range of medical services from birth to end of life. The organization also emphasizes virtual healthcare, offering specialized care in areas such as cancer, heart health, neurosciences, orthopedics, primary care, pediatrics, and maternity care, ensuring patients have access to treatment seven days a week.

Curzon Energy focuses on the exploration, appraisal, and development of oil and gas properties. It primarily holds leases to approximately 45,370 acres of prospective coal bed methane lands located in Coos Bay, Oregon.

Chalice Brands Ltd. is a prominent player in the U.S. cannabis industry, focusing on retail, processing, wholesale, and distribution. The company operates twelve owned dispensaries and manages an additional four in Oregon, positioning itself as a leader in this competitive market. Chalice Brands emphasizes health and wellness through its diverse product offerings, particularly under the recognized Chalice Farms brand. Additionally, the company operates nationally under the Fifth & Root brand, extending its reach into California. With a commitment to innovation and quality, Chalice Brands maintains a cash-flow positive status, reflecting its strong performance in the mature cannabis sector.

Alaska Airlines is the eighth-largest airline in the United States by passenger traffic and serves as the leading air carrier on the West Coast. Based in Seattle, it provides extensive service between Alaska and the continental U.S., surpassing all competitors in this market. The airline operates two main segments: Mainline and Regional. The Mainline segment offers scheduled air transportation using Boeing and Airbus jets, connecting various destinations across the U.S., Mexico, and Costa Rica. The Regional segment includes services provided by Horizon Air and other third-party carriers, focusing on shorter routes within the U.S. and Canada under capacity purchase agreements. Alaska Airlines has made significant expansions in recent years, enhancing its network to include more destinations on the U.S. East Coast, as well as in Mexico and Canada.