WELCOME!

We're glad you're here! Our goal is to provide updates on the impact of Oregon Venture Fund portfolio companies and venture capital trends in our region. And, in case you or someone you know is looking for their next gig - you'll also find a few of the open positions at our portfolio companies.

Take a look around and let us know what you think. Thanks for being here.

FUND NEWS + PERSPECTIVES

Celebrating Women: Part I

International Women’s Day - March 8th - with the 2026 theme, “Give to Gain.” At OVF we have worked hard to build an inclusive team and to back women founders. Read the full article here to meet the women behind the mission and learn how to connect.

Featured Company: Source

Source is modernizing the procurement of interior furniture, fixtures, and equipment for hotels, apartments, and commercial buildings. Read the OVF feature here. For additional insight on Source founder Nicole Schmidt's journey, listen to the recent Techlandia podcast episode which features the genesis of Source and how they are innovating and simplifying the construction supply chain.

Why We invested: Thread

Thread is led by Justin Vandehey [pictured], Jeremy Vandehey, and Sam Kenney. The Vandehey brothers previously built Disco, backed by General Catalyst and Slack, and ultimately sold it to Culture Amp in 2021. Sam brings deep AI infrastructure experience from Notable Health. The team has deep experience with the specific problem of "post-sale execution" as practitioners. Justin’s edge on GTM is compelling and we've been impressed with how fast the team learns and builds in collaboration with design partners. Take a closer look here.

PORTFOLIO NEWS

Wayfinder and absenteeism

Wayfinder recently produced their State of Chronic Absenteeism report [absenteeism is defined as greater than 10% of school days missed]. It's an eye-opening piece where they dive into the latest research on the forces behind chronic absence, how schools are addressing them, and the district strategies delivering measurable results. Check it out here.

NLM Photonics is setting records

NLM Photonics set a speed record for converting electrical to optical signals at a blazing 3.2 terabits per second, well beyond the bandwidth of today's commercially available modulators. This matters because data‑center and AI interconnects are running into power and bandwidth limits, and NLM’s tech can materially cut network power while increasing throughput. NLM develops organic electro‑optic materials and modulators that sit on photonic integrated circuits to convert electrical signals into optical signals with much higher bandwidth and significantly lower power compared to incumbent technologies. The team is split between Seattle and Oregon.

JOBS

Looking for your next gig? Know someone who is? Below are just a few of the open positions at some of OVF's portfolio companies. Please take a look and pass them along.

Program Accounts Lead - GearUP

Commercial Account Manager - Hydrolix

Customer RevOps Manager - Magnify

National Sales Manager - Rumpl

Browse the OVF job board for a complete, up-to-date list of 120+ openings at a number of our portfolio companies.

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Since its founding, OVF has invested $199M in 88 companies which have created over 7,080 jobs. 32% of our portfolio companies are founded or led by women and 25% by entrepreneurs of color.

Pitchbook places OVFs total return in the top 25% of ALL global venture funds (2Q2025).

OVF's corporate partners share our passion for supporting local entrepreneurs:

Disclosure: This newsletter is intended to provide general information regarding OVFs investments and impact and not for the purpose of soliciting investors for any fund. Under no circumstances should the information provided be considered an offer to sell, or a solicitation to buy, any security. Such offer or solicitation may only be made to accredited investors and qualified purchasers pursuant to the current offering documents of the relevant OVF Fund. The information provided may not be reproduced or disseminated to any third parties without the written consent of OVF. The past performance of previous OVF Funds and portfolio companies is not necessarily indicative of future results. Investors in OVF Funds may lose investment capital. There can be no assurance that any future OVF Funds or portfolio companies will achieve comparable results.