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 in our region. You'll also find open positions from some of our portfolio companies - in case you or someone you know is looking for their next gig.

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

FUND + TEAM NEWS 

Should I Stay or Should I Go Now?

VCs occasionally are presented with the choice of selling some or all of their shares in a portfolio company long before a formal exit. An incoming private equity fund might want to purchase additional shares from existing investors to increase their position. Or, a company might decide to use accrued cash from retained earnings to redeem longstanding investors seeking liquidity, similar to a public company repurchasing investor shares through a buyback program. In these situations, how do OVF and other VCs decide when to hold and when to sell? OVF Co-founder, Eric Rosenfeld [pictured] shares his expertise and insight on when to stay or go.

OVF's 2024 Talent Workshop Insights

Our recent Talent Workshop provided a treasure trove of insights for companies looking to enhance their talent and compensation strategies. The workshop was led by the talented Susy Dunn [pictured] with attendance of CEOs and People leaders from a number of our portfolio companies. We came away with three major aspects of successful People Orgs. Check out Matt Compton's insights to see if these three things are part of your People strategy.

Access to Startup Capital in Oregon

The Portland Alternative Investing Association's annual event on Sept 12 will focus on challenges and opportunities for growing local and out-of-region sources of capital for startups. The authors of the 2024 Oregon Capital Scan will share their findings and OVF's Alline Akintore [pictured], who serves on the Oregon Investment Council, will share her insights on local VC trends and the impact of OVF's efforts to mobilize regional talent and capital to seed and support a new generation of venture-backed growth companies. Register here to attend the event at the Multnomah Athletic Club.

About OVF Video

Ever wonder about the origins, purpose, and focus of OVF? If so, our latest video is for you. The video features OVF co-founder Eric Rosenfeld - he discusses why OVF was founded, how the fund is different, what we are accomplishing, who we invest in, and the benefits of being an OVF portfolio company. Whether you're an entrepreneur, an investor, or a member of the community, this quick video explains it all and tells the OVF story - take a look here.

Join us for a virtual meeting to learn more about OVF

For accredited investors who would like to learn about OVF's strategy, performance, and current portfolio.

Join us Thurs, Aug. 29th, 3:00-4:00 p.m. PDT

Learn more and register here.

PORTFOLIO NEWS

Just in time for back to school

Wayfinder is bringing their impactful curriculum to even more schools. Wayfinder's preK-12 curriculum - a love child of the Stanford School of Education and d.school - partners with educators in developing future-ready schools by helping students develop a sense of belonging, and the ability to navigate the future with purpose. How can you know where you want to go if you can't figure out who you are? The Bend-based software company supports >600,000 students at >1,200 schools in 65 countries. Study this short and inspiring video to learn more.

Wildfang announces new collection with Blondie

Portland-based Wildfang recently released Blondie's, aka Debbie Harry, first-ever fashion line, a stunning 6-piece collection one could wear anywhere, except at a TSA screening. The collab features a suit jacket and trousers, shirts, and a sweatshirt, and "makes liberal reference to Ms. Harry’s familiar wardrobe staples and to her raw, tear-down-the-barricades sensibility." Click here to see "the rough-hewn bricolage" and here for coverage from the NY Times.

What today's modern workplace needs in leadership

Bigleaf Networks CEO, Greg Davis [pictured], discusses what he's learned in 30+ years of leadership, including the importance of having a solid but flexible plan. This adaptability extends beyond strategy: It ultimately creates an environment where discomfort is seen as an opportunity for growth and a way to succeed. Read the full piece on how to be a better leader in the modern workplace in this issue of Entrepreneur Magazine.

JOBS

Looking for your next gig? Know someone who is? Below are a few of the open positions at some of our portfolio companies. Please check them out and pass them along. Thanks!

Full Stack Engineer - Brandlive

Director of Sales - Qualtik

Principal Data Scientist - Magnify

Check out the OVF job board for the complete, up-to-date list of all 95+ openings at a number of our portfolio companies.

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Since its founding, OVF and its investors have invested $180M in 79 companies that have created over 5,757 jobs. 34% of our portfolio companies are founded or led by a woman and 22% by an entrepreneur of color.

Pitchbook places OVF in the top 25% of ALL global venture funds (2023).

OVF is humbled by the generosity of our corporate partners:

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.