Bend Venture Conference

We are excited to welcome Wendy Morgan as EDCO’s new Venture Catalyst Director.

Wendy brings experience as a founder, mentor and commercialization leader, and will lead our Start initiative to support early stage companies across Central Oregon. She will work closely with entrepreneurs to refine their strategies, prepare for investment and connect with the resources they need to grow and succeed.

She will also support key programs including the Bend Venture Conference, helping prepare presenting companies and working alongside partners to strengthen outcomes for founders and investors.

Member Spotlight: We’re grateful for Exemplar Wealth Advisors and their membership with EDCO. This boutique financial planning firm, based in Bend, Oregon, serves clients across the country. Founded by David Rosell over 25 years ago and now co-led by Emma James, Exemplar focuses on a select group of individuals and families who value depth, trust, and real guidance through life’s biggest financial milestones. Their commitment not only helps clients achieve their goals but strengthens the Central Oregon ecosystem, making our community stronger and more resilient. Learn more at www.xmplr.com

Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 Bend Venture Conference! EDCO is proud to celebrate the incredible founders and teams driving innovation across the Pacific Northwest.

Early Stage Winners:
Toast Wear (Bend), Yak Incorporated (Portland), and SokoLife (Eugene) received investment and cash awards for their groundbreaking products and strong market potential.

Growth Stage Winners:
Rapta (Tigard), Photon Marine (Portland), Bold Reuse (Portland), and MarineSitu (Seattle) were recognized for their rapid growth and scalable business models.

Additionally, Caldera High School student Levi Waters was honored for ClimbGrade through the BVC Future presentation.

These companies showcase the creativity and drive fueling Oregon’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Read more at: https://www.bendvc.com/news

BVC 2025: Company Update + BVC Brief

The Bend Venture Conference is almost here, and two sessions you won’t want to miss are the Company Update and BVC Brief.

Cassie Abel, Founder and CEO of Wild Rye, will take the stage for the Company Update to share her journey building a purpose-driven outdoor brand that’s grown from a bold idea into a nationally recognized company.

In the BVC Brief, Cheryl Kellond, Founder of PlayMoney, will dig into how early-stage investing is changing and what it means for founders and investors shaping the next generation of startups.

Real stories. Real insight. Real impact.

Learn more about both sessions at bendvc.com/speakers