Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) today announced the 10 semifinalist companies selected to advance in the Early Stage competition for the 22nd Annual Bend Venture Conference (BVC), taking place at the Tower Theatre in Bend on Thursday, October 16 and Friday, October 17, 2025.

Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) is excited to announce the eight semifinalist companies advancing in the Growth Stage track for the 22nd annual Bend Venture Conference (BVC), taking place in downtown Bend, Oregon Thursday, October 16 – Friday, October 17, 2025.

Applications are now open for companies looking to compete in the 2025 Bend Venture Conference (BVC). The event will take place on October 16–17, 2025, in downtown Bend, Oregon, bringing together top startups, investors and business leaders for two days of live pitches, networking and learning. Presented by Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO), BVC is the Pacific Northwest’s longest-running angel investment conference, serving as a powerful platform for Early and Growth Stage companies seeking investment and exposure.

After months of investor meetings, 14 companies took the stage at the 21st Annual Bend Venture Conference. Read about the two-day celebration of entrepreneurship and the companies that walked away with funding offers.

The Growth Stage competition at BVC highlights companies that have demonstrated significant traction and are poised for rapid expansion. Following considerable due diligence, companies in this category have historically been awarded funding ranging from $100,000 to $2,500,000 from the BVC LLC and partner VC funds.

Hundreds of attendees packed the outdoor patio at Worthy Brewing for Central Oregon PubTalk, where 10 semifinalists competing to pitch at the Bend Venture Conference (BVC) delivered three-minute pitches to a lively crowd. Attendees, along with a panel of expert judges, determined which five startups would advance.

These four finalists will pitch on stage at the Tower Theatre on Friday, October 18th for an opportunity to secure investments from BVC partner funds.

Meet the 10 Early Stage semifinalists advancing to pitch on stage at EDCO's September Central Oregon PubTalk, where the audience, along with an expert panel of judges, will vote to decide which companies advance to present at BVC. The audience favorite receives a $3,000 cash award, courtesy of Washington Trust Bank.

As Central Oregon’s flagship entrepreneurship event, BVC creates an opportunity to connect investors and industry leaders with startups looking to scale. Each year, a new BVC Growth Fund is raised to invest in the most promising growth stage companies that compete in the annual conference.

The New Economy Track is dedicated to supporting startups that are creating impactful technologies with a specific focus on accelerating inclusive innovation that encourages participation for marginalized or socially and economically disadvantaged (SEDI) communities. 

BVC is back for its 21st year on October 17-18, 2024. This annual event is the largest angel investment conference in the Pacific Northwest, offering opportunities to connect with entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders. Secure your spot by September 30th to enjoy a 10% discount and receive a free commemorative shirt.

In 2022, 14 finalists presented their ideas and business models to an audience of hundreds at the Tower Theatre in hopes of gaining investment from prominent funds. Of those finalists, seven companies walked away that day with checks totaling $665,000 in investments. But that was just the beginning of the BVC magic.