How the 2011 BVC Competition Works

2011 brings a lot of changes to the Bend Venture Conference.  In additional to five Launch Stage  companies (also called Early Stage companies), five Concept Stage companies will compete for a smaller prize.  $200,000 is the targeted investment amount for the Launch Stage winner, while the Concept Stage winner could receive up to $10,000 in cash in the form of a grant, as well as other professional support services.

Launch Stage Process

• Screening for finalists. Once all applications are received (August 26th deadline), BVC investors select five Launch Companies deemed to have the most feasible and compelling business plans.  At the Conference, each Launch Company has ten minutes to present to the audience, followed by Q&A.    


• Due diligence of finalists. After the five Launch Companies are notified of their selection to present, investors from the BVC, LLC and volunteers begin a comprehensive due diligence review that is completed before the Conference.  Investor leads will host a series of interviews and meetings with each company and report back positives and negatives to the larger Investing Committee.   
  
  

Concept Stage Process  

• Upstart Day. A separate competition takes place simultaneously for Concept Stage companies.  UpStart Day on September 12th is a fast-paced review of all contenders, meant to provide feedback from a professional panel.  The strongest Concept Companies will become eligible to present at the PubTalk shortly thereafter.       

• PubTalk Competition.  On September 22nd, Central Oregon PubTalk hosts a competition of up to a dozen Concept Stage presenters, each with three minutes to pitch. From that  field, five Concept Stage companies are chosen by the PubTalk attendees to go on to BVC.  At the conference on October 14th, the finalists have three minutes to pitch and the winner of the grant is selected by audience vote.