Bend Venture Conference Announces Early Stage Semifinalists Presenting at Central Oregon PubTalk
Bend, Ore. – September 8, 2025 – 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.
The 10 Early Stage semifinalists will face off at the September 25, 2025, Central Oregon PubTalk: Road to BVC, held at the outdoor Drink Up, Dream On stage at Worthy Brewing in Bend. At this high-energy event, each company will deliver a three-minute pitch to a live audience and a panel of judges, who will decide which companies move on to the main stage at the Bend Venture Conference next month. The audience vote will also award one Early Stage company a $3,000 cash prize, courtesy of Washington Trust Bank.
The Bend Venture Conference is the Pacific Northwest’s largest angel investment conference and a hub for entrepreneurship in the region. Following the close of applications, investors and partners carefully reviewed each submission to select the top startups advancing in both the Early and Growth Stage tracks. The semifinalists for the Growth Stage will be further narrowed down in early October. Finalists in both Early and Growth Stages will present at the BVC on October 17 in front of hundreds of attendees and investors.
The 2025 Early Stage competition is open exclusively to Oregon-based companies, strengthening BVC’s mission to spotlight and support local innovation. A cash award of at least $25k will be presented to one standout startup headquartered in Central Oregon, underscoring the region’s ongoing commitment to homegrown entrepreneurship.
Speaking for EDCO, Venture Catalyst Brian Vierra highlighted the strength of this year’s Early Stage track. “We’re seeing remarkable innovation coming from Oregon, and it’s inspiring to showcase these founders on a stage where their ideas can gain momentum. The Bend Venture Conference has always been about celebrating the region’s most promising entrepreneurs and connecting them with investors and leaders who can help them grow.”
In alphabetical order, the BVC Early Stage semifinalists that will compete at the September 25 Central Oregon PubTalk are:
360 Sierra (Bend, OR) - All-in-one platform for vehicle-rental operations—powered by an AI master operator.
GlowWell (Bend, OR) - GlowPrep is the companion kit to your colonoscopy prescription laxative—making prep clear and comfortable while increasing compliance to save lives.
Goal 300 (Bend, OR) – Goal 300 supercharges natural CO2 removal to fight climate change, targeting 1M tons annually by 2035, with strong returns in the booming carbon credit market.
Luxefly Basecamp (Eugene, OR) – Freeze-dried, refined, curated camp food, from duck confit with white bean cassoulet to chile rellenos with burrata cheese, these are not just for camping.
Neurosom (Eugene, OR) - Neurosom is advancing a clinically validated, personalized neuromodulation therapy to reduce dementia risk by enhancing deep and REM sleep.
Overpotential (Eugene, OR) - Overpotential improves the flavor profile of beverages by removing negative flavors with electrochemistry.
SokoLife (Eugene, OR) - SokoLife is revolutionizing cardiac care with innovative, non-toxic patches for congenital heart defect repair, reducing reinterventions and healthcare costs.
Toast Wear Inc. (Bend, OR) - Cold is universal. Your gear is personal. Toast solves both with a personal thermostat for your jacket, making existing apparel your go-to for warmth.
Topsail (Bend, OR) - Conversation-led sales in one click. Human-led, AI-assisted outreach leads to 2-4x productivity, more meetings and more revenue.
Yak Incorporated (Portland, OR) - Yak is the all-in-one, automation and AI-powered platform that automates audits for accounting firms, cutting admin work in half and ending auditor burnout.
PubTalk Agenda
4:30 pm to 5:00 pm - Networking, drinks and appetizers
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm – Early Stage company pitches, audience vote and winners announcements
PubTalk Cost and Registration
Register through Eventbrite here.
Ticket price is $32 for EDCO Members; $48 for Non-Members.
Attendance includes appetizers and a beverage (beer, wine or non-alcoholic options available).
Now in its 22nd year, the Bend Venture Conference is the Pacific Northwest’s largest angel investment conference and a hub for entrepreneurship in the region. Since its inception, BVC investors have awarded more than $14 million to startups. The event is the cornerstone of the High Desert Innovation Week, happening October 13-17 in downtown Bend, a multi-day program that brings together local entrepreneurs, innovators and investors to showcase the region’s startup resources and celebrate its collaborative culture.
Bend Venture Conference cannot guarantee that investments will be made in any specific amount because the final amounts to be awarded are dependent on investment commitments received from third-party investors and the ability of the winning companies and the investors to agree on the terms and conditions of the investment.