Applications Now Open for the 2025 Bend Venture Conference

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR THE 2025 BEND VENTURE CONFERENCE

BVC Returns October 16–17 in Bend, Oregon
Awards Announced for Oregon and Central Oregon-Based Startups 

Bend, Ore. – July 8, 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.

Now in its 22nd year, BVC has helped launch dozens of successful startups, with more than $14 million invested directly through the BVC Funds and millions more secured through post-conference connections. The event is a cornerstone of Oregon’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and a catalyst for business growth in Central Oregon and beyond.

“BVC plays a critical role in elevating startups and putting a national spotlight on the innovation happening across Oregon,” said Brian Vierra, Venture Catalyst Director at EDCO. “BVC is more than a pitch competition, it’s a celebration of innovation, offering two days of inspiring content, curated networking and the chance to connect with some of the region’s most influential investors and entrepreneurs.”

The 2025 Early Stage competition will be open exclusively to Oregon-based companies, strengthening BVC’s mission to spotlight and support local innovation. Additionally, a cash award will be reserved for one standout startup headquartered in Central Oregon, emphasizing the region’s ongoing commitment to homegrown entrepreneurship.

 Finalists in all categories will take the stage at the historic Tower Theatre in front of hundreds of attendees and investors. Growth Stage finalists have historically received investments of $250,000 or more, pending final due diligence and allocation by the BVC Funds.

 APPLY

This year’s conference will feature two competition categories: Growth Stage and Early Stage. The application period is open now through Thursday, August 14th, 2025.

·       Growth Stage: This category is open to companies that have generated at least $1 million in product revenue in the past 18 months and/or raised at least $500,000 in external capital. These companies are typically raising between $250,000 and $2.5 million or more. Pre-revenue companies with significant traction, such as those in life sciences, will also be considered.

·       Early Stage: This category is open to Oregon-based companies that are pre-revenue or have earned less than $1 million in product revenue in the past 18 months. These companies must have raised less than $500,000 in external capital, including non-dilutive grants, and be currently raising under $1 million in investment capital. Eligible companies must be domiciled in Oregon or have an executive based in the state.

For more information on the application process and to apply, visit bendvc.com/apply.