EDCO names five ‘Growth Stage’ finalists for 2025 Bend Venture Conference
KTVZ
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) announced Monday the five Growth Stage finalists who will compete at the 2025 Bend Venture Conference, taking place October 16–17 at the Tower Theatre in downtown Bend.
In just a few days, these exceptional finalists will take to the main stage. 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 $ 2.5 million from the BVC LLC and partner venture capital (VC) funds.
In alphabetical order, the Growth Stage finalists that will compete at the BVC are:
Airbuild (Portland, OR) – Airbuild creates modular, self-powered systems that capture carbon, purify water and turn waste into biochar.
Bold Reuse (Portland, OR) – Bold Reuse reduces costs and waste from single-use packaging through reusable packaging systems, a Bold Reuse is critical infrastructure for the circular economy.
MarineSitu (Seattle, WA) – MarineSitu provides marine infrastructure monitoring through their AI software platform, preventing costly interventions, saving time and increasing efficiency.
Photon Marine (Portland, OR) – Photon Marine is building the world’s most capable electric fleet.
Rapta (Tigard, OR) – Rapta supercharges U.S. manufacturing by increasing capacity 30% through eliminating 98% of errors and accelerating workflows 10x faster.
“The Growth Stage finalists are a powerful reflection of where the market is heading,” said Jon Stark, CEO of EDCO. “These companies are proving that innovation and scalability go hand in hand, and the Bend Venture Conference provides the stage for investors to connect with founders who are ready to accelerate their growth.”
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 Oct 13-17 in 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.
The Bend Venture Conference cannot guarantee that investments will be awarded in any specific amount. The final amounts to be distributed depend on the investment commitments received from third-party investors, as well as the ability of the winning companies and investors to agree on the terms and conditions of the investment.
Tickets for the 2025 Bend Venture Conference are available at bendvc.com.
2025 BVC Title Sponsors
About Bend Venture Conference (BVC) The annual BVC, hosted by EDCO, is one of the largest angel conferences in the country. Over the past 22 years, BVC has served to evolve and grow the startup ecosystem throughout Central Oregon and beyond. Since its inception, more than $14 million has been invested in 59 companies as a result of the conference. This year’s conference will gather entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders, and students at the Tower Theatre in Bend, Oregon on October 16-17, 2025. bendvc.com
About Economic Development for Central Oregon
EDCO is a non-profit corporation supported by private and public members and stakeholders, whose mission is to create middle-class jobs in Central Oregon by: recruiting new employers to move to the region; helping entrepreneurs start new, scalable businesses; and working with businesses that are already here to grow their operations. For more information, visit www.edcoinfo.com.
About High Desert Innovation Week
High Desert Innovation Week is an annual celebration of Oregon’s entrepreneurial spirit, held each October in Central Oregon. Organized by the Central Oregon Innovation Network, Cultivate Bend, Bend Outdoor Worx, and Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO), the week brings together organizations, startups, and innovators from across the region to showcase the unique resources, collaborative culture, and diverse industries that make Oregon a hub for innovation. Over five days, events highlight craft, technology, and community, spanning sectors from consumer products to climate tech and outdoor recreation. hdinnovationweek.com.