Code Benders

Posted by Taus October 19, 2011

Last week at the Bend Venture Conference, Central Oregon’s newest (and only) business accelerator was unveiled. VentureBox is a business accelerator focused on supporting concept stage startups. The initiative is a program of the Tech Alliance and is committed to Central Oregon’s entrepreneurial community and helping turn innovative product and service ideas into great companies.

Although a much larger group of mentors will be announced, the current team is pretty impressive and represents management, finance, technology and other key skills for early stage companies. VentureBox will be offering mentorships, infrastructure and a milestone-based program to develop startups into investment-ready enterprises.

We think that VentureBox has great potential to help diversify the Central Oregon community and create sustainable, living wage jobs. That’s why we’re proud to be supporting and participating in the effort!

Posted by Taus September 23, 2011

Bend has a strong and growing startup ecosystem. The early-stage companies in our community include innovation in software, clean energy, recreation and countless other industries. We even have an active group of angel investors, advisors and mentors that help to shepherd these companies from idea to profitability and acquisition.

Perhaps the most well-recognized effort in this arena is the Bend Venture Conference. For several years, the homegrown BVC has attracted startups from across the Pacific Northwest to compete for cash investment and the and the attention of the regional angel and VC community. Previous investments have included some great companies ranging from medical devices to web-based SaaS  providers. This year’s keynote speaker is in none other than Andy Sack, the Executive Director of TechStars Seattle and the Founder and CEO of Lighter Capital.

The BVC is the highlight and in some ways the epicenter of Bend’s thriving entrepreneurial spirit. So we are proud to support the efforts of the conference organizers and hope to see you at the event.

Posted by Taus March 29, 2011

Well, Ruby on Ales came and went. Based on the feedback I received from attendees and speakers, everyone had a pretty good time. I’m pretty amazed that the whole thing came off without a hitch… whew!

We are planning a repeat performance next year. And, we are considering options for a summer/fall event in the next six months. We’ve kicked around the idea of a rumble, hackfest or even an agile theme. If you have any ideas or feedback that you’d like share, send an email to all the guys or drop us a tweet.

Finally, I want to send out a huge thanks to all the attendees, speakers and sponsors for making RoA 2011 so awesome!