Each year, Pitch Oregon brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors from the region—creating a collaborative and dynamic environment for launching startups on their growth journeys. Elevate Capital was honored to sponsor Pitch Oregon (February 9, 2023), an event hosted by TiE Oregon.
Pitch Oregon selected 12 companies from 150 applicants as finalists in four categories. Five startups received equitable investments from Oregon Growth Board, Business Oregon (Innovation Gap Fund), and angels from TiE Oregon and the TiE Silicon Valley Chapter.
Innovation Gap Fund: Focusing on Bioscience, Cleantech and Natural Resources
The Elevate Capital Innovation Gap Fund I and Fund II, a program under Business Oregon, are managed by Elevate Capital. “As the manager of the Gap Fund, Elevate Capital provides not only capital but mentorship and business guidance as well,” said Nitin Rai, Elevate Capital Founder and Managing Partner. “We are thrilled to invest $550,000 in three innovative companies at Pitch Oregon: Ren Energy, Myohealth Technologies and Phosio Corporation.”
Elevate Capital’s mission is to bring more diversity and inclusion to the startup world. The Innovation Gap Funds focus on bioscience, cleantech, and natural resources for early-stage innovation. These sectors are underserved when it comes to early-stage funding—the Gap Fund is providing that critical funding. Of the startups in the Gap Funds, 50% are led by women and another 40% by BIPOC or immigrant founders.
“Elevate Capital helps companies achieve key technical and business development milestones—critical steps to successfully raise additional capital from private angel and venture capital investors,” adds Nitin. “We will continue leveraging our experience as an industry leader investing in underserved founders.”
Congratulations to Pitch Oregon 2023 Winners
Innovation Gap Fund II Recipients
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Ren Energy ($250,000): Tools to solve complex financial, technical, and logistical challenges to decarbonize supply chains.
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Myohealth Technologies, Inc. ($200,000): Myoaligner® jaw aligner treats TMJ (temporomandibular joint) and feels like natural teeth.
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Phosio Corporation ($100,000): Nano-imprintable high-index optical materials for tech hardware industry.
Pitch Oregon Recipients
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Ren Energy ($100,000): Clean Technology/Sustainability category. Tools to solve complex financial, technical, and logistical challenges to decarbonize supply chains.
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VitalFlo Health ($100,000): Life Science category. Remote chronic respiratory disease monitoring system for healthcare providers.
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Phosio Corporation ($100,000): Software/Technology category. Nano-imprintable high-index optical materials for tech hardware industry.
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LeapFrog Design ($20,000): Early-Stage category. Modular plant-powered ecological water treatment system.
