Elevate Capital Momentum: $1.6M Invested in Five Oregon Startups
At Elevate Capital, our focus has always been clear: partner with strong founders, deploy capital thoughtfully, and help build companies that can scale and endure.
Over the past year, that work has continued with $1.6 million invested across five Oregon-based startups, representing a diverse mix of technologies, industries, and growth opportunities.
These investments were made through Oregon’s SSBCI Venture Direct Program, and reflect Elevate’s hands-on, founder-first approach to early-stage investing.
Backing Oregon Founders
Each company was selected through Elevate’s established diligence process and supported by matching private investment at the time of funding—ensuring both market validation and long-term growth potential.
Here are the first companies funded through the SSBCI Venture Direct Program:
Overwatch Imaging — $500,000
Overwatch Imaging provides advanced aerial imaging systems for time-critical missions in challenging environments. Overwatch was founded by Greg Davis and recently completed a successful Series A, demonstrating strong demand for its mission-critical solutions.
CleanHaus — $250,000
Founded by Nat Parker, the founding CEO of mobile ticketing platform GlobeSherpa, CleanHaus is an AI-powered property care and operations platform built for the short-term rental (STR) community.
“From day one, Elevate understood what we’re building and the challenges founders face at this stage. Their hands-on approach and long-term perspective made a meaningful difference for CleanHaus.” – Nat Parker, CEO CleanHaus.
PortalSphere — $250,000
PortalSphere is a Shopify app that transforms B2B eCommerce by turning online stores into fully featured wholesale portals. Co-founded by James Gomez and Colby Schlechter, the company empowers brands to launch sophisticated wholesale websites with ease, offering AI-driven upsell capabilities and advanced analytics to optimize B2B sales.
StrateSea Technology — $350,000
Co-founded by Victoria Price-Doucet and Moe Doucet, StrateSea Technology is a marine technology company developing advanced autonomous surface systems designed to transform maritime operations. With applications in environmental monitoring, security, inspection, and logistics, StrateSea represents a growing Oregon presence in next-generation marine innovation.
Osheru — $250,000
Ziplyft by Osheru is the first minimally invasive surgery for removing unwanted upper eyelid skin. Ziplyft was co-founded by MDs Patricia Buehler and Knute Buehler and uses novel compressive skin contouring, eliminating the need for cautery and sutures, giving surgeons an efficient and consistent procedure and allowing patients to recover faster and with less bruising.
Each of these businesses reflects the ingenuity and strength of Oregon’s founders and demonstrates the program’s goal of expanding opportunity across the state.
Why This Matters
While the Venture Direct program provides a powerful funding mechanism, it’s Elevate’s role as an active investment partner that drives long-term impact—helping founders navigate growth, attract follow-on capital, and build durable businesses in Oregon.
Why Elevate Capital?
Elevate Capital was selected for this program based on its track record managing two previous state-backed funds, its deep relationship with Oregon’s entrepreneurial community, and its strong commitment to inclusive, founder-centered investing.
This program represents a shared commitment to:
- Expand access to capital
- Support new and diverse founders
- Strengthen Oregon’s economic future
What’s Next
Elevate will continue deploying capital across Oregon in the years ahead, targeting new investments while supporting founders through the full growth journey.
If you’re an Oregon-based founder building something ambitious, we’d love to hear from you.
