Founded and hosted by EDCO, the Bend Venture Conference (BVC) is the largest angel conference in the Pacific Northwest, held annually in downtown Bend, Oregon. Its core mission is to foster entrepreneurship and innovation by providing a platform for startups to pitch their ideas to investors. The conference attracts over 600 attendees, including 50 prominent investors, and features company pitches, networking activities, and awards. BVC has been a key driver in transforming Bend into a hub for entrepreneurial activity.
Notable affiliated people include prominent investors and entrepreneurs who participate in the event. The conference has facilitated investments, awards, and prizes totaling close to $4 million in a single year, significantly impacting the regional startup ecosystem. BVC's overall impact is evident in its role as a catalyst for economic growth and innovation in Central Oregon, supporting the development of numerous successful startups over its two-decade history.