Category: Leadership

5 Pitch Deck Red Flags that Make Investors Walk Away and How to Avoid Them

Picture this: You’ve got the mic, your pitch deck is live, and your startup dream is finally taking the spotlight.

But halfway through your presentation, you notice your investors shifting in their seats, flipping through your deck distractedly or, worse, glancing at their phones.

What went wrong?

Investors aren’t just looking for flashy ideas. They’re looking for signals.

Signals like:

Does this founder understand the problem?
Can they solve it?
Are they capital-efficient?

And your pitch deck often answers those questions, whether you mean it to or not.

Here are five pitch deck red flags that investors currently recognize and how to course-correct before it’s too late. As you prepare for your shot at your next pitch competition, make sure you don’t fall into these common traps.

#1 – No Early Customer Validation

Sure, you’ve got a big idea. But you don’t have customer interviews, prototypes, tests, or traction to back it up.

Why It’s a Red Flag

Investors don’t want to fund pure theory or dreams. If you haven’t run any experiments, interviewed customers, or done even basic evaluation, it looks like you’re asking them to take all the risks.

How to Fix It

Get scrappy. Talk to users. Run pre-sales. Build a no-code MVP. Even ten conversations or a waitlist of 50 potential customers will show that you’ve started the work and you’re serious about solving a real problem.

#2 – Ignoring the Competition

Stating that you have no competitors doesn’t make your startup seem unique. Instead, it makes it seem naïve.

Why It’s a Red Flag

Every market has alternatives, even if they’re indirect. Failing to acknowledge them suggests a lack of market awareness.

How to Avoid It

Conduct thorough competitive analyses. Identify your direct and indirect competitors, and clearly explain your differentiators and competitive advantages.

#3 – Top-Down Market Size Only

“We’re in a $100 billion market!” sounds like an impressive claim until it doesn’t.

Why It’s a Red Flag

Top-down numbers, like quoting the global market size from a research report, don’t tell investors how much you can actually capture. It suggests you don’t understand your customer segment or how to reach them.

How to Fix It

Use bottom-up analysis instead. Start with your target customer, estimate pricing, and project realistic adoption rates. Show investors that you know who you’re selling to and how you’ll get to them.

#4 – Unrealistic Financial Projections

If your chart shows hocky-stick growth that defies gravity, you’re not inspiring confidence. You’re raising eyebrows.

Why It’s a Red Flag

Every founder wants to be optimistic. But when projections aren’t tied to a clear strategy or benchmarks, they scream inexperience. Investors wonder if you’ve done your homework or if you’re just winging it.

How to Fix It

Use assumptions grounded in data. Tie projections to sales funnels, acquisition strategies, or pilot results. Show that you understand your costs, margins, and what it will actually take to grow.

#5 – An Overcrowded Team Slide

Did you know that if your team slide looks like a company yearbook, you’re already in trouble?

Why It’s a Red Flag

Investors see a big team and think: high burn rate, low capital efficiency. If you haven’t even validated your product yet, why are you spreading limited capital across so many roles? It also dilutes the perception of leadership. Who is really steering the ship?

How to Fix It

Feature only the essential founding team members, those who are critical to validating the problem, building the MVP, and getting early traction. Advisors or future hires can be mentioned briefly, but the spotlight should be on the core doers.

Your pitch deck is your audition, and investors are sharp judges. These five pitch deck red flags are some of the most common reasons promising startups get passed over.

But the good thing is they’re all fixable.

Before you hit the stage or submit your deck, take time to reflect: Are you telling a clear, credible, and capital-efficient story about your startup?

If the answer isn’t a strong “yes,” then it’s time to revise.

Ready to Pitch Like a Pro?

Apply now to pitch at the Oregon Startup Conference, happening on June 20 at George Fox University.

This is where investors, community leaders, and fellow founders are looking for what’s next in a Shark Tank-like environment. And you could be it.

Show them a pitch deck that’s tight, tested, and ready to win.

Your moment is waiting. Just make sure your deck is too.

At Sacred Fire Creative, we help founders and entrepreneurs build genuine connections with their audience through powerful, authentic brand storytelling. Ready to bring your story to life? Let’s talk about how we can create something impactful together.

Black Girl LIVE!: A Community-Rooted Movement for Healing, Resilience, and Hope

At Sacred Fire Creative, we believe that marketing is more than a tool. It’s a vehicle for truth-telling, justice, and impact. We are proud to stand alongside founders who lead with vision and heart.

That’s why we’re honored to support FaithBridge Portland and its founder, Lisa Saunders, in the upcoming Black Girl LIVE!, a transformative event happening on May 23, 2025, in the University of Oregon Portland Campus’ Library and Learning Center.

The Black Girl LIVE! conference is the culminating moment of Community Heals Us, a deeply personal and community-anchored initiative designed to support the mental health and emotional well-being of Black girls and young women, and their families.

It’s an event that comes at a critical time, when suicide rates among Black young women are rising, and conversations about mental health still carry stigma in many communities of color.

What to Expect at Black Girl LIVE!

Black Girl LIVE! brings together youth voices, community leaders, and mental health advocates for a day of healing-centered activities.

It’s an energy-filled day that includes:

Youth-led storytelling and performances
Workshops and interactive sessions on mental health, identity, and self-care
Access to culturally responsive resources
A resource fair with community organizations
Opportunities for intergenerational dialogue and connection

Black Girl LIVE! is more than a conference or a community gathering. It’s a call to action, an invitation to stand up for young Black girls and women who are too often unseen and unheard. It’s a moment to create spaces of belonging, safety, and joy.

A Three-Part Framework for Community Healing

Community Heals Us is a living, breathing model for emotional restoration and empowerment, structured in three interconnected parts:

1. Healing Clubhouse

The Healing Clubhouse is a weekly after-school healing group for girls. It provides a safe and nurturing environment to process emotions, build resilience, and connect through shared experience.

2. Intergenerational MOTHERS

Intergenerational MOTHERS (Moms Overcoming Trauma Healing Everyday and Ready to Serve) is a support circle for mothers who have lost children or loved ones to suicide or community violence. This program offers space for grief, healing, and service.

3. Black Girl LIVE

Black Girl LIVE is the culminating event and media campaign that brings these efforts together in one public and powerful platform of visibility, storytelling, and transformation.

Featured Speakers at Black Girl LIVE!

Black Girl LIVE is honored to feature a lineup of dynamic speakers who bring a wealth of experience, insight, and inspiration to the event. These individuals are leaders in their fields, committed to the empowerment and healing of Black girls and women.

Nike Greene is the founder and executive director of Triple Threat Mentoring PDX. She is a marriage and family therapist, keynote speaker, and coach with over 15 years of experience in violence prevention, education, and social justice.

Qiana Woods is an alumna of FaithBridge Portland’s “Brown Girl Brave Girl” program for young women of color. A passionate slam poet, she won first place at Verselandia in 2024 for her poems “Parallels to the Plantation” and “Song 33.”

Charlene Addy McGee is the director of chronic disease prevention and health promotion at the Multnomah County Health Department. A Liberian-Oregonian and civil war survivor, she is a champion of health equity, policy development, and culturally responsive care.

Canada Taylor Parker is the suicide prevention coordinator for Multnomah County. She specializes in crisis response, grief, and trauma. She trains peer support specialists and leads postvention efforts, serving underserved communities.

Elizabeth Loving is a therapist, care coordinator, mental health coach, consultant, and co-owner of Black Star Athletic Academy. Dedicated to the mental and emotional well-being of young people, she specializes in culturally specific strategies to help young minds navigate challenges.

Zalika Gardner is the co-founder of KairosPDX and a professor at Lewis & Clark’s School of Education. A visionary leader, educator, and coach, she supports communities by offering leadership consulting, coaching, and workshop facilitation.

Sharice Burnett is a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She provides training and workshops that enhance workplace well-being, foster effective and restorative communication, and implement person-centered, equitable, and trauma-informed practices and policies.

Libra Forde is the executive director of the Women’s Foundation of Oregon. A former elite athlete and a champion of equity and justice for women and girls, she brings systems thinking and inspiration that encourages others to grow, lead, and dream boldly.

These speakers will contribute to the rich tapestry of experiences and knowledge at Black Girl LIVE, offering attendees a multifaceted view of healing, empowerment, and community engagement.

About FaithBridge Portland

FaithBridge Portland is a community-rooted organization focused on equity, healing, and transformative justice. Through programming, partnerships, and events, it works to bridge gaps in care, especially for Black women and girls.

Its mission is to foster collective belonging, nurture resilience, and promote healing through action, advocacy, and cultural grounding.

FaithBridge founder Lisa Saunders is a pastor, a mother, and a community advocate. She created Community Heals Us from both professional insight and personal grief. Having supported countless families through trauma, she has also witnessed the silencing effects of pain, especially among Black girls and young women navigating systemic inequities, social isolation, and intergenerational loss.

As Lisa puts it, we need to stand together in the face of adversity. In this moment of gathering, we’re not just preventing tragedy. We’re building a future where every young Black woman can thrive.

At Sacred Fire Creative, we champion visionaries who are not only building organizations but reshaping systems. We support them in finding and amplifying their voices because we believe those voices are urgently needed.

If you are a founder with a vision that impacts your community and you need your voice to be heard and amplified, contact us today. Let’s talk about how we can collaborate.

The Power of “Done”: Why Speed Is Essential in Business

If you’re waiting until your product is perfect, you’re already too late.

In today’s fast-paced, innovation-hungry world, there is no place for hesitation. Founders and creators often don’t launch their product, service, or idea, not because they want it to be flawless….

It’s often because they think they need one more certification or one more course to validate their idea, or maybe one more polished feature to make it work better.

But by the time they’re ready, someone else has already launched and learned. And, more often than not, already taken a vast lead.

Paralysis Is the Real Barrier

Let’s be honest. Perfectionism is no longer the goal. Perfectionism has already left the chat.

What’s really stopping most entrepreneurs now is the false belief that they’re not ready yet.

They’re waiting to:

Learn a skill they were never meant to master
Hire a team they can’t yet afford
Build the “best” platform before proving demand

Meanwhile, the market is moving.

That lost time is the difference between being “first to market” and “forgotten.”

Your competitor isn’t better. They’re just braver than you.

The Power of “Done”: Launch Messy, then Listen to Feedback

In startup culture, the minimum viable product or MVP is your best friend.

It’s not about cutting corners. It’s about proving value now. The courage to launch something raw, get real user feedback, and then obsessively iterate is what separates stagnant ideas from scalable businesses.

Here’s what a messy launch gives you:

Real feedback, not assumptions
Early traction, even if it’s small
A seat at a table, while others are still Googling or ChatGPTing how to do it

Speed matters. Customers pay for solutions, not polish.

When you launch now, you learn:

What people will actually pay for
Where the friction points are
Which assumptions were wrong, and how to fix them fast
Whether there’s a true product market fit, or it’s all just a nice idea in your head

Every product you don’t ship is an opportunity you can’t grow from.

Oregon Companies that Chose Speed Over Safety

Let’s look at three local illustrations of “done.”

#1 – Twenty Ideas: From MVP to Market with Purpose

Based in Eugene, OR, Twenty Ideas is a digital product agency specializing in healthcare, education, and wellness solutions. Their approach emphasizes launching minimum viable products (MVPs) swiftly, allowing for rapid user feedback and iterative improvements. This strategy accelerates time-to-market and ensures the product evolves based on actual user experiences.

#2 – Concentric Sky: Innovating with Open Standards

Also located in Eugene, Concentric Sky is renowned for its swift development of digital credentialing platforms, notably Canvas Credentials, originally known as Badgr. By embracing open technology standards and focusing on rapid deployment, they enabled educational institutions to issue digital badges efficiently. Their agile methodology allowed for continuous enhancements based on user feedback, positioning them as leaders in the digital credentialing space.

#3 – Agility Robotics: Rapid Iteration in Robots

Salem, OR-based Agility Robotics is pioneering the field of humanoid robotics with their product “Digit.” Spun out of Oregon State University in 2015, they adopted an iterative development process, releasing early versions to gather feedback and refine their designs. This approach enabled them to quickly adapt to market needs and establish partnerships with major companies like Amazon for warehouse automation.

Again, it’s not about being ready. It’s about being willing.

Launch what you can now. Let customers teach you what you fix. Improve as you go.

Momentum is more valuable than mastery.

You don’t need to “know more” before you start.

You don’t need the right logo, funnel, or software to launch.

What you need is courage. Speed.

And you need to start so you can learn what actually works, while your competitors are still perfecting something no one asked for.

Launch now. Fix later. Learn faster. That’s how progress wins.

Take Action at the Oregon Startup Conference

Want to see “done” in action?

Attend the Oregon Startup Conference on June 20 at George Fox University. You’ll hear from real founders launching messy, bold, and beautiful things. And you’ll walk away with ideas you can act on now.

Sacred Fire Creative specializes in helping founders and entrepreneurs connect meaningfully with their audience through authentic brand storytelling. Contact us today and let’s see how we can collaborate.

InventOr Mid-Valley Innovation Jam Recap

Where Big Ideas Take Flight: Highlights from the InventOR Mid-Valley Innovation Jam

Innovation doesn’t always begin in a sleek lab or a bustling tech hub. Sometimes, it starts in a community college classroom, where curiosity meets courage, and an idea becomes something real.

That’s exactly what happened at the InventOR Mid-Valley Innovation Jam, held at Chemeketa Community College on April 23, 2025. More than just a pitch competition, the event was a springboard for student inventors ready to solve real-world problems with bold, practical solutions.

From napkin sketches to polished pitches, teams had just one afternoon to turn imagination into action. The results were nothing short of inspiring.

Meet the winners who brought their A-game:

🥇 PourUp claimed first place with a powerful solution to improve beverage access and efficiency.

🥈 FridgePal impressed the judges with a smart approach to food organization and waste reduction.

🥉 CoreCam took third, demonstrating innovation in safety and monitoring technology.

But beyond rankings and prizes, what stood out most was the spirit of momentum.

These young inventors showed us what’s possible when vision is backed by execution and when a supportive community shows up to cheer them on.

And show up they did. The event was powered by a phenomenal team of volunteers who gave their time and energy to mentor, guide, and run the show: Mike White, Gladys Jadagu, Mohamed Salama, Nick Burgess, Mandy Reininger, Aaron Boston, Joy Boswell, Thomas Berney, and R Taylor. Their dedication created the kind of space where innovation doesn’t just survive, it thrives.

Hosting this movement of ingenuity was Chemeketa Community College, whose continued investment in entrepreneurship is planting deep roots for Oregon’s economic future. Their commitment reminds us that education isn’t just about textbooks. It’s about opportunity.

The Innovation Jam was a message that you don’t need years of experience or a pile of funding to make a difference. What you need is an idea, a team, and the courage to start.

Innovation is alive and well in Oregon’s Mid-Willamette Valley. And if this event was any indication, the future is in good hands.

Be part of the lively and thriving entrepreneurial scene of Mid-Willamette Valley. Start by joining a Coffee Club for Startups and Entrepreneurs near you.

Transforming the Workforce: How Agility Robotics Is Shaping the Future of Labor

In the heart of Oregon, a technological revolution is quietly unfolding, poised to redefine the landscape of labor across industries.

Agility Robotics, a company born from academic innovation, has introduced Digit, a humanoid robot designed to work alongside humans.

Digit, and other similar robots, are on the verge of transforming workplaces and addressing critical labor shortages.

A Visionary Beginning

Agility Robotics was established by co-founders Jonathan Hurst, Damion Shelton, and Mikhail Jones in 2015 as an offshoot of Oregon State University’s Dynamic Robotics Laboratory.

Their mission is to create robots that can operate seamlessly in human environments, performing tasks that are repetitive, physically demanding, or hazardous. This vision led to the development of Digit, a bipedal robot that embodies agility, efficiency, and adaptability.

Introducing Digit: The Humanoid Workforce Partner

Standing at 5’9” and weighing 143 pounds, Digit is engineered to navigate complex environments with human-like dexterity. Equipped with advanced sensors and artificial intelligence, Digit can handle tasks such as picking up and carrying totes, stacking boxes on shelves, and loading or unloading semi-trailers.

Digit’s design allows it to work alongside human colleagues without the need for significant modifications to existing workplaces.

The manufacturing and logistics sectors are experiencing significant labor shortages, with over a million unfilled positions in the US alone. Digit offers a solution by taking on monotonous and physically taxing tasks, thus allowing human workers to focus on more strategic and value-added activities.

This development enhances operational efficiency, as well as improves job satisfaction and safety for human employees.

The Leadership Behind the Innovation

Agility Robotics’ leadership team is a powerhouse of expertise and vision.

Co-founder and Chief Robot Officer Jonathan Hurst has been instrumental in advancing legged locomotion research, laying the groundwork for robots like Digit.

CEO Peggy Johnson, who joined the company in 2024, brings a wealth of experience from her tenure at Microsoft and Qualcomm, steering Agility Robotics toward strategic partnerships and market expansion.

Under their guidance, the company is developing cutting-edge technology and setting new robotics industry standards, all from its RoboFab facility in Salem, OR.

Real-World Applications and Industry Recognition

Digit’s integration into real-world scenarios marks a significant milestone in robotics.

In October 2023, Agility Robotics partnered with Amazon to test Digit in warehouse operations, such as assisting with tote recycling – a repetitive task involving the movement of empty totes.

Similarly, a collaboration with GXO Logistics saw Digit deployed in a Spanx facility in Georgia. There, Digit efficiently moved product-filled totes from autonomous mobile robots to conveyors.

These deployments demonstrate Digit’s versatility and its potential to revolutionize material handling processes.

The innovative strides made by Agility Robotics have not gone unnoticed. In 2024, Digit was honored with the inaugural RBR50 Robot of the Year award, recognizing its groundbreaking contributions to the field.

Digit’s significance was also highlighted when it graced the cover of TIME magazine as one of the top inventions of 2024.

Commitment to Ethical Integration

As Agility Robotics continues to refine Digit’s capabilities, the future of humanoid robots in the workforce looks promising.

The company’s approach to integrating robots into existing human-centric environments, rather than designing entirely new infrastructures, sets it apart from competitors. This strategy makes automation more accessible and ensures a smoother transition for human workers adapting to robotic colleagues.

Agility Robotics is acutely aware of the ethical considerations surrounding automation and employment. The company’s goal is not to replace human workers but to augment their capabilities, taking over tasks that are undesirable or unsafe.

By doing so, they aim to create a more human work environment where employees can engage in more meaningful and less hazardous activities.

A Glimpse into the Future

Agility Robotics stands at the forefront of a technical revolution, bringing humanoid robots like Digit into the workforce to address pressing labor challenges and enhance operational efficiency.

Through visionary leadership, innovative technology, and strategic partnerships, the company is not only transforming industries but also redefining the future of work. As Digit continues to learn and adapt, the possibilities for its application are boundless. It promises a future where humans and robots work hand in hand to achieve greater heights.

Got a big idea for your business? Launch Mid-Valley can connect you to the resources and support you need to make your innovation come to life. Get started by joining a Coffee Club for Startups and Entrepreneurs near you >>> https://www.launchmidvalley.org/upcoming-events.

At Sacred Fire Creative, we help founders and entrepreneurs connect meaningfully with their audience through authentic brand storytelling. Let’s talk and see how we can collaborate.

Revino: Pioneering Sustainability in the Wine Industry

In the rolling hills of Oregon’s wine country, a quiet revolution is underway. At its forefront is Revino, a company dedicated to transforming the wine industry’s approach to packaging through the revival of reusable glass bottles.

This initiative addresses environmental concerns. More importantly, it’s setting a new standard for sustainability in winemaking.

Reducing the Wine Industry’s Carbon Footprint One Bottle at a Time

The traditional wine industry relies heavily on single-use glass bottles, which contribute significantly to carbon emissions. Revino was established to address this.

The company aims at reintroducing the reusable glass bottle ecosystem for beverage producers and consumers. By adopting reusable bottles, Revino offers a solution that reduces carbon emissions by up to 85% compared to single-use vessels.

This substantial reduction is achieved by minimizing the need for new glass production and lowering transportation emissions associated with bottle manufacturing.

Revino is a reflection of its co-founders’ passion and personal experience with the challenges of sustainability. CEO Keenan O’Hern was inspired by his time in the Peace Corps, where he witnessed firsthand the environmental issues faced by global communities. COO Adam Rack developed an appreciation for environmental conservation from growing up on a Kansas farm.

An Innovative Approach

At the heart of Revino’s innovation is their standardized 705-ml reusable glass bottle. Developed with input from over 75 wineries, these bottles are designed to be reused up to 50 times.

This design not only maintains the traditional aesthetics valued by wineries. It also significantly reduces environmental impact.

The company’s closed-loop system ensures that bottles remain in circulation. Once emptied, consumers can return them to participating wineries, retailers, or restaurants. Revino then collects, sanitizes, and redistributes the bottles. This creates a sustainable cycle that minimizes waste.

Industry Collaboration and Recognition

Revino’s success is deeply rooted in its collaborative approach. The company has partnered with over 60 wineries, ranging from boutique labels to larger producers. These partnerships are instrumental in building a circular system for reusable wine bottles.

The company’s innovative approach has not gone unnoticed. The company has been featured in various publications, highlighting its impact on environmentally responsible endeavors in the wine industry.

Additionally, Revino won $20,000 at the Shark Tank competition held by the Strategic Development Corporation (SEDCOR) in 2024. The SEDCOR funding will be instrumental in expanding their bottle-washing facility and push further their mission to create an earth-conscious glass reuse system.

SEDCOR also named them Entrepreneur of the Year in the 2024 SEDCOR Awards.

Revino in the Future

Looking ahead, Revino plans to expand its offerings by introducing Bordeaux-style bottles and screw-top closures by 2025. This expansion aims to accommodate an even broader range of wineries and further promote the adoption of reusable packaging solutions.

Revino’s commitment to sustainability is reshaping the wine industry’s approach to packaging. Through innovative design, strategic partnerships, and a steadfast dedication to environmental stewardship, Revino is leading the charge towards a greener future – one reusable bottle at a time.

Got a big idea but not a tech background?

LaunchPad for Non-Techies is a hands-on virtual bootcamp happening April 11–12 that’ll show you how to turn your vision into a working solution using today’s most accessible tech tools.

Learn how to prototype an app, build with AI, and get your idea launch-ready—no tech degree needed. Register here.

Sacred Fire Creative specializes in helping founders and entrepreneurs build meaningful bonds with their audience through authentic brand storytelling. Get in touch with us today and let’s see how we can collaborate.

Rooted in Vision: How Josh LaPoint and Standard Nursery Cultivate a Sustainable Future

In Oregon’s fertile Willamette Valley, where agriculture is a way of life and innovation is taking root, one entrepreneur is transforming how the nursery industry thinks about growth – both literally and economically.

Josh LaPoint, founder of Standard Nursery LLC, is hard at work on streamlining the connection between nursery distributors and growers through smarter, more sustainable production planning.

His forward-thinking approach recently earned him a spot among the top ten winners at last February’s Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend. This highlights Josh’s potential to make a lasting impact on the industry, as well as on the local economy.

From Serendipity to Purpose

Josh’s journey into the nursery industry began unexpectedly in 2016. Driving past a wholesale production nursery, he noticed a sign seeking a sales representative. Despite lacking experience, he applied and was given an opportunity that would shape his future.

Over the next four years, Josh immersed himself in learning about plants, customer expectations, and logistics. He also spent those years building strong relationships across the US and Canada.

In the fall of 2020, Josh was recruited to help turn around the Oregon growing operations of a large nursery management company. This role presented challenges, particularly in production planning, where aligning supply with customer demand proved complex.

Recognizing an industry-wide issue where buyers often faced shortages and inefficiencies, Josh envisioned a solution that would benefit growers and distributors.

Cultivating Connections: Seeding Standard Nursery

In response to these challenges, Josh founded Standard Nursery LLC. His goal is to connect the needs of nursery distributors directly with the production capacity of growers.

The company specializes in production planning, utilizing grow agreements to integrate customer needs into growers’ production plans. This model ensures minimum specifications for every plant, set pricing, and designated shipping windows, effectively making growers an extension of their customers’ facilities.

Standard Nursery’s approach provides proactive control over supply chains. This reduces guesswork and fosters long-term collaborative relationships based on mutual benefit and profitability.

Additionally, the company offers traditional brokering services to meet urgent customer needs by sourcing products and delivering them nationwide.

Community Impact: Nurturing Growth Beyond Plants

Standard Nursery’s innovative model extends its impact beyond the confines of the nursery industry. It reaches into the broader community in several meaningful ways:

Economic stability. By creating more predictable and efficient supply chains, the company contributes to the financial resilience of local growers and distributors. This ensures that businesses can thrive without the constant worry of supply shortages or overproduction.
Environmental stewardship. Through meticulous production planning, Standard Nursery minimizes waste, promoting sustainable practices that benefit the environment and set a standard for others in the industry.
Educational outreach. Josh’s commitment to sharing his knowledge and experiences fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the community. This inspires others to innovate and adapt sustainable practices.

Recognition and Future Horizons

Josh’s dedication and innovative approach were recognized at the Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend in February 2025. Standard Nursery was named one of the top ten winners.

This win highlights the company’s potential to drive significant positive change within the industry and the community.

Looking ahead, Standard Nursery aims to expand its collaborative model. They will achieve this through forging new partnerships and exploring opportunities to further integrate sustainability into its operations.

By continuing to align the needs of distributors with the capabilities of growers, Standard Nursery envisions a future where the nursery industry operates with enhanced efficiency, profitability, and environmental responsibility.

If you’re inspired by this story and you have a scalable business idea that can impact your community, Launch Mid-Valley offers resources and support that you can use to transform your idea into reality.

You can start by joining the upcoming virtual LaunchPad for Non-Techies on April 11-12. This bootcamp is designed to equip founders without a background in technology with the tools and knowledge they need to produce an app and navigate the startup world successfully.

Click here to register for this online bootcamp.

A New Way to Explore Wine: How PourUp Is Changing the Wine Experience

In the heart of the Pacific Northwest, where rolling vineyards meet innovative minds, a new platform is poised to transform the way we explore and experience wine.

At the forefront of this revolution are James Litton and Saumay Narayan, visionary entrepreneurs whose passion for both technology and viticulture have culminated in PourUp, a digital bridge connecting wine enthusiasts with the rich tapestry of wineries and tasting experiences.

A Vision Born from Passion

PourUp’s journey into the world of wine began not in the cellars of Napa or the chateaux of Bordeaux, but in the tech corridors where friends James and Saumay honed their skills as developers.

The friends’ affinity for wine culture grew alongside their tech careers. They both recognized a gap in the market: the need for a centralized platform that caters to both seasoned oenophiles and curious novices.

Building Bridges Between Enthusiasts and Wineries

PourUp is more than just an app. It’s a community builder.

The platform offers tailored searches, allowing users to filter wineries by location, wine types, and amenities. This ensures personalized recommendations that align with individual preferences.

Interactive maps guide users through wine country, making exploration intuitive and engaging. Detailed winery profiles, complete with descriptions and photos, provide a virtual tour before the actual visit, enhancing the overall experience.

Triumph at the Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp

In early 2025, the PourUp vision was put to the test at the recent Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend at Linfield University’s W.M. Keck Science Complex.

Competing against 20 other innovative ideas, the PourUp team emerged as one of the ten winners.

This win is a testament to PourUp’s potential to reshape wine tourism. The bootcamp provided James and Saumay with invaluable insights and mentorship, further solidifying their commitment to bringing PourUp to life.

A Collaborative Effort Towards Launch

The journey from concept to reality is seldom solitary.

Recognizing the technical demands of developing a robust platform, PourUp has partnered with a tech firm capable of delivering its envisioned features within the next six to eight months.

This collaboration brings aboard a dedicated team of 10 developers, all working in unison to ensure PourUp meets the expectations of its future users. The PourUp team will also work with a 70-strong team to get the platform up and running.

To support the development and successful launch of PourUp, James and Saumay are actively seeking to raise $100,000. These funds are earmarked to cover development costs and ensure the platform’s features are both innovative and user-centric.

Investors have the unique opportunity to be part of a venture that not only promises financial returns but also contributes to enriching the wine tourism industry.

An Invitation to Aspiring Entrepreneurs

The PourUp journey underscores the importance of community, mentorship, and continuous learning in the entrepreneurial landscape.

For those inspired by this story and looking to embark on their own startup ventures, the upcoming virtual LaunchPad for Non-Techies for Non-Tech Founders on April 11-12 offers an invaluable opportunity.

This bootcamp is designed to equip non-technical founders with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the startup world successfully.

Through PourUp, James Litton and Saumay Narayan are not just creating an app. They are cultivating a community where technology and tradition blend seamlessly.

Their dedication to enhancing the wine exploration experience reflects a broader trend of leveraging digital solutions to bring people together. As PourUp prepares to uncork its full potential, the future of wine tourism looks more connected and personalized than ever before.

To register for the upcoming virtual LaunchPad for Non-Techies: Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp 2.0 for Non-Tech Founders on April 11-12, click here

Jason Staats: Championing the Pacific Northwest Culinary and Hospitality Renaissance

If there’s one person who embodies the passion, innovation, and heart of the Pacific Northwest’s hospitality scene, it’s Jason Staats.

A champion for curated dining and travel experiences, Jason is on a mission to showcase the very best of the region through Where to Eat Guide and his work with the Pacific Northwest Experience. Whether it’s a five-star meal, a cozy boutique hotel, or an unforgettable hidden gem, Jason is working tirelessly to put Oregon and the greater Pacific NW region on the map as a top-tier travel destination.

Turning Passion into Purpose

Born and raised in Oregon, Jason’s love for the region runs deep. His journey into hospitality began with a simple yet powerful idea: that people deserve better, more meaningful experiences when they travel and dine.

That philosophy became the foundation of his work, fueling his drive to connect people with unforgettable places.

His expertise in hospitality and tourism has been years in the making, shaped by firsthand immersions in restaurants, hotels, and tourism hubs. But Jason wasn’t content to just be a part of the industry. He wanted to transform it.

Where To Eat Guide: Your Go-To Resource for Incredible Experiences

At the helm of Where to Eat Guide, Jason is revolutionizing the very way people explore the cities that the guide covers. No more sifting through unreliable online reviews or stumbling into subpar restaurants. His curated guide is designed to be a trusted source for discovering the best spots to eat.

Through thoughtful recommendations, insider insights, and firsthand experiences, Jason ensures that travelers and locals alike can navigate their city’s food and hospitality scene with confidence. His goal is to help restaurants and hotels thrive by connecting them with eager guests who are looking for something special.

Starting a Movement

Jason’s work doesn’t stop at recommending great places to eat.

As an active leader with the Pacific Northwest Experience, he is shaping the future of hospitality in the region. This collaborative initiative brings together restaurant owners, tourism professionals, and hospitality experts to foster growth, innovation, and community.

He believes in sharing knowledge, supporting small businesses, and creating an ecosystem where everyone, from chefs to hotel managers, can succeed. Through networking events, workshops, and advocacy, Jason is pushing the industry forward in a way that benefits businesses and customers alike.

A Driving Force in the Mid-Willamette Valley Entrepreneurial Community

Beyond hospitality, Jason is deeply embedded in the Mid-Willamette Valley entrepreneurial scene. He’s a familiar face in business accelerators and startup programs, always eager to learn, grow, and elevate his business to new heights.

His hunger for innovation led him to participate in the Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend in January 2025, where he went head-to-head with 20 ambitious teams. With his sharp vision and strategic thinking, Jason emerged as one of the top three winners, proving once again that he’s not just an expert in hospitality but a powerhouse entrepreneur.

Pushing Forward

So what’s next for Jason Staats? The sky’s the limit.

With his unstoppable energy and commitment to excellence, he’s constantly looking for new ways to amplify the hospitality industry, connect with exceptional experiences, and bring even more attention to the Pacific Northwest region.

Whether it’s through expanding Where to Eat Guide, enhancing the Pacific Northwest Experience, or diving into new ventures, one thing is clear. Jason is making a lasting impact.

His passion is contagious, his vision is inspiring, and his work is reshaping the way people experience food and travel in the region.

Looking to elevate your business? Launch Mid-Valley provides the tools and resources to help you grow and scale. Take the first step and check out the Coffee Club for Startups and Entrepreneurs nearest you today.

Build a stronger, more authentic brand that resonates with your audience. Contact Sacred Fire Creative today, and let’s see how we can collaborate.

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