Articles Tagged with: investment

Launch Mid Valley PubTalk: A Venue for Entrepreneurs and Investors to Thrive with Local Venture Capital

Are you an entrepreneur ready to take your business to the next level? Or perhaps you’re interested in investing in the future of local startups?

Whether you’re on the founder’s path or looking to become an investor, understanding the world of venture capital is key to unlocking new opportunities.

Why Venture Capital Matters for Entrepreneurs and Investors?

As a founder, scaling a business often requires significant financial resources. Venture capital (VC) can provide that much-needed boost, offering funding in exchange for equity in the company.

But accessing venture capital isn’t just about finding money. It’s about preparing your business to meet investors’ expectations – becoming “investment-ready” and demonstrating a clear path to growth.

On the other hand, if you’re interested in becoming an investor, VC can also be an exciting avenue. Investors provide early-stage funding for startups, often playing a vital role in helping innovative companies get off the ground.

Investing locally adds an extra layer of impact, allowing you to support businesses in your community while potentially reaping financial returns.

A Unique Opportunity to Learn from Local VC Leaders

If you’ve been curious about either side of the VC equation, here’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Launch Mid Valley has partnered with Oregon Entrepreneurs Network to host a special event at the Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry in Salem on Wednesday, October 30th.

Dubbed “Launch Mid Valley PubTalk: How to Access Venture Capital,” the event will bring together leaders from local venture funds so they can offer insights tailored to specific goals for both entrepreneurs and aspiring investors. 

For Entrepreneurs: The Path to Venture Capital

As a founder, you’ll learn critical strategies to position your business for investment at this Launch Mid Valley PubTalk. From understanding what venture capitalists are looking for to identifying the path to your company’s investability, you’ll gain actionable advice on preparing for and securing funding. Local VC leaders will share their perspectives on why they invest in certain startups and the key factors that drive their decisions.

For Investors: Community-Focused Investment Strategies

If you’re looking to invest in local businesses, this PubTalk offers valuable insights into the mindsets of Oregon-based venture capitalists. You’ll learn how they assess startups, the types of companies they prioritize, and how their investment strategies align with the local economy’s needs. More importantly, you’ll understand how to think about community-centric investing so you can make a positive impact while supporting innovation.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re ready to explore the VC world and learn from the top local experts, don’t miss Launch Mid Valley PubTalk on October 30th.

Gain the tools, insights, and connections you need to succeed as a founder or investor.

Register here: https://www.oen.org/calendar-events/launch-mid-valley-pubtalk-how-to-access-venture-capital.


Material Change Institute: Diversifying Capital Investment One Cohort at a Time

The investment industry has one glaring issue – it’s predominantly white and male. Given the role that investments play in driving economic growth, the fact that the industry lacks racial and gender diversity can be detrimental for women and people of color. Most of the time, they simply can’t get in the door.

Material Change Institute is set to change that. Helmed by woman investor and entrepreneur Eve Blossom, this new non-profit provides women and BIPOC professionals the skills and connections they need to succeed as investors.

Material Change Institute offers training for would-be investors.

Material Change Institute equips would-be investors from minority and underrepresented groups with the essential knowledge and tools for getting started in investment. It offers a 12-month executive program called the Material Change Fellowship.

Through the Material Change Fellowship, professionals receive training in leadership and strategic skills for different forms of investing. They also get access to mentors, peers, and partner funds that can help them apply their learnings practically. Hybrid training modes – internships, cohort-based learning, and online modules – are available. As of this writing, Material Change Institute only accepts fellows with at least five years of professional experience.

Eve Blossom aims to change the landscape of investing.

Material Change Institute founder Eve Blossom is set on transforming what the investment industry looks like. As she said in this article, “[D]isruption is needed when a system is not inclusive, does not apply different perspectives that would increase the opportunity and wealth for all of us.”

She has a point. A 2019 study revealed that women- and minority-led investment firms manage only 1.3% of the world’s assets. The worldwide asset management industry is worth US$89 trillion as of 2019. Additionally, a 2022 report found that the venture capital workforce is only 4% Black and 5% Hispanic/Latinx, though 45% is female.

Through its training program, Material Change Institute is opening the doors to investment for more women and people of color to come through. We can look forward to when the industry is not so white or male anymore.

 

Sacred Fire Creative is a Portland, OR-based digital marketing agency that aims to promote good in the world. Work with us to strengthen your brand’s connection with your audience and become a force for good.


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