Discover if this is a suitable investor for your startup. If they are we'll make a warm introduction for free. Otherwise, we'll connect you with matching investors.
Portland Seed Fund is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2010 and headquartered in Portland, Oregon. The firm has established itself as a significant player in the venture capital landscape, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. Since its inception, Portland Seed Fund has invested in over 200 companies, focusing on capital-efficient startups that demonstrate strong growth potential. The fund currently manages $45 million across five funds, with a commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and teams that show promise for innovation.
Recognized as the most active VC investor in Oregon, Portland Seed Fund has made a substantial economic impact through its investments. The firm emphasizes a strategy that combines small investments with a diverse portfolio, allowing it to support a wide range of sectors including SaaS, healthcare, biotech, and fintech. Notable milestones include the successful exits of companies like Auth0 and Sightbox, showcasing the fund's ability to identify and nurture high-potential startups.
Portland Seed Fund primarily invests in early-stage companies, particularly those within the deep tech sector. The fund's investment strategy is characterized by a focus on capital-efficient businesses that have the potential to scale effectively. The firm typically makes initial investments ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, with the possibility of participating in follow-on rounds as companies grow. This approach allows Portland Seed Fund to maintain a diverse portfolio while supporting companies through various stages of their development.
The geographic focus is primarily on the Pacific Northwest, with about 80-90% of investments concentrated in Oregon. The fund is sector-agnostic but has a strong emphasis on B2B software and SaaS companies. Portland Seed Fund also prioritizes diversity and inclusion, ensuring that over half of its portfolio companies have a female or person of color on the founding team. This commitment to diversity is a key differentiator for the firm, enhancing its reputation within the venture capital community.
Portland Seed Fund has built a diverse portfolio of over 200 companies across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
These companies represent a mix of successful exits and ongoing ventures, showcasing the fund's ability to identify and support high-potential startups across multiple industries.
Angela Jackson: Managing Director and Founder of Portland Seed Fund, Angela has extensive experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship. She has led numerous successful investments and is known for her focus on supporting diverse founders.
Jenn Lynch: Managing Director, Jenn brings a wealth of experience in early-stage investing and has a strong background in technology and innovation. She plays a key role in sourcing and evaluating new investment opportunities.
Steve Eichenlaub: Managing Director, Steve has a background in finance and technology. He is instrumental in guiding portfolio companies through their growth phases and has a keen eye for identifying promising startups.
Shashi Jain: Venture Partner, Shashi has a strong track record in venture capital and entrepreneurship. He provides valuable insights and support to portfolio companies, particularly in the tech sector.
Jim Huston: Managing Director Emeritus and Founder, Jim has been a pivotal figure in establishing Portland Seed Fund's reputation in the venture capital community. His experience and network continue to benefit the firm and its portfolio companies.
To pitch Portland Seed Fund, startups should use the preferred channel available on their website at portlandseedfund.com. The pitch deck should include essential elements such as the business model, market analysis, competitive landscape, and team background. Startups are encouraged to provide a clear narrative that outlines their growth strategy and potential impact.
Response times can vary, but founders should expect to hear back within a few weeks after submitting their pitch. Warm introductions are beneficial but not mandatory. The fund values clarity and conciseness in pitches, so founders should aim to communicate their vision effectively.
In 2024, Portland Seed Fund announced new funding to continue investing in Oregon technology and science startups, as highlighted in an Oregon government press release. The firm remains the most active VC investor in Oregon, making 10-20 investments per year at the pre-seed and seed stages.
Recent portfolio additions include Reperio, a medtech company focused on at-home screening, Backpack Healthcare, which addresses pediatric mental health, and Trace, a company specializing in location-based AR technology. These investments reflect the fund's commitment to supporting innovative startups in the Pacific Northwest.
What are Portland Seed Fund's investment criteria?
Portland Seed Fund focuses on early-stage companies, particularly those that are capital-efficient and demonstrate strong growth potential. The fund invests primarily in the deep tech sector, with a strong emphasis on B2B software and SaaS.
How can startups apply or pitch to Portland Seed Fund?
Startups can pitch to Portland Seed Fund through their website at portlandseedfund.com. It is recommended to include a clear business model, market analysis, and team background in the pitch deck.
What makes Portland Seed Fund different from other VC firms?
Portland Seed Fund is recognized for its strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, with over half of its portfolio companies having a female or person of color on the founding team. This focus on DEI is a significant differentiator in the venture capital space.
What is the geographic scope of Portland Seed Fund's investments?
The fund primarily invests in the Pacific Northwest, with about 80-90% of its investments concentrated in Oregon. However, it also considers opportunities in the broader Northwest region.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Portland Seed Fund typically makes initial investments ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, with the potential for follow-on investments as companies grow and require additional capital.
What is Portland Seed Fund's post-investment involvement like?
The fund adds value to its portfolio companies through strategic guidance, access to a robust network of industry contacts, and support in navigating early-stage growth challenges. This involvement helps companies scale effectively and achieve their growth objectives.
All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks, and brands does not imply endorsement.