A Spring Gathering of Pacific NW Institutional Investors
May 2024
Melissa Freeman
Institutional investors from across the Pacific Northwest gathered in Portland this month to get better acquainted and discuss local investing. Over 40 representatives from 28 different institutions including higher education, foundations, wealth management firms, banks and corporations participated. Speakers included Eric Winquist, co-founder of Jama Software which was recently acquired for $1.2B in April, Jessica Murrey, co-founder of Wicked Saints Studios based in Medford, Sheree Arntson, CEO and founder of Allium Financial Advisors, and Irving Levin, OVF investor and co-founder of Renaissance Foundation. Eric Rosenfeld gave a brief overview of Oregon Venture Fund and highlighted a few portfolio companies - Inpria and Absci – that are creating local jobs and wealth.
The purpose was to create a space for careful stewards of investment capital to come together, share their initiatives, be inspired by entrepreneurs who have started and successfully grown companies in Oregon or southern Washington and demonstrate how local investing can both produce superior financial returns and promote economic opportunity in our region.
Unlike most fund manager pitch presentations that he’s attended, Jim Ostler of Willamette University said this meeting was focused on the investors and enabled them to get better acquainted as a network. “Typically, fund managers host a meeting, talk about themselves and how great their performance is and then send you on your way. This meeting was investor-centric. We had breakout sessions to talk about our own initiatives and learn more about others’ strategies and resources while learning a bit about OVF along the way. It was refreshing.”
As we reflect on the rich conversations and connections made last week, we are looking forward to hosting another gathering next year. We strive to double our attendance, carve out even more time for networking, and earn the reputation as hosting a “must not miss” event in 2025. “The breakout sessions were very instructive. Those opportunities are rare,” said one participant in the post-event survey. For OVF, it’s about building community and aligning resources to make this great region thrive. We are pleased to provide an opportunity for connection, education, and inspiration.
If you or someone you know provides leadership for an institutional investor and you would like to receive an invitation to future gatherings, please reach out to Melissa Freeman, Director of Investor Relations, at Melissa@OregonVentureFund.com.