Reed College Invests with OVF

Melissa Freeman

December 2024

OVF has built a strategic relationship with Portland’s prestigious Reed College administrators, faculty, donors, and trustees over time. In addition, several Reedies (how students at Reed affectionately refer to one another) have actively engaged with members of the OVF team to better understand early stage investing and how to launch a startup. This month, we are pleased to announce Reed College’s initial investment in the Oregon Venture Fund.

Reed College is known for its unique and eclectic spirit, attracting students with brilliant minds seeking intellectual challenge and rigorous coursework. We believe the liberal arts education they seek and experience in SE Portland will be deepened by a connection with the Oregon Venture Fund. Erik Bernhardt, Reed’s chief investment officer, and Andrew Lonergan, director of investments, have hosted discussions for students with OVF general partners and enabled mentoring relationships to develop. In addition to investing for the financial returns, they also appreciate the opportunity to network with other local OVF investors and portfolio company leaders who are building the next generation of large employers in our region. OVF has enjoyed seeing the entrepreneurial spirit that many Reedies share and we’re grateful for this opportunity to collaborate more closely.

OVF is in its 18th year of backing startups with a presence in Oregon and Southern Washington. The OVF XVII and 2025 Funds are currently open to accredited investors. Please contact Melissa Freeman, Director of Capital Raising and Investor Relations, 503-539-8021 or Melissa@oregonventurefund.com for more information.