Very worthwhile; well rounded, well attended, and well located. That three of six companies selected, and both winners were from Bend raised an eyebrow or two, but I thought the two winners were the clear winners in my book.
Of most interest was the mock partners-meeting after the six presentations were delivered. Imitating a Monday morning ritual in any VC office around the world, the investor panel discussed the presentations and planned their due diligence for each presentation. Watching other people handle their public presentations was of great interest.
I think we would have done a great job at Bend. There were no open source plays on the stage, despite Oregon’s leadership in this space. The angel community in Oregon will never learn how open source companies make money without funding a handful of them and seeing what happens. The simple truth is that there is more understanding of open source IP, community creation and management, and development in Oregon than any where else. Coupled with the right business management team, Oregon will produce global leaders in this space, but the money must come first, and fast.
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