JUNE 2018
Greetings from David Kenney
President & Executive Director

Oregon BEST is now VertueLab!

As you can see, with this issue of our newsletter, we're announcing our new name and brand. Tapping our 10 years of experience funding and supporting cleantech startups as Oregon BEST, we're now moving into the next decade with a new name, a new look, and some exciting new strategy changes, which are outlined below in this first issue of VertueNEWS.

Oregon BEST was one of the first organizations in the nation to have made direct program-related investments in cleantech startups. As VertueLab, we're building on that pioneering work to expand our impact on the planet. We are expanding our reach so more cleantech startups can obtain the support, connections, and access to funding we're known for. And we're reaching out to national and international impact investors and philanthropies to offer an unprecedented avenue to direct investment opportunities that align their dollars with their values in startups that have verified environmental and social impacts. To achieve this, we research, track, and supply key impact metrics, keeping investors informed about how much water, energy, and other resources are being saved by the startups they're supporting.

Oh, and our new name? That comes from vert = green, virtue = good, and lab = technology, which all adds up to " Green Technologies for Good," our new tagline! I'm excited about what's to come as all of us at VertueLab work with all of you to create a greener, more prosperous world.

Thanks for your ongoing support,
FOCUS AREA #1: SUPPORTING CLEANTECH STARTUPS
Starting a Cleantech Company is Hard. We Can Help.

Starting a technology company is hard. Starting a cleantech company is really hard. For the past 10 years as Oregon BEST, we’ve worked with more than 100 cleantech startups. So we understand the challenges cleantech entrepreneurs face and have developed unique programs to help them succeed - and become investor-ready. Investors have come to depend on our experience and expertise to connect them to pre-screened, well prepared companies that are credible investment opportunities. As VertueLab, we continue to offer a wide range of support and acceleration programs to startups - from mentorship and access to funders, to investor readiness, funding for prototypes, assistance applying for R&D grants, university connections, and more - so those startups can go out and impact the world's greatest environmental and social challenges. See the range of support we offer.
FOCUS AREA #2: IMPACT INVESTING
Helping Investors More Powerfully Impact the Planet

At VertueLab, we’re in the process of building on our long history of direct investing in cleantech startups for a combination of environmental and social impact. We have been one of the pioneers in doing program-related investing in high tech companies whose products can address the environmental challenges we face. As these companies grow, we achieve not only scalable environmental impact but also the social impact that results from creating high quality jobs and more. VertueLab's new capital strategy is designed to better fill the critical capital gap that exists for early stage cleantech innovations. By partnering with mission-driven philanthropies, family offices, individuals, venture capital investors, and economic developers who want to align their capital with their impact goals, VertueLab is on the forefront of the new wave of “impact investors.” Read more about our impact investment strategy.
FOCUS AREA #3: MEASURING IMPACT
Why Metrics Matter: Measuring Impact Ensures Greater Good

At VertueLab we are redoubling our 10-year commitment to making a triple bottom line impact. We are boldly working to solve global challenges by supporting a wide range of cleantech innovation and measuring the promise for positive impact. Specifically, we seek clean technologies along these themes:

  • Climate Change Reversal
  • Clean Air & Water
  • Circular Economy
  • Sustainable Agriculture
  • Inclusive Entrepreneurship
  • Quality Rural & Urban Jobs
  • Quality of Life

A critical tool for success in addressing global challenges is ensuring that the innovations are achieving their intended impact. That’s why VertueLab’s strategy includes a rigorous effort to help our companies measure and communicate their impact, evaluate investment opportunities based on the potential for impact, and model our region's greatest potential for impact so as to envision where our future efforts should be targeted. Visit our metrics page to follow our progress.
SAVE THE DATES! FEATURED CLEANTECH EVENTS
Meet with Program Managers from Federal Funding Agencies

VertueLab is partnering with the U.S. Small Business Administration to host SBIR Road Tour stops in Portland on July 17 and Seattle on July 18. These events help startups access the $2.5 billion in federal funding provided annually through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs to technology firms wanting to spur new discoveries and facilitate commercialization. This is a rare opportunity to meet in person with federal and state program managers from 11+ agencies that seed a spectrum of innovative ideas. More about the Road Tour.

BEST FEST Gets a New Name: VertueLab Impact Summit
Presented by OEN & VertueLab

Wednesday, September 26, Portland, Oregon

In addition to changing our organization's name and brand, we've also renamed and retooled BEST FEST. The Pacific Northwest's premier cleantech innovation event is now called the VertueLab Impact Summit, presented by OEN and VertueLab. We're thrilled to be partnering with OEN and will be announcing details about the Summit soon. For now, save the date.

Connect with Investors: Eco-Capital Connections
Application Deadline June 30

If your Pacific Northwest-based cleantech business is ready to connect with impact investors and strategic partners, but sure to apply for Eco-Capital Connections, an invitation-only matchmaking event with the most active cleantech investors from the PNW, Silicon Valley, and global corporations. Now in its fourth year, this program is a partnership between Prosper Portland and VertueLab, and is affiliated with the VertueLab Impact Summit on September 26th in Portland. But apply soon - the application deadline is June 30th.
EVENTS, OPPORTUNITIES, AND FUNDING
EVENTS

Industry leaders, innovators, policy makers, and investors gather to experience the latest cleantech innovations, ideas, and initiatives. Showcase includes exhibits by the 2018 Cascadia CleanTech Accelerator cohort companies from Oregon and Washington. Seattle

Juiy 17, 18 | SBIR Road Tour!
A rare opportunity for NW innovators to meet with program managers from 11+ federal agencies that distribute $2.5 billion in federal funding annually. Join the national tour when it stops in Portland and Seattle and learn how to compete for federal funding. Not to be missed!

August 20-23 | Electrification 2018
Explore the critical issues, benefits, and opportunities of electrification with an unparalleled collection of industry experts. Long Beach, CA

Presented by OEN and VertueLab, this event (formerly known as BEST FEST) brings together innovators, entrepreneurs, and impact investors to ensure clean technology innovations are impacting the world in powerful, positive ways. Save the date!
OPPORTUNITIES

Application Deadline: June 30
Is your PNW-based cleantech business ready to connect with investors and strategic partners? Apply for this invitation-only matchmaking event with the most active cleantech investors from the PNW, Silicon Valley, and global corporations. Even takes place on September 26th in conjunction with the VertueLab Impact Summit.

RocketSpace and BP have teamed up on this accelerator to shape the future movement of people, goods, and services. Up to 21 startups are selected to participate.

If your product or service is “Made in America,” your company could qualify for this matching grant funding from the Northwest Trade Adjustment Assistance Center.

Up to $2M | Oregon Venture Fund
A group of investors contributes time, expertise, capital, and connections to help founders gain access to the right people and resources to grow their business their way.
LEARN MORE - CONTACT US!
Let's Collaborate and Make an Impact!

Resources and expertise for innovators and investors

VertueLab supports great ideas from entrepreneurs and helps investors ensure that their dollars are making a positive impact on the planet. We collaborate to help transform ideas into successful enterprises and measure the success all along the way. Contact us !