Mission & Vision

OEN helps entrepreneurs of all kinds in Oregon and SW Washington find the capital they need to develop their businesses, both financial and social. We believe entrepreneurship offers freedom, empowerment and autonomy at the same time it builds community, connectivity, and interdependence. We envision a world in which Oregon’s innovation economy creates economic prosperity, personal fulfillment, and community cohesion for everyone who wants to be a part of it.

Values

We believe people are the Network: OEN exists to connect the humans building startups and launching new ideas in Oregon and SW Washington, be they founders, investors, mentors, sponsors, students, media, followers or fans. We bring together people with diverse talents, skills, lived experiences, ideas and perspectives, and create opportunities for them to connect and collaborate.

We work in community: It takes a village to raise a startup! We work side by side with founder teams, investors, and partner organizations from across Oregon and SW Washington with whom we share a vision of a robust innovation economy. We engage where we think we can make a unique and valuable contribution, and we collaborate with respect.

We embrace change: In our ideas, in our team, in our board, and in our programming. We exist to support innovation and are committed to constant learning, feedback and iteration in our own organization.

We focus on outcomes: We’re here to make a difference for the members we serve, the economy we’re helping shape, and the community in which we live. We gather data, seek feedback, and take time to reflect.

We love this place: Oregon is our home. We’re working to raise capital, invest in companies, and connect with people who share our delight in this place and want to see it thrive.