LMV Oregon Startup Conference 2025 Showcases Regional Innovation and Awards Top Startups at Pitch Willamette
Jun 24, 2025
PRESS RELEASE June 24, 2025
Oregon Startup Conference 2025 Showcases Regional Innovation and Awards Top Startups at Pitch Willamette
Willamette Valley, OR - Entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders from across Oregon gathered on June 20 for the highly anticipated Oregon Startup Conference 2025, hosted by the Launch Mid-Valley Regional Innovation Hub, a collaborative initiative funded by Business Oregon. Held in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this one-day event offered high-impact programming, startup showcases, and networking opportunities - all designed to celebrate and support Oregon's growing innovation ecosystem.
One of the day's standout moments was the return of Pitch Willamette, a Shark Tank-style pitch competition featuring eight local startups vying for funding in front of a live audience and a panel of seasoned investors. After an exciting round of pitches, Dayo was named the 2025 winner, securing a $30,000 investment from the Mid-Valley Angel Fund to accelerate its business growth. Dayo is a Portland-based digital wellness app that pays users up to $5 daily for keeping their social media usage under 30 minutes, rewarding mindful screen time with discounts from top brands.
The audience also had their say during the event, casting real-time votes for their favorite pitch. The People's Choice Award went to Life2Launch, who took home a $1,000 prize and the support of a room full of future customers, collaborators, and champions.
"Pitch Willamette is more than a competition, it's a platform to elevate bold ideas, connect founders to capital, and shine a spotlight on the incredible entrepreneurial talent here in the Mid-Willamette Valley," said Mike White, Venture Catalyst at Launch Mid-Valley. "The energy, innovation, and community support we saw this year were truly inspiring."
The Oregon Startup Conference and Pitch Willamette are part of Launch Mid-Valley's broader mission to empower entrepreneurs and small businesses across the region. With support from Business Oregon, Launch Mid-Valley is expanding its impact through events, mentorship opportunities, and access to capital, strengthening the region's startup ecosystem by one connection at a time.
About the Launch Mid-Valley Innovation Hub
Launch Mid-Valley Innovation Hub is one of several regional hubs funded through a $2.6 million investment by Business Oregon and the Oregon Innovation Council (Oregon InC) to strengthen innovation ecosystems across the state. With a $270,000 grant, Launch Mid-Valley is advancing its mission to support entrepreneurs and startups in Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties.
Led by SEDCOR (Strategic Economic Development Corporation), this initiative is a collaborative effort among key regional partners including the McMinnville Economic Development Partnership, Chehalem Valley Innovation Accelerator, George Fox University, Chemeketa Community College, Chemeketa Small Business Development Center, Indy Idea Hub, Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and Willamette Workforce Partnership.
As part of Oregon's 10-Year Innovation Plan, Launch Mid-Valley is focused on nurturing highgrowth, scalable ventures in sectors such as science, technology, advanced manufacturing, and agriculture. The Hub aims to strengthen regional entrepreneurship by connecting innovators with the resources, capital, and mentorship they need to succeed.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Naureen Khan, SEDCOR Marketing & Communications Manager
naureen@sedcor.com
