PSU Impact Ventures Fund

The Front Door
to Oregon's
Venture Ecosystem

We write $5,000 follow-on checks into active rounds ($100K+ raised), put Portland State on your cap table, and support your fundraising journey moving forward.

$5,000
Follow-on check size
$100,000+
Active round requirement
20+
Target investments
100%
Hands-on post-investment support
The founder offer

How the $5K
Follow-On Works

A small check with disproportionate operating leverage: university validation, a managed investor relations function, and a direct line into Oregon's accelerator infrastructure.

01Capitalize

The $5,000 check & cap table credibility

We join your existing terms — standard SAFE or convertible note — on rounds of $100K+ raised at or around Portland State University. No new paperwork, no renegotiation.

02Communicate

Investor relations as a service

We meet your existing investors, identify their reporting expectations, hold regular touchpoints with you, and draft and manage high-quality investor updates on your behalf so you can focus on building.

03Accelerate

Accelerator access & 1-on-1 guidance

Direct advisory time and access to the Portland State Business Accelerator — facilities, co-working desks, and event spaces.

The academic engine

The Student
Operator Experience

Take the class for up to three terms, steadily rising through the ranks of running the fund — from learning the fundamentals to leading live diligence on PSU's active VC fund.

Scout

Core curriculum: reviewing content, simulating an investment thesis, and evaluating startups.

Open to all

Associate

For students who previously completed the Scout track (or by exception). Directly help run PSU's active VC fund ($5K–$25K checks) — sourcing deals, conducting live due diligence, and presenting to the Investment Committee.

Instructor Permission

Principal

For returning Associates (or by exception). VC fellowship prep, strategic partnerships, and portfolio support & management.

Instructor Permission
Ecosystem vision

Solving Oregon's
Capital Gap

The problem

Oregon founders routinely face a localized early-stage capital shortage — strong companies stall between friends-and-family money and institutional interest.

The solution

ODR acts as the centralized front door for external and out-of-state capital to discover vetted Oregon deal flow.

The flywheel

PSU on 20+ cap tables → structured IR and transparency → direct syndicate pipelines for out-of-state follow-on rounds → proven regional economic development impact.

Capital is a choice, not a coincidence. Bring us your round.

Two ways in

Start a
Conversation

For founders

Raising a round of $100K+ in Oregon?

Send us your round details and existing terms. We'll review, meet your investors, and move on standard SAFE or note paper.

For students

Want to evaluate deals and deploy real capital?

Apply for the next Impact Ventures cohort. Open to PSU MBA and Master of Finance students.

Apply for the cohort