PITCH POLISH
PITCH POLISH
About Pitch Polish: Preparing Founders for Investment
Pitch Polish - is a TiE Oregon program designed to help faculty researchers, postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, and emerging startup companies become investment-ready and prepare for successful investor engagement and fundraising.
In partnership with the OSU Advantage Accelerator at Oregon State University, the four-day program combines hands-on training, individualized coaching, and mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and investors. Participants refine their pitch, business strategy, financial projections, and fundraising approach—preparing them for the conversations that go beyond the pitch.
The 2026 bootcamp will take place November 16–19 in Corvallis, with virtual participation available. The program will culminate in a live pitch competition, where up to six finalists will present to investors and members of Oregon's entrepreneurial community. TiE Oregon's goal is to raise $20,000 through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to invest in the winning company, with additional cash and in-kind awards also potentially available.
** Investments will only be made if the winning companies and the investors agree to the terms and conditions of the investments **
TIMELINE:
September 1st - receiving applications - by invite only
October 16th - application deadline
October 23rd - ten to twelve companies will be announced to move into the bootcamp
October 26th - November 6th - pre-work for participating companies
November 16th - 18th - workshops
November 20th - pitch competition
2025 WINNERS
BioTessarae - $10k equity investment
Zippin Bio - $3.5k in legal services from Perkins Coie LLP
Make a donation or become a sponsor
Whether you plan to sponsor or contribute a tax-deductible donation, TiE Oregon/TiE Oregon Foundation ensures that your support is contributing to our next generation of innovators and strives to grow a workforce that understands the global marketplace and entrepreneurship.
Click below to make a donation, or contact Kari.Naone@oregon.tie.org for more information.
GET INVOLVED / CONTACT:
Program Co-leads:
Ben Nahir - ben@elevate.vc
Ivo Lukas - president@oregon.ti.org
Entrepreneurs and Sponsors, please contact:
Kari Naone | Kari.Naone@oregon.tie.org
503-970-0937