westside pitch

westside pitch

About Westside Pitch

Now in its fifth year, Westside Pitch has become a leading platform for supporting early-stage entrepreneurs in Washington County. Designed to elevate promising startups, the program connects founders with investors, mentors, and the broader regional innovation ecosystem.

Over the past four years, Westside Pitch has invested or awarded approximately $150,000 to more than 15 local companies, in addition to helping founders access further capital, strategic mentorship, and increased visibility. As we look ahead to 2026, we anticipate continued growth in both applicant interest and audience engagement.

The Westside Pitch Competition

Look no further than the Washington County Pitch Competition—the premier pitch event for entrepreneurs in the heart of Oregon.

Eligible competitors include entrepreneurs who either live in or operate a business in Washington County. Selected companies will present innovative products or services that address significant problems in national or global markets.

Finalists will compete for:

  • Equity investments

  • Cash prizes

  • In-kind services from local partners

Beyond funding, Westside Pitch offers founders a powerful opportunity to showcase their businesses to investors, community leaders, and the public—helping accelerate growth and long-term success.

Scroll down to explore previous winners and participants of Westside Pitch.

Deadline to apply is 11:59pm March 9th

** Investments will only be made if the winning companies and the investors agree to the terms and conditions of the investments **

DETAILS

When: Thursday, April 23, 2026
Time: 5:30 pm (light dinner will be served)
Where: Hidden Creek Community Center, 5100 NE Hidden Creek Dr, Hillsboro, OR 97124
Register to attend: https://events.tie.org/Oregon/WestsidePitch2026
Apply to pitch: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc2UYPSijj_hMBryyPZatZNb1leY6KRWs3EKgoN1YAhrwWMHw/viewform

TIMELINE

Application deadline: March 9th
Finalists announcement: April 11th
Pitch Competition: April 23rd

SPONSORS

If you are interested in sponsoring Westside Pitch, please contact Kari.Naone@oregon.tie.org.

2025 WESTSIDE pitch WINNERS

2025 WESTSIDE Pitch Finalists

  • BLKBOOK is a virtual speed networking platform optimized in real-time by AI to address the problem of time-consuming and ineffective professional networking and sales outreach. This solution allows users to uncover hidden career and business opportunities through 1-to-1 video chats with targeted prospects to instantly assess relevance and build stronger relationships faster.

  • Lac to Love aims to empower mothers to breastfeed with confidence by addressing the challenges and lack of support many experience. Lac to Love offers a solution through an "AI Lactation Coach" and a unified support system that includes physicians and lactation consultants, accessible via the internet and social media.

  • Sez Us is a new pro-democracy social media platform built on a reputation engine prioritizing respectful communication in a bot-free environment, where consumers own their data, can eventually move seamlessly through platforms, and facilitate a new transparent, healthy reputation-based economic model for creators and advertisers.

  • Surgivance is a medical technology company specializing in advanced surgical visualization and navigation solutions. Their flagship products use cutting-edge imaging and augmented reality technologies to help surgeons see critical anatomical details in real time during complex procedures.

  • Tortis Sportswear aims to provide women with the best swim, cycling, and run apparel all in one place. Tortis focuses on addressing the frustration female endurance athletes face when trying to find suitable gear, as the endurance sports industry has traditionally focused on men's needs, often overlooking women's shopping behaviors and specific apparel needs.

2025 SPECIAL GUESTS

BEACH PACE
Mayor of Hillsboro

JERRY WILLEY
Washington County Commissioner

2024 WESTSIDE PITCH WINNERS

PREVIOUS YEARS

2022:

1st Place - Fisher Software $5,000 (cash)

2nd Place - Radious $2,500 (cash)

3rd Place - Prrl Labs (Free legal services from Buchalter)

2023:

1st Place - Fridie Outdoor $7,000 (cash)

2nd Place - Finnegan (now Prelude Early Learning) $2,500 (cash)

3rd Place - UpSight Security (Free legal services from Buchalter)

2024:

1st Place - Stiira $50,000 (investment) and free legal services from Perkins Coie LLP)

2nd Place - Rising Wine Collective $25,000 (investment)

3rd Place and Audience Choice - Howl at the Spoon $7,500 (cash)

2025:

1st Place - SezUs $25,000 (investment)

2nd Place - Lac to Love $5k (cash)

Audience Choice - Blk Book $500 (cash)

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:

Investors, please contact
Robin Jones | angels@oregon.tie.org

Entrepreneurs and Sponsors, please contact:
Kari Naone | Kari.Naone@oregon.tie.org
503-970-0937