Competition Rounds

Trade Show

Trade Show Competition

The evening event of NVC offers a welcome reception for all teams, advisors, event judges, and guests from the Portland business community. This is the first opportunity for teams to check out the competition and participate in both the trade show competition and the elevator pitch competition.

The Elevator Pitch

A chance meeting, in your quest to launch your venture creates a one-minute pitch opportunity. This “one time shot” could convice a decision maker to invest additional time to find out more about your concept.

Start-Up Round

The Start-Up round was created in partnership with the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network.  During this round, each participating team will present an Elevator Pitch  and 30 minute presentation during which time judges may ask questions. At the end of this round teams will receive feedback from the judging panel. The goal is to give teams an opportunity to become familiar with the presentation site, test their technology and receive pertinent feedback on their presentation prior to the Semifinal Round.

Semifinal and Final Rounds

During the semifinal round, each team formally presents their venture plan to an esteemed panel of judges that includes venture capitalists, seasoned business executives and experienced entrepreneurs. At the end of the round each team is briefed individually and receives extensive feedback from the judges’ panel, a key element of the New Venture Championship learning model. The rules, preparation, and requirements are the same as for the start-up round.

Teams that move on to the final rounds will be pushed to perform at the highest level possible. A diverse group of prominent investors and business executives have assembled to hear a formal presentation from your team. Only the very best will become the New Venture Champion.

Final Round Prizes

$25,000 First Place
$10,000 Second Place
$2,000 for each of the two Runner Ups.

Read more about the prizes here.

OEN Lightning Round Competition

The twelve teams not chosen as finalists shift their focus to the OEN Lightning Round, where the quality of their teamwork and ability to adapt will be pushed to the limit. Without the use of props or visual aides, the teams make a “quick” pitch to a new panel of judges. The panel identifies strengths and deficiencies within each plan to leverage the strengths and fix the deficiencies. The challenge: Teams must do it all in fifteen minutes.