Jim Huston

Skip Technology (Skip Tech) is designing the most sustainable, utility-scale energy storage system under development today. Our system is primed for unparalleled price, end-user versatility, scalability, and safety while remaining a frontrunner on performance. Other long-duration batteries, like lithium-ion, raise a host of concerns, including fire risk, high cost, environmental damage from mining and disposal, and performance degradation. Skip Tech’s sustainable, inexpensive materials are available domestically, and our energy storage containers fit within compact footprints on the landscape. Our batteries cannot self-discharge, so retain charge indefinitely.

Founded in 2007, the Oregon Venture Fund is a community supported, professionally managed, collaborative venture capital fund backed by the leaders of the regions business, technology, and entrepreneurial communities. Pitchbook consistently places OVF in the top 25% of all global venture funds (2025). OVF invests $15-20 million annually in the most promising startups and growth companies, regardless of stage or sector, in Oregon and Southern Washington. Learn more about OVF in our quick overview video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxiH6O4BEp0 Over 6500+ jobs have been created by the 90 companies in the portfolio. Some of OVF’s largest investors include the State of Oregon, Oregon Community Foundation, and Meyer Memorial Trust. In 2023, the group launched Oregon Venture Fund XV, to accommodate additional institutional investors and family offices. The $25M+ fund has a 5-year investing period and invests alongside each annual Oregon Venture Fund in the same portfolio. OVF receives generous support from Tonkon Torp LLP, Geffen Mesher & Co., and Stoel Rives.

Skip Technology (Skip Tech) is designing the most sustainable, utility-scale energy storage system under development today. Our system is primed for unparalleled price, end-user versatility, scalability, and safety while remaining a frontrunner on performance. Other long-duration batteries, like lithium-ion, raise a host of concerns, including fire risk, high cost, environmental damage from mining and disposal, and performance degradation. Skip Tech’s sustainable, inexpensive materials are available domestically, and our energy storage containers fit within compact footprints on the landscape. Our batteries cannot self-discharge, so retain charge indefinitely.

E8 is a nonprofit membership community of over 140 impact investors dedicated to funding high-impact cleantech startups. We’ve built a trusted organization where investors learn, connect, and invest in early-stage companies that advance the sustainability and health of our planet. Founded in 2006, E8 has facilitated over $75M in investments in 190+ cleantech companies.

Founded in 2007, the Oregon Venture Fund is a community supported, professionally managed, collaborative venture capital fund backed by the leaders of the regions business, technology, and entrepreneurial communities. Pitchbook consistently places OVF in the top 25% of all global venture funds (2025). OVF invests $15-20 million annually in the most promising startups and growth companies, regardless of stage or sector, in Oregon and Southern Washington. Learn more about OVF in our quick overview video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxiH6O4BEp0 Over 6500+ jobs have been created by the 90 companies in the portfolio. Some of OVF’s largest investors include the State of Oregon, Oregon Community Foundation, and Meyer Memorial Trust. In 2023, the group launched Oregon Venture Fund XV, to accommodate additional institutional investors and family offices. The $25M+ fund has a 5-year investing period and invests alongside each annual Oregon Venture Fund in the same portfolio. OVF receives generous support from Tonkon Torp LLP, Geffen Mesher & Co., and Stoel Rives.

Portland Seed Fund is a top-performing early-stage venture fund focused on investments in Portland, the Pacific Northwest and occasionally other US locations. Since inception, PSF leaders have invested in 200+ capital efficient companies in a variety of sectors with notable exits including Auth0 (acquired by Okta), ESS Inc (NYSE: GWH), and Sightbox (acquired by J & J).

Blueprint Ventures manages real estate tax lien/deed ("Tax Certificate") investment funds and managed accounts. Blueprint applies value-investing principles to valuing and purchasing Tax Certificates. Tax Certificates represent interest-bearing, senior claims on real estate properties. As a portfolio, they typically generate gross annual returns in the mid-to-high teen's. Blueprint manages the entire life cycle of Tax Certificate investing -- from initial due diligence, to servicing, to monetizing owned real estate properties. Blueprint launched its first fund in October 2016, and is launching its second fund in October 2017.