Here are some good data regarding venture capital in Oregon. The study covers 2008, so it’s a bit dated at this point. It’s very interesting to see the mix of investment. As has been well discussed elsewhere, Oregon is not a digital media market. The relatively larger segments relate to semiconductors, energy, and biotech (62% of the total).
Software comprised 12% of the total. Media and entertainment were only 5%. Investments in these sectors are simply the exception versus the rule in Oregon. Oregon has a relatively light track record in these sectors (as compared to Silicon Valley and Seattle). Additionally, digital media companies require less and less capital and are able to cost effectively go after niche markets. Many digital media companies simply do not fit the traditional venture capital profile. (See a good discussion on this issue at the SiliconFlorist blog.)
Thus, no surprises as to where the investments are being made in Oregon.
[I would like to see how the mix has shifted, if at all, in 2009.]
Aside from the mix, in absolute terms, 29 companies raised a total of $174MM in venture capital in 2008.
Here is the chart. The full presentation can be found here. The data source is PriceWaterhouseCoopers, MoneyTree Report (March, 2009).
