VertueLab

VertueLab (formerly known as Oregon BEST) is a non-profit organization that supports early-stage clean technology startups in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The organization invests in and provides support, resources, and funding to startups that are developing innovative solutions to environmental challenges in areas such as energy, water, air quality, and waste. 

VertueLab's portfolio includes a diverse range of companies working on clean technology solutions, such as sustainable recycling, hydrogen fuel cells, water purification, circular economy platforms, wind power technologies, and sustainable agriculture.

 The organization's mission is to accelerate the growth of the clean technology sector by fostering collaboration, innovation, and impact, and its focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and responsible stewardship reflects its commitment to creating a more sustainable and equitable future for people and the planet.

VertueLab (formerly known as Oregon BEST) is a non-profit organization that supports and invests in early-stage clean technology startups in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The organization was founded in 2007 with a mission to accelerate the development and deployment of clean technologies that address environmental challenges.

VertueLab's history dates back to 2005 when a group of stakeholders in the Pacific Northwest region recognized the need to support the development of clean technology startups in the area. In 2007, the organization was officially launched as Oregon BEST, with support from the State of Oregon, the Oregon University System, and other private and public partners.

Over the years, VertueLab has supported hundreds of clean technology startups through funding, mentorship, and access to resources and expertise. The organization has also played a key role in building the clean technology ecosystem in the Pacific Northwest, connecting startups with investors, industry partners, and academic institutions.

In 2020, Oregon BEST rebranded as VertueLab to better reflect its focus on advancing sustainable innovation and impact. The organization continues to support clean technology startups in the Pacific Northwest region, with a particular focus on areas such as sustainable energy, green chemistry, and circular economy.

Today, VertueLab offers a range of programs and services to support clean technology startups, including funding opportunities, mentorship, training and workshops, and access to a network of industry experts and partners. The organization is committed to creating a more sustainable future through innovation and entrepreneurship and continues to play a key role in advancing clean technology solutions in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

• Environmental impact: VertueLab seeks startups whose technologies have the potential to significantly reduce environmental impact in areas such as energy, water, air quality, and waste.
• Technology innovation: VertueLab is interested in startups that have developed innovative technologies that have the potential to disrupt traditional industries and create new market opportunities.
• Business viability: VertueLab looks for startups with solid business plans and clear paths to market, with the potential for significant revenue growth and job creation.
• Team expertise: VertueLab seeks startups with experienced and dedicated teams that have the skills and expertise necessary to successfully commercialize their technology.
• Regional focus: VertueLab primarily invests in startups based in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, with a focus on supporting the region's clean technology ecosystem.

 The organization is guided by a set of core values that inform its approach to supporting clean technology innovation and impact.

• Innovation: VertueLab values innovation and supports startups that are developing new and creative solutions to environmental challenges. The organization believes that innovation is key to advancing sustainable development and creating a more resilient future.
• Impact: VertueLab is committed to supporting technologies and startups that have the potential to make a significant positive impact on the environment and society. The organization believes that clean technology innovation is essential for creating a more sustainable and equitable future.
• Collaboration: VertueLab values collaboration and works closely with startups, investors, industry partners, and academic institutions to support the development and deployment of clean technologies. The organization believes that working together is essential for achieving greater impact and creating positive change.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: VertueLab is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of its work. The organization believes that a more diverse and inclusive clean technology ecosystem is essential for achieving greater innovation and impact.
• Stewardship: VertueLab values stewardship and is committed to being responsible and accountable in all of its activities. The organization believes that responsible stewardship is essential for building trust, fostering collaboration, and creating a more sustainable future.

The organization's mission is to accelerate the growth of the clean technology sector in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States by providing funding, support, and resources to early-stage clean technology startups.

VertueLab's mission is guided by the belief that clean technology innovation is essential for creating a more sustainable and equitable future. The organization is committed to supporting startups that are developing new and creative solutions to environmental challenges in areas such as energy, water, air quality, and waste.

VertueLab's mission is also rooted in the belief that collaboration is essential for achieving greater impact and creating positive change. The organization works closely with startups, investors, industry partners, and academic institutions to build a more vibrant and collaborative clean technology ecosystem in the Pacific Northwest.

The organization's portfolio includes a diverse range of clean technology startups working on solutions to environmental challenges in areas such as energy, water, air quality, and waste.

Here are some examples of companies in VertueLab's portfolio:

• Ecolife Recycling: A company that provides sustainable recycling solutions for businesses and communities.
• Electric Hydrogen: A company that is developing a clean hydrogen fuel cell system for industrial applications.
• NuLeaf Tech: A company that is developing sustainable agriculture technologies to improve crop yields while reducing water and fertilizer use.
• Puralytics: A company that is developing advanced water purification technologies using light-activated nanotechnology.
• Rheaply: A company that is creating a circular economy platform for businesses to share and reuse surplus assets and materials.
• SheerWind: A company that is developing innovative wind power technologies that are more efficient and cost-effective than traditional wind turbines.
• Soliculture: A company that is developing advanced greenhouse technologies that increase crop yields while generating clean solar energy.
• Tivra: A company that is developing a sustainable construction material made from waste biomass.