Cascade Seed Fund

Investing in early stage software companies in the Pacific Northwest and rising entrepreneurial hubs throughout the US

Bend, OR, USA

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Description

Cascade Seed Fund is a venture capital firm based in Bend, Oregon, that specializes in early-stage investments for technology and consumer product startups. Founded in 2014, it serves as an institutional partner for entrepreneurs primarily in the Pacific Northwest.

Seed & Pre-Seed: Cascade focuses on the earliest institutional financing rounds.
Post-Revenue Traction: Unlike many seed funds, Cascade generally does not invest in pre-revenue companies. They require applicants to demonstrate revenue or strong early traction with a clear growth path.
Process Duration: The average time from initial presentation to a final decision is approximately 60 days.
Methods: Founders can apply through their Gust profile or seek a referral for an invitation-only evaluation.
Materials: Standard applications require a pitch deck and executive summary that detail the business's software or consumer focus.

Eligibility

Geographic Focus: Primarily targets companies in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, with active interest in Washington, Montana, Idaho, and Utah.
Sectors: Software-based companies (not hardware) and consumer products with a direct-to-consumer emphasis (excluding food and beverage products).
Core Themes: Enterprise/B2B orchestration, transformation of work, elevated consumer experiences, and access to essential services (healthcare, education, finance).

Process

Digital Intake: Founders submit a pitch deck and executive summary through an online portal (like Gust or Dealum) or via a warm referral for initial eligibility screening.
Screening Pitch: Selected teams participate in a preliminary 15–30 minute interview or "Screening Meeting" to evaluate technical viability and founder-market fit.
Due Diligence: The firm conducts a 4–8 week deep-dive investigation into the company’s financials, legal standing, intellectual property, and customer references.
Final Vote & Closing: Top-tier finalists present to the full partnership or angel network, leading to a term sheet offer, legal finalization, and capital transfer.

What an Applicant can Obtain

Institutional Mentorship: Partners act as coaches and mentors, leveraging extensive experience in starting and scaling businesses.
Follow-on Capital: The fund often reserves capital to support portfolio companies in future financing rounds.
Ecosystem Connections: Access to a network of individual and institutional investors to strengthen regional economic ties.