Returning Fall 2026

Willamette Angel
Conference

WAC 2.0 - Oregon's Future Is Being Built Now.

Oregon's premier angel conference is back! This time with a fund, a training program, and a community for new and experienced investors backing the state's best early-stage startups.

Join us

(it's free)

How it works

Two Ways to Play. One Starting Point.

Whether you're writing your first check or your fiftieth, there's a way in. Commit to the fund and help pick the winners, or sign up free to follow along, learn, and invest on your own.

1
Sign up to follow along

Join our member community on Play Money to get deal announcements, access the Angel 101 curriculum, and watch the selection process. No commitment required.

2
Commit to the fund

Put $5,000 into the WAC fund and help pick the winners. Join the diligence team, sit in data room reviews, and invest in the portfolio the fund builds.

3
Or invest deal-by-deal

Lurk and learn, then write checks directly into the companies the fund selects. Same deals, your pick.

Ready to start?

Join us

(it's free)

Fund membership

Why commit to the fund?

Premium education

Join the diligence team in deal reviews. Build deal sheets alongside experienced angels. Get deeper training on selection criteria and due diligence, data room review, SPV mechanics, legal terms, and tax implications.

All fees covered

Your $5,000 goes to the investments. WAC covers SPV setup, admin, and back-office costs separately.

Limited slots

The fund is capped. Early commitments get priority as we fill the cohort.

Our Platform Partner

Willamette Angel Conference Play Money

In partnership with Play Money

Play Money is an investing platform built specifically for investor communities like ours. Members get curated deal flow, education on the platform, and a two-click investment experience. Play Money handles SPV setup, paperwork, and tax reporting so WAC can focus on picking great Oregon companies and supporting the angels who back them.

WAC is joining Seattle Angel Conference and Bend Venture Conference in partnering with Play Money.

This Year's Focus

Three goals driving WAC 2.0

This year's conference focuses on three key goals.

Goal 01
Educate new angel investors

Through hands-on learning and mentorship.

Goal 02
Develop the next generation of venture fund managers

Building the pipeline of Oregon's future investment leaders.

Goal 03
Invest directly in Oregon's most promising startups

Putting capital to work in Oregon's most promising early-stage companies.

What's New for 2026

Monthly investor training sessions

WAC 2.0 introduces monthly investor training sessions designed to help new angels build confidence, understand deal flow, and gain practical investment experience, all while contributing to Oregon's startup ecosystem.

2026 Leadership

Fund Director
Josh Carter
Co-Fund Manager
Missy Capone
Co-Fund Manager
Eileen Brewer

Frequently Asked Questions

1
What is the WAC fund and how does it work?
The Willamette Angel Conference fund pools commitments from members and invests in Oregon startups selected through our conference. Fund members help pick the winners. You commit $5,000 and share in the portfolio the fund builds.
2
Do I have to commit $5,000 to participate?
No. You can sign up on Play Money for free to get deal announcements, access training sessions, and watch the selection process unfold. When the fund picks its companies, you can invest directly in any of them — no fund commitment required.
3
Can I participate in training and events if I don't commit to the fund?
Yes. Sign up on Play Money and you'll get access to investor training sessions, deal announcements, and the Angel 101 curriculum. Fund members get additional access to the diligence team in deal reviews and deeper sessions on SPV mechanics, legal terms, and tax implications. Lurk and learn as long as you want — there's no pressure to commit.
4
What's included in fund membership?
Fund membership includes your pro-rata stake in every investment the fund makes, a seat on the diligence team in deal reviews, and deeper training on SPV mechanics, legal terms, and tax implications. WAC covers all SPV fees and back-office costs separately — your $5,000 goes to the investments.
5
How are startups selected?
Oregon startups apply and pitch at the Willamette Angel Conference. The selection process runs across 2026: diligence training in June, deal sheet review in July, legal and tax training in August, pitch training for finalists in September, and final selection in October. Fund members join the diligence team throughout. First investment closes end of May or early June.
6
What's the time commitment?
Fund members who want to join diligence should expect a few hours per month during active review windows. Lurk-and-learn members can engage as much or as little as they want — attend live sessions, skip them, your call.
7
When do I get my money back?
Angel investing is illiquid. Returns come when portfolio companies exit, typically 5 to 10 years out. Build a portfolio you can leave alone.
8
Do I need to be an accredited investor?
Yes. Both fund commitments and direct investments on Play Money require accredited investor status.

Still have questions?

Join the community and we'll walk you through it.

Join us

(it's free)