Celebrating Women: Part II
April 2026
Lynn Fletcher
In last month’s article Celebrating Women: Part I, I was inspired by the International Women’s Day theme “Give to Gain”. I shared my personal story and introduced some of the amazing women I get to work with at the firm. Find it here if you missed it. This month, I’d like to continue the “celebration” and include some inspiring stories from a few of our portfolio company leaders. At the Oregon Venture Fund, we believe the founders are the heroes! We are proud to support their expertise, innovations, determination, thoughtfulness, etc. I could go on and on!
We continue to be inspired by these women founders and co-founders who are redefining their industries and count ourselves lucky for getting to partner with them. A few to highlight:
Nicole Schmidt: Founder and CEO, Source. Nicole has revolutionized procurement technology for sustainable building, making it easier for companies to source environmentally responsible materials. Featured here.
Jessica Murrey: Founder and CEO, Wicked Saints Studios. Jessica is known for creating impactful games that drive social change and engage players in meaningful storytelling. Featured here.
Kim Malek: Founder and CEO, Salt & Straw. Kim has built a beloved ice cream brand known for its inventive flavors and commitment to community values. Featured here.
Lauren Schneider: Founder and Chief Customer Officer, TrovaTrip. Lauren empowers people to explore the world through curated group travel experiences and innovative technology. Featured here.
Ann Carney Nelson: Founder and COO, Inpria. Ann helped steer Inpria to a successful exit, contributing to breakthroughs in semiconductor materials. Exit story here.
Christy Goldsby: Founder, Honey Mama’s. Christy has reimagined indulgence with a line of honey-sweetened, whole-food treats, building a devoted following in the better-for-you dessert space. Featured here.
Claudia Jaffe: Founder and CEO Lumencor. Claudia has led Lumencor in developing advanced light engine technology that powers cutting-edge imaging and diagnostic tools. March whitepaper here & Electro Optics interview here.
As I reflect on these stories, I’m reminded how fortunate I am to witness this kind of leadership up close, both within our firm and across our portfolio. These women inspire us not just as founders, but as people who show up with grit, generosity, and an unwavering belief in what they’re building. The idea of “Give to Gain” feels especially real here; the more we support and invest in one another, the more we all grow. I’m grateful to play even a small part in their journeys, and I look forward to continuing to celebrate and learn from them. If their stories resonate with you, I encourage you to follow Oregon Venture Fund, these founders, and their companies on LinkedIn to stay connected to the incredible work they’re doing and the impact they continue to make.