Oregon: The Global Sports Product Capital
Oregon stands as the undisputed capital of the global sports product and outdoor gear industry, home to Nike's world headquarters, Adidas's North American hub, and a robust network of athletic brands.
Oregon Sports Angels: A Local Network with Global Impact
In 2017, Oregon Sports Angels (OSA), the nation's first angel investor network dedicated to sports products and technology, emerged from the University of Oregon's Lundquist College of Business.
The story began when Ellen Schmidt-Devlin's UO Sports Product Management (SPM) graduate program invited seasoned sports industry veterans, including former Nike executive Kate Delhagen, to evaluate student product pitches. This sparked an idea.
"We recognized the fact that we have serious talent right here in Oregon, and it naturally raised the question: What if we could organize some investors to seed these companies?" - Kate Delhagen
John Hull, then managing the Lundquist College's Portland programs, echoed this sentiment:
"We are like the Silicon Valley of retired sports industry people. There aren't many support systems for startups in that space."
Nancy Monsarrat, a 28-year Nike marketing veteran and OSA founding member, saw the potential to support student entrepreneurs with innovative ideas.
"Many of these students graduate and go on to work at Nike or Adidas. But many of them also have their own ideas. Wouldn't it be great to help support those ideas?"
OSA's first investment was in Odd Lot Labs, a novel backpack company founded by recent UO SPM graduates, proving the network's effectiveness.
Today, OSA has grown into a sophisticated network of approximately 36 members, with 60% based in Oregon and 40% nationwide. They have invested around $10 million across 56 portfolio companies, with an annual investment range of $1.1 - $1.2 million.
OSA remains unique, focusing solely on tangible sports products and technology. Founders can submit their pitches online, and promising applicants undergo rigorous screening and pitch days.
"It's purely tech and product companies, and that's given us a unique position." - Jim Chi, OSA President and Nike product leader.
OSA maintains strong ties with the University of Oregon and Lundquist College, offering mentorship, internships, and student-athlete entrepreneurship education.