VERTUELAB IS A 501(C)3 NON-PROFIT THAT PARTNERS WITH ENTREPRENEURS TO BUILD INNOVATIVE AND ECONOMICALLY VIABLE BUSINESSES FOR THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST CLIMATE ECONOMY.
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VERTUELAB IS A 501(C)3 NON-PROFIT THAT PARTNERS WITH ENTREPRENEURS TO BUILD INNOVATIVE AND ECONOMICALLY VIABLE BUSINESSES FOR THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST CLIMATE ECONOMY.
We envision a Pacific Northwest where place-based climate innovation keeps people safe and communities thriving. We are creating a future where entrepreneurs building and scaling technologies get the support they need, and the communities most impacted by climate change have a voice in designing the solutions meant to help them.
OUR VISION
We invest in market-driven technologies with community co-benefits.
We focus on innovation with strong climate impact signals while improving communities.
We back tested solutions that promote shared prosperity in our communities.
WHAT WE DO
OUR TRACK RECORD
80+
companies funded
700+
jobs created
$600M+
follow-on capital unlocked
$10M+
in direct investment
Our portfolio cuts across energy, materials, food, water, buildings and more, with a focus on companies founded in the Pacific Northwest
PHOTON MARINE
OPCONNECT
COMMUNITY ENERGY LABS
AIRBUILD
JIMINY’S
INPIPE ENERGY
VERTUELAB
LEO OCHOA
Managing Director
Leo Ochoa, an Oregon native, former wildland firefighter, industrial designer, and startup founder, holds multiple design degrees and two utility patents for innovative safety gear. At VertueLab, he has worked closely with entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and ecosystem partners to advance climate innovation. Most recently, as Managing Director of Oregon, he led efforts to strengthen partnerships, expand programs, and grow VertueLab's impact across Oregon. Leo brings a unique blend of vision, firsthand entrepreneurial experience, and collaborative leadership, with a commitment to building a more connected, inclusive, and resilient innovation ecosystem.
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AINA ABIODUN
Board Chair
Aina Abiodun is an award-winning climate leader, serial tech founder and three-time CEO. A 2026 recipient of the Puget Sound Business Journal’s individual Sustainability Award and a GeekWire CEO of the Year nominee, she has been recognized for her work leading VertueLab, which was named the Cleantech Alliance’s 2025 Cleantech Leader of the Year. She was notably the first Black woman to run a venture-backed company in Germany, following her earlier work leading brand and impact strategy for global organizations
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MORE COMING SOON
NICE TO MEET YOU
Introducing Terraforge, an Oregon venture studio for climate tech manufacturing.
Launching climate businesses that solve real micro supply chain problems in Oregon’s climate and natural resources industries means closing gaps, strengthening communities, and growing the regional economy.
Introducing Terraforge, an Oregon venture studio for climate tech manufacturing.
We’re Hiring!
Director of Development & Communications
Full-Time | Hybrid | Candidates must be based in the Portland metropolitan area to support in-person events and community engagement.
Salary Range: $87,000- $91,000, depending on experience
What You’ll Help Us Achieve
The Director of Communications & Development will lead and execute VertueLab’s fundraising and development strategies while overseeing communications to advance its mission, visibility, and strategic priorities. Working within a small team, this position will cultivate and steward funders and donors, activate relationships across Oregon’s philanthropic, corporate, climate and clean energy sectors, and work closely with the communications team to provide strategic direction and oversight. Drawing on knowledge of Oregon’s fundraising landscape, this leadership position will strengthen VertueLab’s funding base and guide staff in aligning communications with organizational and fundraising goals.
Click here to view the full description. We will begin reviewing applications on November 10th.