Brian Vierra is the Venture Catalyst for EDCO, an economic development organization in Central Oregon, and works closely with early stage companies to connect them with capital, advisors, mentors and other resources. He is also an active Angel Investor, both individually and through such professionally managed funds as Oregon Angel Fund and Cascade Angels. He advises and sits on the boards of several startups. Previously, Brian founded Embers Asia which was sold to Exo Travel in 2007. In 2001 he started one of the first Adventure Sports Outfitters in Vietnam, which he is still involved with today. Brian developed his penchant for adventure (and risk) as a Peace Corps volunteer in Tanzania from 1993 to 1995. He received his undergraduate degree from Whitman College and his Masters in International Management from Portland State.