Five startup companies will advance to the Early Stage competition of the Bend Venture Conference in October.

A live audience and two judges chose the finalists from a field of 10 semifinalists that made pitches Thursday during Economic Development for Central Oregon’s PubTalk. The five winners of the event are Plover Inc. of Portland, which has an automated, chemical-free car wash machine; Raaft of Bend, which helps software-as-a-service companies retain customers; ZibaHub of Portland, which is a professional networking platform for health and beauty professionals; LuDela of Bend, which brings smart technology to scented candles; and Ella & Oak, an online bridal market for plus-size brides.

The winner of the Early Stage competition will receive an investment of at least $20,000 from the Portland Seed Fund.