Portland Oregon startups, tech, news, events, jobs, and community

Here’s a roundup of interesting startup links I came across today:

VC isn’t VC anymore — understanding the rise of Cancer Capital – Anil Dash

I’m gonna explain this from a standpoint that almost never gets articulated: I’ve personally raised tens of millions of dollars in venture capital funding as CEO of startups, and been directly involved as a board member or advisor in raising hundreds of millions more. I’ve sat in board rooms, across the table from the people I’m talking about here, or been at the industry events that they frequent. So this isn’t sour grapes because these VCs wouldn’t cut me a check, or some chip on my shoulder about these investors due to a business deal. This is what I know about these bad actors because I’m part of the community of creators and inventors who build the things that they used to invest in — back when they still cared about innovation.

I’ve been running this experiment for about a month now. With varying results. But largely positive. So I’m planning to keep it going during the month of September as well. Best of all…? You can join in on this experiment if you want. It’s a watch party for the latest episode of the Silicon Florist weekly recap. All from the comfort of your keyboard.

Often, the most difficult part of getting this whole thing to work is getting your name out there. Sharing what you’re building. And ensuring — not hoping — that the right people understand what you’re building. Events can be a great venue for this kind of promotion. That’s why I wanted to be sure that you were aware that the Oregon Innovation Showcase 2027 is currently accepting deeptech startup applicants.

AI can be intimidating. Where do you start…? What do you do…? How do you choose a platform…? When you’re just getting started, there are way more questions than answers. I get it. And so does Scott Hanselman. That’s why he wants to help. And Steam Circuit is happy to oblige.

I know. I know. “Building with AI” was a little bit of a wide net to cast. But you’re reading this aren’t you…? So let’s get into the real focus of this post. Our friends at the Oregon AI Accelerator are actively recruiting for their next cohort of startups. And if you’re building something interesting in, on, or around AI, you could potentially be a good fit for their program. So you should apply.

Here’s a roundup of interesting startup links I came across today:

Check if files were made with Claude | Claude

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Here’s a roundup of interesting startup links I came across today:

Labor Day Weekend 2026: Eats, Drinks, and Happenings in Portland – Bridgetown Bites

This year, Labor Day falls on Monday, September 7, and with the adjoining Saturday and Sunday, September 5 and 6 it makes for a nice long weekend.

I never assume you have the time to keep up with every single thing I post around here. I barely do. And I’m the one writing them. So consider this our cheat sheet. These are the most-read Silicon Florist stories from August 2026, as decided by you, the readers. That way none of us has to pretend we caught every last one of them the first time around. And I can remember what I actually wrote.