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Month: October 2010

Checking in on Portland Ten and its drive to incubate 10 $1 million Portland startups by October 2010

The Portland Ten started in early 2009 with a very ambitious goal: Incubating 10 $1 million startups by 2010. Was that goal insurmountable or achievable?

Rick Turoczy on October 20, 2010

We’ve all heard the criticism about early stage funding for Portland startups. But one of the most noticeable gaps—and less talked about problems—in our startup culture is the lack of mentors and expert guidance for young startups. We simply don’t seem to have enough veterans with enough successful exits… yet. But many people are actively working to resolve that issue.

One group that’s trying to fix that problem—and provide startups with the mentorship and structure they need—is the Portland Ten led by Carolynn Duncan. The Portland Ten started in early 2009 with a very ambitious goal: Incubating 10 $1 million startups by 2010. Was that goal insurmountable or achievable? Read More

City of Portland: Calling all Androids! Well, at least these specific models of Android devices.

The City of Portland is ready to test an app for the open source Android operating system. Got an Android device? Want to help the City test its app? Right this way.

Rick Turoczy on October 19, 2010

[HTML1]Remember back when the City of Portland launched an iPhone app? Remember one of the first questions out of the gates? That’s right. When was the City going to offer apps on other platforms?

Well, the City of Portland has been working on those other platforms and devices. And now, they’re ready to test an app for the open source Android operating system. (Or maybe not so “open.”) Got an Android device? Want to help the City test its app? Right this way. Read More

Startup School: Zuckerberg on startups, the “Instant startup mix” that is Silicon Valley, and just liking to build things

Rick Turoczy on October 18, 2010

If you were under a rock this weekend or—heaven forbid—actually spent some time unplugged, you may have missed the Startup School interview with Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg. Yeah, that guy. The one in the movie.

Like Facebook or not, like Zuckerberg or not, this interview provides an interesting glimpse into Facebook’s somewhat frenetic beginnings, why the Silicon Valley is so good at germinating startups, and the motivation entrepreneurs feel. Read More

Reminder: Lunch 2.0 at City Hall is Wednesday

Rick Turoczy on October 18, 2010

You read that right. This Wednesday, we’re having Lunch 2.0 at City Hall, brought to you by CivicApps (@civicapps), and Portland Ten(@portlandten).

Maybe I’m wrong in thinking this is a big deal because here it is Monday, and only 71 people have replied over on Upcoming. I know you don’t want to be tied down to a schedule, but if you’re planning to swing by, make sure to RSVP.

This serves two purposes. First, you’ll get fed because the hosts will know how much food to order, and second, we’ll know you’re coming so we can better estimate the crowd size.

Sure, City Hall is pretty big, but we need to monitor the crowd size a bit to ensure that we don’t make a lot of noise that disrupts the daily business of the City, which would be a bad thing.

So, if you’re coming and haven’t done so already, go RVSP now. I’ll wait.

Read More

Trying to be a great dad? Maybe you’re Father Apprentice material.

Father Apprentice is a new blog—maybe even a community—that offers a series of posts, videos, and interviews designed to give you insight, ideas, and a little motivation to be a better dad.

Rick Turoczy on October 18, 2010

I know. The first thing I thought of when I heard Father Apprentice was the thing that probably popped into your head too. I immediately wondered if it was new reality show where some rich dude with poorly coifed hair yelled at a bunch of guys trying to raise their kids. Actually, that might be pretty entertaining…

Oh. I’m sorry. Where was I? Oh yeah. As far as the site goes, it turns out I was partially right. It is a competition. But only with yourself. And Father Apprentice is the cheat sheet. Read More

Who’s hiring? ActiveTrak (x3), CardPower, New Relic, Puppet Labs, and Urban Airship

Rick Turoczy on October 15, 2010

It’s a beautiful fall day out there, Portland. Why not find a nice new job to go along with it?

You can, you know? Right here. At the Silicon Florist job and gig board. And you will hardly believe your eyes when you see all of the awesome jobs available this week. So get on that. And get to applying. Read More

Mentors, user groups, and seed funding: Portland Development Commission finishes up the startup and tech community conversation

Rick Turoczy on October 15, 2010

For all the awesomeness that is the Portland startup and tech scene, there are still a few things that could use a little work. Things like finding mentors to help startups and founders find success. Establishing funding—like the Portland Seed Fund—to help sustain the efforts of entrepreneurs. And providing space for ad hoc and organized groups and events to gather.

Well, the Portland Development Commission (PDC) wants to help solve those problems. All of them. Because it’s really only a combination of all of them that will help us build a sustainable startup environment around here. But to do that, the PDC needs your feedback, please. Read More

Portland reddit: Relying on the power of predditors for the latest on all things Portland

Portland reddit is one of those sub-reddits. And if you’ve never had a chance to check it out, now would be a very good time. It’s timely, relevant, and widely varied in topics. Best of all, those Portland redditors—or predditors for short—are as eclectic as the topics on which they post.

Rick Turoczy on October 14, 2010

Remember when I got a little snippy at The Oregonian reddit and tried to create a Silicon Florist reddit? Good. I’m glad you don’t. Because it was a big fat steaming bucket full of fail.

But along about that time, Portland reddit really started to take off. And now, more than 2500 subscribers strong Portland reddit is a great resource for finding all sorts of interesting stuff about all things Portland. Read More

Portland inside: MapBox iPad mapping app has Portland mobile geogeeking under the hood

Rick Turoczy on October 14, 2010

[HTML3]According to Wired Magazine, mobile devices need custom maps. According to me, Portland is the de facto hub of mobile development and it’s not too shabby when it comes to geolocation geekery either.

No, it’s not a non-sequitur. You see, the maps built on MapBox described in the article? The Development Seed ones? Under the hood of that iPad pursuit is good old Portland mobile geolocation ingenuity, thanks to Justin Miller. Read More

BarCamp Portland 4 could use your help

Rick Turoczy on October 13, 2010

[HTML1]It’s no secret that I believe in supporting the free events here in Portland. I firmly believe that companies who can step up to sponsor these events are fostering the survival, development, and maturation of the Portland startup and tech community. What’s more, a little bit goes a long way.

Well, it may be time to cough up that little bit if you’re in a position to do so. You see, BarCamp Portland could use your help. Read More

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