The startup scene is a relatively young crowd full of people focused on changing the world. But they don’t always do the best job of promoting themselves. So they often don’t get the recognition they deserve.
One classic example of this—year after year—has been the Portland Business Journal’s annual Forty under 40 list. I always look. But I’m always disappointed. Like a sad little game of “Where’s Waldo?” CPA, CPA, CPA, lawyer, realtor, lawyer, PR firm, bank, bank, bank, realtor, startup… Ooh! Hey look! I found the one startup person!
But this, year? Boy howdy has it changed this year. For the better.
The following Portland startup scene types were recognized as part of the Forty under 40 class of 2013:
- Joshua Blank, @jdblank, Open Sesame
- Amber Case, @caseorganic, Geoloqi
- David Embree, @davidembree, Athletepath
- Bill Lynch, @billjive, Jive Software
- Jenn Lynch, @jennlynch, Upstart Labs
- Paresh K. Patel, @drpareshpatel, VendScreen
- Jesse Rosenzweig, Elemental Technologies
- Chris Teso, @christeso, Chirpify
- Ken Westin, @kwestin, GadgetTrak
Eight Nine (my bad) of the 40 were startup types this time around. More than 20%. That makes the whole “Where’s Waldo?” game a heck of a lot happier. Even if none of them are wearing stripes.
Congrats to all of those selected for this year’s class. And well done to the Portland startup scene for helping promote these folks making our community a better place.
For the entire list, visit Portland Business Journal’s Forty under 40 for 2013
