Portland startups, open source, and tech news, jobs, and events #pdx
I know I usually share jobs via the newsletter. Or via the job board. But this one deserved a blog post. Because it’s a big opportunity to support startups and entrepreneurs throughout our state. The Oregon Entrepreneurs Network is looking for a new executive director.
As technology becomes more and more human, it’s no secret that it runs the risk of taking on the flaws of humanity as well. Like unconscious bias. That’s why I love seeing conversations like the upcoming Black Women in STEM panel where they’re going to dig into the potential for bias in machine learning and artificial intelligence.
I realize it’s only Tuesday. But you’re a startup founder. Or you work for a startup. Or you work. And it’s already been a long week. But you know what? There’s a light at the end of the tunnel. An oasis. A respite, if you will. Not only that, it’s also an opportunity to meet both more of your peers as well as some awesome folks from out of town. Ringing any bells? That’s right. There’s a Portland startup community happy hour on Thursday, June 27, 2019.
It’s rare to see Portland startups bubbling to the top of national lists. Let alone global lists. So it was really nice to see that one of our local companies had been highlighted by Crunchbase as one of the 50 hot tech companies for 2019. Coming in at #2 on the Crunchbase list is Portland augmented reality startup Streem.
As you may have noticed, the scooters are back. And there are more brands than ever on Portland sidewalks. Some even have seats. Which may lead you to wonder how the heck the city keeps track of all of the providers. Well, a Portland startup is helping solve that problem. Ride Report just announced a certification program for micromobility.
I’m always a fan of folks who are helping startups. Especially those who recognize the unique challenges of founders. That’s why I’ve been happy to see Women Led working to have a more significant impact on women and the companies they’re leading and building, here in Portland. But in order to do the work they want to do, a nonprofit organization needs funding. That’s why Women Led launched a GoFundMe campaign.
It’s no secret that the way people work is changing. Equally not a secret is the growing population of Portland. So it only stands to reason that there are any number of coworking spaces popping up and thriving around these parts. And news that a new provider was opening a Portland space inspired me to take a quick look at what was out there.
When it comes to helping people get their ideas going, there are few weekends that compare to a Techstars Startup Weekend. Fifty four hours of sprinting from idea to product and pitch. It just goes to show how quickly something can come together. And that’s why I’m always happy to hear about new and different flavors of the event. Like Techstars Startup Weekend Small Town Advantage which takes place this weekend in Independence, Oregon.
Okay. Maybe today isn’t the best day to be writing about Seattle and Portland. (Sorry, Flounders.) But earlier today, I had the opportunity to post about early stage Seattle fund Founders’ Co-op investing in Portland’s Brave Care. So it seemed to be the perfect time to do a “speaking of Founders’ Co-op…” sort of post.
While some startup communities seem obsessed with the random application of technology, I’ve always been impressed with the Portland startup community’s continued interest in applying technology in ways that make people’s lives better. One of those areas — for decades — has been healthcare. And now, there’s a new player in that realm, specifically around urgent care for kids. Meet Brave Care.