Portland startups, open source, and tech news, jobs, and events #pdx
In some industries, the idea of “closing” can be the worst possible outcome. But in the world of startups, closing is often a very good thing. And the latest news from the Portland Seed Fund is no different. The Portland Business Journal just revealed that PSF has just closed their third fund to the tune of $13.9 million.
You know those days where it seems like everything just kind of points to the same issue? And how you know it’s definitely been a problem that has been solved in the past? But somewhere along the way, a new group of folks have joined the community, who — through absolutely no fault of their own — have no idea the solution exists? That’s kind of the experience I had today. So I wanted to remind folks of — or introduce folks to — Calagator.
Portland rarely sees things occur in rapid succession. Funding tends to be sporadic. Exits tend to be blips here and there. But that may be changing. Because it feels like we are starting to see a growing trend of well known Portland startup founders moving on to their next thing. The latest? Nat Parker is leaving moovel, a journey which started with his startup GlobeSherpa.
Portland is always said to be an incredibly collaborative place. With all kinds of organizations designed to foster that collaboration. But until recently, we didn’t really seem to have an organization that facilitated collaboration among startups and government. Until Business for a Better Portland came along.
Sometimes, I come across things that have nothing to do with startups or entrepreneurship. But they are compelling. And they showcase the Rose City in interesting ways. This is one of those occasions. (Also, this post is so short, I don’t even have to do a page break.)
My little brother recently visited. He was taking all these 5-7 videos. I was so confused until he sent me this!?!?! from Damnthatsinteresting
I’m always encouraging founders to celebrate small wins. And to take pride in the progress they’re making. So for once, I’m going to follow my own advice and take a moment to celebrate. PIE, the startup accelerator that I helped cofound and continue to run as general manager, is turning 10 years old in August. So let’s celebrate.
If you’ve been thinking about an accelerator for your startup, you likely have a few questions. One of those questions might be “Which accelerator is right for me?” If Brandery and/or gener8tor is on your list, you can get those questions answered in person, this week.
Summer in Portland feels a little slower. But you wouldn’t be able to tell that from the number of jobs open, right now. Even the Silicon Florist job board is getting sort of hectic, as of late. So who’s hiring?
If you’re working on a startup and you feel like you could use more help, connections, and mentorship, then I have a little homework assignment for you, this weekend. Because it might be time for you to apply to PIE or PIE Shop with your startup idea.
So if you’re a regular car sharing user here in town, you’ve likely tried both ReachNow and car2go, two of the providers here in Portland. Not so long ago, those two entities merged and started calling everything Now. ThisNow, ThatNow, NowNow. So when news that ReachNow was shutting down in Portland and Seattle broke, everyone seemed to conclude that we had no more car sharing in town. That is not the case.