Introducing Vanport Studio, a new offering to support local startups

Last week, I had the privilege of attending a private gathering — a bit of a soft launch — at the Instrument offices. Was this some brand new startup or some bright and shiny new AI technological breakthrough that had me all excited…? No. It was something far more important. It was the reveal of a new offering designed to support some of the most promising startups in our midst by leveraging the skills and networks of some our community’s most talented and experienced individuals. Meet Vanport Studio.

Vanport Studio empowers startups to form and scale, seeing potential in businesses of all sizes. We guide startups to meaningful traction and relevance, offering thoughtful support that turns that potential into success.

Vanport Studio is the brainchild of Stephen Green, founder of PitchBlack, and Jelani Memory, founder of A Kids Co. and Circle. And it’s based on each of their lived experiences in the Portland startup community. Translating those experiences into a platform designed to explore specific opportunities to deeply engage with the community they have fostered.

The studio finds itself very much inspired by the learnings of organizing PitchBlack, an annual pitch event featuring Black businesses which has become a marquee event for the local startup community. While the impact of the event is undeniable, it has remained very much a “moment in time” or a “one and done” opportunity for founders who take the stage to share their stories.

There clearly was an opportunity — and appetite — to do more to support these promising entrepreneurs.

Which got Stephen and Jelani thinking. How could they extend that engagement and continue to support the growing network of PitchBlack alums beyond prize money and promotions…? And more importantly, how could they keep that energy and camaraderie going throughout the year…? How could PitchBlack evolve from a single amazing day into a cadence of startup support that happened every single day…?

Enter Instrument. Which encouraged the pair to once again take advantage of their physical space. (Instrument has hosted PitchBlack in the past.) To consider building something near the epicenter of reimagining the historically Black neighborhood of Albina — and honestly, Portland, itself. And to think through ways to take advantage of the creative talent within the agency — for the good of the community and the startups within it.

And so that effort began to materialize, taking the initial form of a “startup studio.” (If that’s not a model that’s familiar to you, let me provide some context. Unlike an incubator or accelerator which largely places the work of building a company fully on the startups and founders going through their programs, studios tend roll up their sleeves and get to work alongside the startup, tackling the problems in a hands on way rather than just offering guidance or advice. Often with services like marketing, finance, and legal. Sometimes with investment, as well.)

Vanport Studio is starting with services, focusing on four distinct areas of engagement:

• Brand: Craft a brand that resonates and endures. From initial design to comprehensive system integration, and impactful marketing strategies, we help you tell your story in a way that not only looks good but feels right and speaks directly to your target audience.
• Model: Navigate the business landscape with confidence. Our holistic approach covers everything from your business structure to financial strategies and legal frameworks. We provide the tools you need to build a solid foundation and drive sustainable growth.
• Growth: Accelerate your growth through targeted marketing strategies, effective fundraising, and strategic partnerships. Our tailored approach helps you expand your reach, secure necessary capital, and connect with the right allies to amplify your impact.
• Culture: At the core of every successful company is a strong culture. We focus on developing your team dynamics, product innovation, and leadership skills to foster an environment where creativity thrives and leaders emerge.

Personally, I’ve seen and participated in a lot (A LOT) of incubators, accelerators, and studios launched over the past 20 years or so. And they — sweeping generalizations — seem to fall into two distinct camps: 1) Let’s just get the right people in the room and then we’ll figure it out, or 2) Let’s just put together the funding and then we’ll figure it out.

Vanport Studio is neither of these. Instead, it’s starting with a structured services offering and looking to expand methodically — and opportunistically — as warranted. It’s an incredibly thoughtful approach. And a much needed one. What’s more, it’s an opportunity for one of the premier digital agencies on the west coast to engage with the startup community. And to better understand and support the up and coming companies that could prove to be the clients of tomorrow.

I’m really looking forward to seeing where it goes from here.

For more information or to see if your startup could benefit, visit Vanport Studio.

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