Here’s a roundup of interesting startup links I came across today:
Using Shopping To Combat Social Media Addiction | Fox News Video
A Portland startup wants to reward you for putting down your phone after 30 minutes of social media use.
Thoughts on the walk home after volunteering – Cari Luna
This work isn’t about me. Not even a little bit. I’m giving my time, my attention, and my craft to 1) listen to people tell their stories in whatever way they want to tell them; and 2) write a piece about them that will make them feel seen and valued; and 3: help to put a bit more money into the pocket of someone who really needs it. That’s enough. It’s more than enough.
Show Up for Small Business Tickets, Wed, Jul 30, 2025 at 5:00 PM | Eventbrite
This month we will head to the Brooklyn Carreta cart pod in SE Portland. Brooklyn Carreta features a lineup of exceptional food carts, offering everything from sushi burritos to hot chicken sandwiches, and their bar offers a rotating selection of handcrafted cocktails, local craft beers, and non-alcoholic options.
Portland Sneaker Week returns Aug. 3-8 – Portland Business Journal
“Our goal for 2024 was to elevate our presence, and activating in Pioneer Square was what we saw as the next stage for Sneaker Week. But there were some challenges just around producing something at such a large scale, and so we got back to our roots for 2025,” said Beauclere.
Softwaremaker Navex bought by Goldman Sachs, Blackstone – Portland Business Journal
A group of investors led by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, along with PE giant Blackstone, acquired the majority stake of Navex. They made the purchase from previous majority owner BC Partners and minority owner Vista Equity Partners.
Vibe Coding Unicorn Lovable Is The Fastest Growing Software Startup Ever
Stockholm-based Lovable has hit over $100 million in annualized revenue in just eight months by using AI to enable millions of non-coders to instantly turn their ideas into websites, apps and online side hustles.
Post 1200: A Love Letter to Every Version of Me Who Hit Publish – CamiKaos
I didn’t know what I was doing. I just knew I needed to say something. Anything. Loudly. On the internet. Before I drowned in the noise inside my own head. And so I did. Again and again. Fourteen times in one month. Then hundreds of times in the years that followed.
Don’t Rent Reach: The Value of Growing Your Owned Audience | Airship
Owning your audience means establishing direct, permission-based relationships with your customers on channels and destinations you control — dedicated spaces where you can communicate, learn and engage. Growing your owned audience is not about ditching social media or paid ads entirely, as these channels are still crucial for discovery and acquisition. Instead, it’s about converting those acquired customers into subscribers, making every dollar spent worth the investment.
Gaming VC funding drops by 47% in Q2 2025 | Konvoy – GamesBeat
Konvoy today released its latest Gaming Industry Report for Q2 2025, showing that venture capital funding in the games industry dropped quarter-over-quarter for that month while private funding rose. The report also covers the recent industry trends, including the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 and the delay of Grand Theft Auto VI. It also slightly increased its 2025 prediction of the games industry’s revenue to $189 billion.
Intel plans more cuts, investment pullback – Portland Business Journal
“The changes we are making to reduce our operating costs, improve our capital efficiency and monetize non-core assets are having a positive impact as we work to strengthen our balance sheet and position the business for the future.” David Zinsner, Intel’s CFO, said in a written statement.
More Portland startup news
