Here’s a roundup of interesting startup links I came across today:
Nextracker acquires Bend’s Origami Solar for $53 million – Portland Business Journal
Bend-based Origami Solar has been acquired for $53 million by Nextracker, the world’s leading manufacturer of tracking systems for utility-scale solar power plants.
RSS co-creator launches new protocol for AI data licensing | TechCrunch
Now, a group of technologists and web publishers has launched a system that would enable data licensing at massive scale — provided AI companies take them up on it. Called Real Simple Licensing (RSL), the system is already being backed by major web publishers like Reddit, Quora and Yahoo. The question now is if that momentum will be enough to bring major AI labs to the bargaining table.
Are We in an AI Bubble? – The Atlantic
On the one hand, the United States is undergoing an extraordinary, AI-fueled economic boom: The stock market is soaring thanks to the frothy valuations of AI-associated tech giants, and the real economy is being propelled by hundreds of billions of dollars of spending on data centers and other AI infrastructure. On the other hand, evidence is piling up that AI is failing to deliver in the real world.
More than half of Northwest in severe, extreme drought, Oregon in historic dry period • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Between April and July, Oregon experienced its fourth driest period since record keeping began in 1895, according to the state’s climatologist
Portland Linux Kernel Meetup
Come enjoy a beverage and chat with other people who are interested in the Linux kernel. All experience levels are welcome. This is a friendly and casual meetup.
PDX Podium » Calagator: Portland’s Tech Calendar
This is the first meeting of a new group of people interested in learning about podcasting, speaking, or creating social media to get your message out.
A Call for Founder Voices for an MIT Study on Entrepreneurial Ethics – Feld Thoughts
I’m helping MIT (Fiona Murray and Alon Shklarek) share a short survey exploring how founders around the world navigate ethical challenges. Insights will shape practical tools for entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem leaders.
Union blasts Powell’s Books for suspected AI image on T-shirt, bookstore responds to controversy – oregonlive.com
A keen-eyed Powell’s Books customer who noticed a “wonky” graphic on one of the store’s T-shirts for sale — then posted the image to the social media platform Reddit last week — ignited an uproar among the Portland bookseller’s devoted fan base over the company’s suspected reliance on artificial intelligence.
The Little Tech Agenda for AI | a16z Podcast
In this episode, Matt Perault (Head of AI Policy, a16z) and Collin McCune (Head of Government Affairs, a16z) unpack the “Little Tech Agenda” for AI- why AI rules should regulate harmful use, not model development; how to keep open source open; the roles of the federal government vs states in regulating AI; and how the U.S. can compete globally without shutting out new founders.
Active US Investors Slowed Some In August
It’s probably remiss to dismiss August’s slowdown in dealmaking as a summer thing. However, it’s also not clear we’re heading for a downturn, as September is off to a brisk start with Anthropic’s $13 billion round. So maybe it’s just an August 2025 thing.
Meet the Startups Joining Techstars’ Fall 2025 Accelerator Programs
The Fall 2025 class includes startups working across a variety of industries and verticals, including digital health, space tech, cleantech, manufacturing, and more. They represent a wide range of geographies and backgrounds, but all share a clear focus: building strong companies that solve real problems.
Pet Food Experts expands Portland Pet Food distribution into 5 more regions | PetfoodIndustry
Pet Food Experts (PFX) announced the expansion of Portland Pet Food Company within its brand portfolio. The specialty distributor will now offer Portland Pet Food Company’s line of fresh, human-grade dog and cat foods and treats to retailers in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Mid-West, Ohio Valley and Mountain regions.
Bend Venture Conference selects growth stage semifinalists | The Bulletin
A Bend technology business has been named among the eight growth stage semi-finalists that will compete at the annual Bend Venture Conference next month.
Context Is the Moat: Why Fyxer Wins Where Others Don’t
Today, we are thrilled to announce we have led a $30 million Series B investment in Fyxer, an intelligent agent for knowledge workers that redefines what we can do (and can’t), starting with high-touch admin work.
How to regulate artificial intelligence — Harvard Gazette
Scholars from business, economics, healthcare, and policy offer insights into areas that deserve close look
New emojis will include Bigfoot, orca whale, treasure chest, and more | TechCrunch
The new emojis include a trombone, a treasure chest, an bulging-eyes face, a fight cloud, an apple core, an orca whale, a gender-neutral ballet dancer, a landslide, and Bigfoot.
Other Oregon startup stories
