Silicon Florist links arrangement for October 1, 2025

Here’s a roundup of interesting startup links I came across today:

Fast-growing startups reshape the GeekWire 200 with innovations in AI, robotics, energy and more – GeekWire

There’s a lot of startup activity in Seattle and the broader Pacific Northwest. Some companies are growing rapidly amid the AI boom, while others are cutting costs and navigating challenges.

Hacking Agents PDX » Calagator: Portland’s Tech Calendar

​We’ll kick things off by building an AI Agent live, showcasing both an MCP server and client in action. You’ll learn what makes Agentic AI enterprise-ready, from scalability to governance, and see a real-world industry case study showing how Agentic AI is already transforming a specific vertical. Expect a fast-paced, practical, and insight-rich experience that connects the technical foundations to real business impact.

“Antifa Hellfire”: Amid Local Uncertainty, White House Attempts to Justify National Guard Invasion of Portland  – Portland Mercury

While the Oregon National Guard has begun mobilizing troops in compliance with Trump’s order, it’s unclear if and when Portlanders will see members of the guard on the streets. It was initially reported that troops were expected to hit the streets Thursday, but a more recent update from an Oregon National Guard spokesperson suggests most guard members won’t be ready until next week.

Here Are Some Of The Newer Investors Entering The AI And Megaround Race 

So who are the newcomers scaling up? Using Crunchbase data, we put together a sample list of 15 recently launched venture investors that are leading good-sized rounds, most of which have a unicorn or two in their portfolios. Some were founded this year, while others have been at it a couple of years.

Five More Things I Want to Tell My White Friends | Cup of Jo

The simmering fears and anxieties brought on by the relentless news cycle and political upheaval have been steadily ratcheting up since January, but for me, as a Black woman, the last few weeks have led to an emotional breaking point on par with summer of 2020. No question, the current state of this country is stressful for everyone, but the mental, practical and psychological toll is far, far greater for some of us — like Black and brown people, trans folks, and immigrants for whom the implications go well beyond intellectual disagreements, or provocative headlines, or “finding common ground” or “reaching across the aisle” — it’s much deeper, more visceral. A consideration of our very humanity. It doesn’t get more personal than that.