We’ve all doomscrolled enough through the “doom loop” jibber jabber about our region. It’s nice to see others taking a more positive spin on the potential of the Silicon Forest. (Especially as we appear to have the early indicators of a hardware renaissance happening around here.)
According to Technically:
In fact, the new report published by the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center featuring analysis by Heartland Forward argues Portland has become one of the country’s best at supporting fast-growth entrepreneurs.
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Among smaller regions, Portland’s entrepreneurs attract a relatively higher number of venture capital deals, reflecting repeat founders and adjacency to big capital markets (namely, Seattle and Silicon Valley). State investments in the semiconductor industry aim to generate a wider swath of tech jobs; not just software developers, but machinists too.
The takeaway: The same policy pragmatism that pushed Oregon CHIPS over the line can power a faster startup flywheel — if the region’s reputation is further extended, and entrepreneurs continue to love the lifestyle.
For more, read “The Silicon Forest grew up. Can Portland turn CHIPS momentum into founder speed?“