Here’s a roundup of interesting startup links I came across today:
“AI-Powered” Isn’t a Position
A playbook for building a distinctive brand when too many AI products sound the same, look the same and have the same positioning.
Happy Hour with Tech Professionals, Wed, May 20, 2026, 5:30 PM | Meetup
Whether you’re a tech veteran or just tech-curious, you’re welcome here. Bring a coworker, bring a friend, or show up solo—either way, you’ll leave knowing people worth knowing. No presentations, no sales pitches. Just good people and good conversation.
The past and future of Oregon Startups… Fireside chat with Rick Turoczy, Fri, May 29, 2026, 5:00 PM | Meetup
This event is for anyone who is interested in technology, the startup ecosystem, and how to push Bend and Oregon overall forward with innovation. This is a great opportunity to meet the people driving this innovation, and rub shoulders with the community and founders making this future a reality.
Corvallis startup lands $4M for AI glasses lenses – Portland Business Journal
Phosio Corp., which makes lenses for smart glasses, raised $4 million led by Taiwan-based MESH VC. Other investors in the round include Sierra Ventures; TEL Venture Capital, the investment arm of semiconductor equipment manufacturer Tokyo Electron; Willamette Valley Capital and Silicon Catalyst Ventures.
Opinion: Two views of Oregon’s economy — only one looks ahead – oregonlive.com
The state’s future prosperity depends on recognizing that Oregon is now competing for people, businesses, talent and investment in ways unlike any point in our history — and that preserving opportunity will require adapting education, land use, regulatory and tax systems built for a different era.
7 in 10 Americans oppose data centers being built in their communities – The Washington Post
Public opposition to data centers is hardening as overwhelming majorities of Americans now oppose construction of the facilities in their communities, according to a newly released Gallup survey.
Introducing Claude for Small Business
Claude for Small Business is a toggle install that puts Claude to work inside the tools small business owners already use: Intuit Quickbooks, PayPal, HubSpot, Canva, Docusign, Google Workspace, and Microsoft 365. From these tools, it can plan payroll, close the month, run a sales campaign, chase invoices, and more.
Ramp AI Index
Ramp AI Index measures the adoption rate of artificial intelligence products and services among American businesses. Our sample includes more than 50,000 American businesses and billions of dollars in corporate spend using data from Ramp’s corporate card and bill pay platform.
Oregon’s Housing Supply Increased Only About 5% Between 2020 and 2025 — Oregon Journalism Project
New census data shows significant housing growth in Central Oregon, but the number of new units overall fell far below state goals.
Nudge theory was all about taking responsibility – but it allowed big business to look the other way
So what if we tried to discourage things like smoking or frequent flying, not with the heavy hand of government, but by appealing directly to the psychology of the individual?
April’s Most Active US Investors Included Some Usual Suspects, And Some Unusual Ones
These are strange times for startup investment. Standard seed and venture rounds in the millions or tens of millions are still happening at a steady clip. At the same time, AI leaders still young enough to qualify as startups are securing investments and valuations at exponentially higher sums.
How to fix Oregon’s innovation ecosystem – Portland Business Journal
“We really can’t grow here. We’re trying very, very hard. The workforce basically doesn’t exist,” he said. This means hiring elsewhere. Hurst is the only executive based in Oregon and the company is now growing faster in San Jose, California, and in Pittsburgh, two cities with the infrastructure needed.
