Here’s a roundup of interesting startup links I came across today:
“We Are Still Underreacting on AI” – Pete Buttigieg
Over the last few weeks, I have been spending more time studying artificial intelligence, the people working on it, and the activity around it. As I’ve done so, it has become clear to me that—even with all of the media attention and public interest in this topic—we are still profoundly underreacting, and we are dangerously underprepared.
Begun, the AI Browser Wars Have
About a week ago, I bit the bullet. Reading the writing very clearly on the wall, I abandoned the Arc browser and jumped ship over to Dia, the new AI-first web browser built by The Browser Company. It took a while, but now I think I’m sold. I’m not sure that Dia itself will be the browser of the future, but I’m more certain than ever that an AI-centric browser will be.
June 25 Federal Funding News
A review of federal funding awards shows that a number of SBIR and STTR projects are being funded. The SBIR website provides a bounty of award information especially for DoD and NASA albeit not always quite up to date. For more up to date awards information, and those who love sleuthing for data, you can also check out the agency award websites.
Portland Tribune will cease print publication after major newsroom layoffs – oregonlive.com
The Portland Tribune and two sister papers in Milwaukie and Oregon City plan to cease their print editions, according to the papers’ parent company, Carpenter Media. A third paper, the Gresham Outlook, will shift from two print editions a week to one.
The Writer As An Entrepreneur: The Making of a Good Film/Bad Film – Stage 32
As we know, there are no guarantees for what we are doing, but we have to face any opportunity with confidence and not doubt. Why would any investor put money into our film if our language during the pitch is full of doubt and self-critique, posited with maybes, perhapses, and possibilities?
From Wall Street and Washington to the Willamette: How AI and Geopolitics Are Shaping the Pacific Northwest | PAIA
Whether you manage capital, build companies, or shape policy, this event offers a timely lens on how today’s macro trends could impact the region’s industries, innovation landscape, and long-term growth. In a year defined by uncertainty and disruption, we’re convening top thinkers to explore how artificial intelligence, geopolitical risk, and shifting trade dynamics are reshaping investment opportunities—from the global stage to Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
Seattle-area teams take top two spots in student entrepreneurs global pitch competition – GeekWire
Two teams of Seattle-area high school students took the top two prizes at the 2025 TiE Young Entrepreneurs (TYE) Global Pitch Competition.
Portland in ‘critical condition,’ Metro president warns in State of the Region | kgw.com
At Wednesday morning’s “State of the Region” speech, Metro President Lynn Peterson provided a not-so-positive update on how the tri-county area is doing.
Why a16z VC believes that Cluely, the ‘cheat on everything’ startup, is the new blueprint for AI startups | TechCrunch
“Algorithms promote the most controversial things,” he said. “I’m just literally applying the same principles of controversy on X and LinkedIn.”
Gaming Startup Funding Levels Down Further In 2025
Per Crunchbase data, only around $627 million in global venture funding has gone to companies in gaming-related industry categories so far in 2025. That puts the industry on track for its worst annual funding total in years, as charted below.
Don’t kickoff a fundraise in late summer – by Clayton Petty
Interestingly, you’ll see this trend seems to be getting worse in recent years. I largely think that this is because the VC and founder ecosystem has coalesced around the idea that July / Aug is, in fact, the time for families to vacation together, particularly in a post-COVID world.
When is ‘good enough’ good enough?
When I say “good enough,” I’m not talking about mediocre work. I’m talking about work that’s good enough to get the desired outcome (or close to it) without much or any human intervention.
More Portland startup news
