Here’s a roundup of interesting startup links I came across today:
Prosper Portland announces Cornell Wesley as agency’s next Executive Director – Prosper Portland
Following an extensive national search, Prosper Portland is pleased to announce that Cornell Wesley has been selected as the next Executive Director of Prosper Portland. Prosper Portland’s Board of Commissioners will consider his appointment at their Wednesday, July 9 Board meeting.
Rich Silicon Valley Investors In Line for $17 Billion Windfall in GOP Tax Bill – Bloomberg
“QSBS encourages long-term investment in high-growth startups across the country by lowering the cost of capital,” Bobby Franklin, president and CEO of the National Venture Capital Association, said in a statement. “It tells investors and founders alike: building something new in America is still worth it.”
Congress might block state AI laws for a decade. Here’s what it means. | TechCrunch
Critics include most Democrats, many Republicans, Anthropic’s CEO Dario Amodei, labor groups, AI safety nonprofits, and consumer rights advocates. They warn that this provision would block states from passing laws that protect consumers from AI harms and would effectively allow powerful AI firms to operate without much oversight or accountability.
Anthropic Economic Futures Program Launch \ Anthropic
Today, we’re announcing the Anthropic Economic Futures Program, a new initiative to support research and policy development focused on addressing AI’s economic impacts. We’re launching this initiative to understand how AI is reshaping the way we work and surface proposals on how to prepare for this shift. This program will serve as an extension of Anthropic’s Economic Index and its insights on AI usage across the workforce. Our goal for this program is to contribute to the development of new research and potential responses to the impacts of AI on the labor market and global economy.
Anthropic tests AI running a real business with bizarre results
The rationale behind this real-world test was to move beyond simulations and gather data on AI’s ability to perform sustained, economically relevant work without constant human intervention. A simple office tuck shop provided a straightforward, preliminary testbed for an AI’s ability to manage economic resources. Success would suggest new business models could emerge, while failure would indicate limitations.
Oregon Legislature adjourns 2025 session as Democrats’ transportation plans stumble – OPB
The 2025 legislative session ended Friday evening at 11:15 p.m. after a marathon day packed with more drama and uncertainty than any session in recent memory.
On Public Mechanics (or why I’m done talking about “civic tech”) – Ron Bronson
Because the real question isn’t “what if we could’ve acted with impunity.” The real question is: what if the actors were aligned? What if we could remove blockers without wrecking the whole machine? What if the people doing the work didn’t have to spend all their time proving it mattered, just to earn the right to keep doing it?
How Tech Can Rebuild America | a16z Podcast
a16z General Partner Katherine Boyle joins The LaBossiere Podcast to explore what it means to build for the national interest—and why that starts with purpose. Katherine, part of the American Dynamism team at a16z, shares how we got to a place where public service became uncool, how tech can help rebuild trust in government, and why suffering, friction, and responsibility are essential ingredients for growth. From the collapse of civic duty to the rise of meme-driven politics, they dig into the cultural forces shaping America—and the opportunity to reclaim a sense of mission.
More Portland startup news
