Portland startups, open source, and tech news, jobs, and events #pdx
Every couple of years, a team of folks digs through a bunch of data, analyzes and assesses the flows of capital to small businesses and startups within the state, and reports out on what they’ve found. The latest version of that report — Oregon Capital Scan 2022 (PDF) — is now available for your reading pleasure.
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So many folks get into building a company with the idea that they’re going to raise venture capital. As if that was the only way to finance a company. And as if they actually understand what raising equity based financing even entails. [Narrator: It isn’t. And they don’t.]
Read MoreToday, ActiveTrak announced that they had secured their first round of funding. And while an amount was not provided, they did provide details on where the investment will be channeled
One of the most interesting boostrapped companies I’ve followed during my tenure here on Silicon Florist has to be ActiveTrak (the startup formerly known as GadgetTrak). And honestly, I always saw them as a dark horse around here.
They have a compelling consumer-focused product that helps people recover stolen laptops and mobile phones. They get major media coverage more than any local startup I know. And they continue to pitch as hard as any company—they’ve presented at OEN’s Angel Oregon three times—I’ve seen. And yet, they couldn’t really seem to land funding. Until now. Read More
Portland-based ShopIgniter—an open source ecommerce platform that’s betting on social media as the next big retail venue—has secured $3 million in venture capital led by Madrona Venture Group.
[HTML2]Well, well, well. Seems like today is an Ignite Portland day in more ways than one.
And it also seems that “can’t get funded in Portland” argument continues to spring leaks in 2010. First, Urban Airship found funding. And now Portland-based ShopIgniter—an open source ecommerce platform that’s betting on social media as the next big retail venue—has secured $3 million in venture capital led by Madrona Venture Group. What’s more, it says just as much that former Yahoo! Matt Compton of Madrona was so impressed, he’s decided to join ShopIgniter as the new CEO. Read More
Northwest Innovation and Paid Content unwrapping gifts a little early by reporting that the Giftango had secured $1.4 million of a potential $2.1 million first round.
Sometimes, you get to open gifts before the big day. Such is the case with Portland-based Giftango who—as they prepare to take the stage at Venture Northwest on Thursday—had Northwest Innovation and Paid Content unwrapping gifts a little early by reporting that the Giftango had secured $1.4 million of a potential $2.1 million first round.
That’s a respectable chunk of change for a Portland-area startup—especially one that might not be on our respective RADARs.
So what do they do? Read More
Portland-based Jive Software certainly has a little more ammo in the old war chest. And it’s all thanks to another investment from Sequoia Capital—to the tune of $12 million.
While it may be hard for folks to agree on whether venture capital investing is on the rise or decline, one thing is for sure: Portland-based Jive Software certainly has a little more ammo in the old war chest. And it’s all thanks to another investment from Sequoia Capital—to the tune of $12 million.
That brings Jive’s VC total to $27 million. What are they going to do with the extra cash? Read More
In Oregon and Washington, there are many activities that give startup companies the chance to present to Angel Investors.
[Editor: John Sechrest has put together what is, arguably, the most comprehensive collection of Oregon Angel events and organizations in existence. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to publish this guest post.]
[HTML1]Just as the sun is starting to fade and the rain is starting to be a daily occurrence, the Northwest Startup Ecosystem is starting to bloom. During the quiet of the summer, seeds were being planted, companies reviewed and now in October, things start to move. In Oregon and Washington, there are many activities that give startup companies the chance to present to Angel Investors.
In Oregon, there is a flow to the year. Beginning with small opportunities to get out in front of people and followed by big events that can put you in front of potential investors. Read More
For many entrepreneurs, convincing a venture capital group to fund their business is a dream come true. Not only do they gain capital, but they also get some validation that—contrary to what their families have been telling them—they may not be crazy.
But making those connections—even before the funding comes into the picture—can be difficult. Very difficult. That’s why there are any number of events that work to play matchmaker between startups and people looking to fund startups. And one of the most respected events for making those connections around here? That would be OEN Venture Northwest. And if you act fast, you could be one of the companies being introduced to those investors. Read More