Local venture capital firm Black Founders Matter is encouraging their entire industry to be more intentional about engaging BIPOC women through both investments and employment. And they’ve launched an effort called the 25 by 25 VC Diversity Pledge to formalize it.
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Web traffic looking a little low as of late? International Persuasion Machines is here to help
It happens. Web traffic dips. Through no fault of your own. But that doesn’t change the fact that you committed to those KPIs. And now, there seems to be no way to ensure you’re going to secure that bonus. Fear not, Webmaster. Portland startup International Persuasion Machines is here to help you reach your quota.
Read MoreAnother startup focused nonprofit joins the ranks of those seeking new leadership
Blame it on the “Great Resignation” or whatever you will. We’ve seen a ton of turnover recently in the world of local foundations — which provide critical financial support for Portland’s nonprofit community. But now we’re also seeing similar behavior in the ranks of the nonprofits themselves. And that could cause yet another ripple in what’s already turning out to be a rocky environment for a Portland startup community struggling to recover from the effects of a multiyear pandemic amidst an economic downturn.
Read MoreVertueLab’s David Kenney named to National Advisory Council on Innovation & Entrepreneurship
As the US government continues to spin up efforts to help aid recovery from a global pandemic, they’re focusing on more than just financial support. One effort by the US Economic Development Administration includes reestablishing the National Advisory Council on Innovation & Entrepreneurship (NACIE), which had been on hiatus since 2018. And a familiar face is part of the board on this reboot: David Kenney of VertueLab.
Read MoreHorrific events are difficult for adults to handle, let alone kids. A Kids Company About is here to help with another free book.
[Editor: Trigger warning.] If you’re having a difficult time discussing the most recent horrific event in the US with your children, the Portland startup that is working to help parents have those important conversations with their children has released a free title to help guide that conversation. Visit A Kids Company About to download your free copy of A Kids Book About School Shootings.
Read MoreCascade Seed Fund has a new $10 million fund for early stage startups
One of the most active early stage investors in Oregon has a whole new fund to continue doing that work. Cascade Seed Fund has announced the close of Fund II, a $10 million fund focused on investing in software and consumer product brands in the Pacific Northwest.
Read MoreWashington Maritime Blue Innovation Accelerator demo day features three Portland startups
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times: I still like demo days. Maybe not as their initial incarnation for fundraising. That doesn’t really seem to work. But as a celebration of companies being built and a graduation ceremony for an accelerator program? Absolutely. That’s why I’m looking forward to watching a trio of Portland-area startups on stage at the Washington Maritime Blue Innovation Accelerator demo day, this week.
Read MoreTwo amazing startup oriented nonprofits seek new leadership
Not sure if you’ve noticed it, but we’re experiencing a wave of turnovers in the nonprofit world. There’s a bunch of new leadership at major foundations around town. And a number of other well-established organizations seeking new leadership. And the tech and startup-oriented nonprofit world is no different. PDXWIT and Zebras Unite are both on the search for new directors to lead their nonprofit organizations into the next chapter.
Read MoreNew startup founder focused podcast
Realizing that there are a ton of podcasts vying for your ears, I always like to highlight local podcasts that may appeal to you. That’s why I’m recommending you add Kasey Jones’ new podcast, High Growth Founders, to your playlist.
Read MoreCaffeine fueled entrepreneurial energy: Coffee w/ Co-Founders reboots
As the Portland startup community continues to return to in-person events, there is any number of evening events returning to the docket. But what if evenings don’t work for you? Buck up, little camper. The community has events for you, too. Even if your only availability is in the morning. Like Coffee w/ Co-Founders.
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