Portland Oregon Startup and Tech News
Talk to anyone about the Portland startup community and there is often a consistent theme: collaboration. Day in and day out, Portland folks are helping one another. Maybe through mentorship. Maybe through connecting dots. And maybe through kicking in a buck where it can help.
Startup exits—or “liquidity events” as they call them in the biz—are great. And when the exits are multiples of the amount of capital a company has raised, they’re great for both the founders and the investment community. But sometimes the impact of those exits and their impact on the Portland startup community can be a little more nuanced. So I thought I’d share some thoughts on why the recent Cozy and Radar exits are important to our community.
I realize that it’s not going to come as a shock to anyone that Portland needs more diverse speakers and viewpoints and topics in its startup events. You know, something to stem the neverending tide of manels around here. And that’s why I’m really happy to get the chance to share two new events focused on women entrepreneurs.
Sometimes, the biggest challenge can be finding ways to connect with community. That’s why I’m always glad to see events that help streamline those connections for startups. Like the Manufacturer & Maker Supply Chain & Innovation Opportunities Conference.
On any given day, there are a bunch of hardworking entrepreneurial folks doing their best to build a new life. Only they’re not in offices or coworking spaces. They’re not building storefronts or crafting products. They’re Street Roots vendors. And they’re braving the elements to bring you journalism that addresses poverty and houselessness.
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times. The “P” in PDX stands for “procrastination.” And as I’m as guilty as any for that sort of behavior, I always like to give folks a few last minute nudges to get stuff done. Like applying to be part of the SXSW Pitch competition.
Blockchain. The way the term gets bandied about is eerily reminiscent of the dotcom days. But, like the Internet and the Web, there could be any number of interesting uses of the Blockchain that have significant impact. We just haven’t hit upon them yet. That’s why I’m always excited to see folks continuing the conversation. Like the Outside the Block conference.
As we draw closer to the end of the year, it becomes a time to reassess things, measure your progress, and maybe, just maybe, chart a new course. For many folks, that means looking for a new job. And if you’re looking for a tech or startup job in Portland, there are a number of interesting opportunities.
Granted, Portland shops local year round. But there’s no more important time to put your hard earned dollars into the local economy than the holiday season. Because so many products and retailers rely on holiday traffic. Luckily, Portland also makes that easier. With things like My People’s Market and Little Boxes.
Every year, the Willamette Week folks compile the Give Guide, a collection of amazing nonprofits who call Portland home. And who make our community a better place — all on shoestring budgets. So if you’re looking to give back, look no further than these 150 organizations.
