While it’s taken longer than any of us care to admit, climate change has finally become a topic that startups are working to address, head on. But where do you start if you’re not yet part of a startup working on the issue or if you’re concerned and want to contribute — or maybe you’re simply Climate Curious? A hackathon of course.
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Building again: Serial Portland founders reveal new startup, Digs, and $7 million in funding
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times: Portland could always use more serial founders. You know, folks who have built something here, successfully exited, and then decide to build something else…? Those folks. Even better is if they’ve happened to make money for local investors. Who are then more willing to fund the new ventures. And that’s what’s happened with Ryan Fink and Ty Frackiewicz and their latest effort, Vancouver-based Digs.
Read MoreREMINDER: Westside Pitch 2023 applications are due today
If you’re a founder building a startup in Washington County and you’re interested in getting in front of local investors, there’s no better opportunity than the Westside Pitch competition. Not only is the event a competition, even getting accepted is a competition. So if you want to take part, you need to apply. And soon. Applications close today.
Read MoreREMINDER: Idea-to-Business Lab 2023 applications are due today
I know. You’re not sure it’s a good idea. Or it is a good idea and you’re not quite sure where to start. But that’s why we have things like the Idea-to-Business Lab.
Read MoreNeed help validating your startup idea?
Sometimes, the most difficult part of starting something is, well, starting something. So many of us have amazing ideas and concepts that never see the light of day because we simply don’t know where to begin — or how to get the support we need. That’s why TiE Oregon has the Idea-to-Business Lab.
Read MoreContinuing the conversation about the Portland startup community
Last week, I took the opportunity to sit down and share some thoughts — and concerns — about the Portland startup community that had been rattling around in my head. Even questioning, to some extent, whether it this iteration even behaves as a “community.” I’m always heartened when these sorts of posts (okay, rants) spark more conversation. And that’s exactly what’s occurring over on the Portland Startups Slack.
Read MoreWTF is wrong with the Portland startup community?
I get one question, consistently. The same question that I get asked — time and time again — exponentially more than any other question. It doesn’t matter if it’s someone who was born and raised in Portland or if it’s someone who just moved here. It doesn’t matter if they are super well connected or don’t know anyone. It doesn’t matter if they’re employed at a major corporation or if they’re out starting their own thing. And it’s one of those questions that seems to confound practically every single person who has an interest in entrepreneurship or startups around here. And that question stuck on incessant repeat is this: How do I get connected with other people in the Portland startup community…?
Read MoreBold Reuse and Rapta selected as alternates for 2023 SXSW Pitch competition
It’s always nice to see local companies popping up in international competitions. And while no one from the area managed to make the main stage as of this writing, two local startups have been selected as alternates for the 2023 SXSW Pitch competition: Bold Reuse and Rapta.
Read MoreEarly stage venture capital firm Founders’ Co-op turns 15
The startup world is often seen as one of constant change. And that’s because it generally is. But every once in a while, there’s an entity that manages to stay the course. Remaining consistent. And ideally, solvent. And those few and far between, steadfast entities are critical. Because it’s those elements of a startup ecosystem that provide the tentpole-esque support that ensures the ever changing elements can do what they do. And that the community will survive. From my perspective, that’s what Founders’ Co-op has done over the last 15 years for startups throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Read MoreStephen Green to take the helm of Business for a Better Portland… temporarily
Things change fast around here. It seems like just six months ago we were talking about Karin Power taking over the interim executive director role at Business for a Better Portland. But now, Karin has been pulled back into service at the state level by Oregon’s new governor Tina Kotek. So that’s where Stephen Green comes in. For the next 90 days, at least.
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