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Category: Startups

Silicon Forest Universe: Get yourself into orbit

Rick Turoczy on September 12, 2007

Have a hard time visualizing the Silicon Forest? Maybe the Silicon Forest Universe can help.

The Silicon Forest Universe tracks the massive celestial bodies in the Portland-area—like Tektronix and Intel—and the startups that have launched because of them—which slide into an orbit around the originating company.

Brings “spin off” to a whole new level, doesn’t it?

Well, now that you know what it is, what’s in it for you?

I’m glad you asked.

Apparently, universal shifts are underway. And those cataclysmic events are your gain. You’re invited to launch your own planet.

Heike Mayer was a PSU student in 2002 when she helped create the original. Now a Virginia Tech professor, Mayer is working with PSU’s Sheila Martin (from the Institute of Portland Metropolitan Studies) and a host of regional technology associations to update it.

That’s right. It’s like our own local version of the International Star Registry. Or maybe Virgin Galactic.

Either way, if you’d like to get your startup into orbit, head on over to another Portland-based startup, Survey Monkey, to fill out the Silicon Forest Universe survey.

I’m looking forward to seeing you among the stars.

(Hat tip to the Silicon Forest blog)

To-do: Name that stealthy Portland startup

Rick Turoczy on September 7, 2007

It’s Friday. Isn’t it? It is right? I’ve kinda lost track of time.

What’s that? It is? Okay, great. In Portland, too? Okay, cool.

Ahem.

It’s Friday, so why not give yourself a little treat?

Ryan Williams of NetworthIQ fame has a new project in the works. It’s stealth. Super stealth.

Well, that’s what I’m claiming, anyway. Because the project doesn’t have a name. And in my book, you can’t be much more stealth than that.

Worse yet? He doesn’t quite know what to call it.

So you get to help.

Which is the best domain name for a site that aggregates feeds from traditional and social sites for a city?

  • socialmetro.com
  • metbuzz.com
  • vibelocal.com
  • localsignal.com

Exercise your inner-entrepreneur—or your outer one for that matter—by swinging by Ryan’s blog, Web things considered, and placing your vote. Or suggesting a new name.

[Update] Ryan was nice enough to drop by a provide a link to the work-in-progress. Might provide a little more inspiration for your vote.

Meet: Portland Internet Astronauts September 20

Rick Turoczy on September 7, 2007

Continuing to lead in the “quirkiest Portland group name” contest, Portland Internet Astronauts has announced the date for their monthly gathering. The event will be held the evening of September 20.

Talking about current internet hot topics, looking at the latest web start-ups and sharing our ideas for projects and what we’re working on.

Current start-ups are covered by sites like www.techcrunch.com.

Portland has a pretty great creative scene and I know lots of sites owners are out there… Why don’t we get together and chat about what we’re doing and share experiences?

Space is limited, so if you’re interested in attending, please RSVP at Meetup. Currently, Goboz and Loud Is Relative are planning on attending. Colour Lovers is the organizer.

[Editor’s Note: As an aside, Loud Is Relative admits to “wanting to be blogged by TechCrunch.” Well, they’re now in a blog entry with TechCrunch. One step closer to the dream. Baby steps, but steps nonetheless.]

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