Portland Oregon startups, tech, news, events, jobs, and community

I thought the VC stuff was supposed to slow down this time of year…? But honestly, I’ll take it. ConductorOne — a startup with a significant Portland presence — just raised a $79 million Series B with some upper tier investors like Greycroft, Accel, and Felicis taking part in the round.

Acquisitions are always interesting. And nine times out of ten when I mention an acquisition around here, it’s a Portland startup getting snapped up by another company. But every once in a while, it’s the Portland company making the acquisition. Like today when I learned that LegitScript is acquiring Kompliant.

Finding a cofounder can be a challenge. Even for the most well connected folks. So it’s no surprise that there tends to be a steady stream of solutions to help you find a cofounder. Pioneer Square Labs has a different take on solving this issue. Best of all…? it’s not yet another “cofounder dating” attempt. It’s a “your AI co-founder.” Meet Lev.

Here’s a roundup of interesting startup links I came across today:

Intel has cut 35,500 jobs in less than two years — more than 20,000 let go in in recent months as Lip-Bu Tan continues drastic recovery journey | Tom’s Hardware

Intel cut 20,500 jobs under new CEO Lip-Bu Tan — totaling 35,500 in two years — and reduced R&D spending by over $800 million per quarter as it streamlines operations, cancels lower-priority projects, and concentrates investment on strategic projects.

• Tuesday (Oct 28)
  • RainSec
  • Great Techie Halloween Party
• Wednesday (Oct 29)
  • Meet the Metro Region Innovation Hub
  • Beer:Thirty!
  • ProductTank
• Thursday (Oct 30)
  • October Entrepreneur Mixer
  • Coworking at BridgeSpace
  • Legendary Lunch
• Friday (Oct 31) Halloween 🎃

Here’s a roundup of interesting startup links I came across today:

CENTRL Office to open first S.F. location at Waterfront Plaza – San Francisco Business Times

The Portland, Ore.-based firm arrives alongside a barrage of early-stage startups setting up shop in San Francisco.

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times: Venture Capital is a very specific instrument for a very specific type of company. It’s not for everyone. And if you wind up being the proverbial dog that actually catches the car, it can be something that changes the whole company you’re trying to build. But clearly, me saying this over and over and over only carries so much weight. So now I’m sharing the perspective of Duncan Miller of Rose City Robotics.

I keep telling people that they should keep an eye on Agility Robotics in the Corvallis, Oregon, area. And it seems like I’m not the only one. The Information is reporting that SoftBank — yes, that SoftBank — may have been considering acquiring Agility Robotics at a valuation of at least $900 million. A unicorn-ish exit, if you round up.

Here’s a roundup of interesting startup links I came across today:

Investing with OVF is a treat not a trick! — Oregon Venture Fund

Oregon Venture Fund is raising its next annual fund. OVF 2026, our 20th annual fund, enables one to invest in local founders and companies that are going to create the jobs of the future. With a 19-year track record, we’ve identified some tricks of the trade and believe you will enjoy the opportunity to invest with our professional team.