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

I love it when people take the opportunity to build upon an idea. So of course, I was overjoyed to hear that NedSpace was taking on the effort of arranging a pre-party and an after party for our next Portland startup community gathering — especially given that the main event is sold out.

I’ve been bemoaning the fact that I don’t have a go-to quintessential Portland startup to reference on a regular basis. I think that all changed today. Portland startup Hydrolix — founded by serial entrepreneur Marty Kagan — just raised $80 million. And the reason they were able to do that in this market? By increasing their revenue eight-fold with some name brand customers.

I talk to so many folks who have dreams of taking the stage at TEDxPortland or another large event to share their knowledge and insights with a captive — and hopefully captivated — audience. But most all of them realize that they need to up their speaking skills before that dream can become a reality. That’s why I’m happy to see an amazing TEDx speaker coach and a Global Speaking Champion giving you the opportunity to improve — and attend TEDxPortland. Meet Speaker Skills Academy: Portland Creative Lab.

If the name Oliver Alexander rings a bell, it’s probably because you encountered him during one of his other pursuits. Like Orchid Health. Or the Remote.ly coworking space off of Mississippi. Well, his name may be coming up more often again, thanks to his latest pursuit. Meet Prophetic.

As much as I love local grassroots event, I also appreciate it when folks here thing bigger. And put together events that have the potential to be destination events for the tech and startup communities around the world. That’s why I’m psyched to see Bend play host to AI in the West.

Renewing my refrain of “What’s even is a Portland startup these days, anyway…?” I’m happy to share news that Sturdy.ai, a company that — according to LinkedIn — is Portland-based company with executives scattered throughout the Northwest and a footprint in Boston, has raised $6 million in Seed, led by Voyager Capital.

Since Intel is such a significant player in the tech community in our region, I always think it’s important to keep an eye on what’s happening there. This week is their annual gathering, Intel Vision. Here’s the keynote from the new CEO Lip-Bu Tan.