Portland Oregon Startup and Tech News
It’s always a joy to see new startup accelerator programs starting in the Portland startup community. One might say that, with this one, my tail is wagging. My tail… Ahem. *tap tap tap* Is this thing on?
If you’re a startup that’s looking for some support, there are a couple of opportunities to apply for that sort of assistance. Cascade Angels is currently accepting applications for early stage startups seeking funding. And XXcelerate Fund is accepting applications for the next round of its XXcelerator program for women founded companies.
Remember when I said it was feeling a bit like a Portland startup accelerator renaissance? Well, today upped the ante. Because Portland had two new accelerator announcements. R/GA announced the first Portland version of their series of brand-powered accelerators—like ones they’ve done with LA Dodgers and Snap—and Uncorked Studios announced a startup accelerator in collaboration with Autodesk and PIE.
Like many amazing Portland companies, Starve Ups keeps a relatively low profile that belies its impact—and its success. Now the oldest—and arguably the most successful—accelerator in the Portland area has announced its latest class of startups.
For more than a decade, the annual gathering of tech folks at SXSW Interactive has been a concentrated audience looking for the next big thing. As such, any number of startups have used the event as a means of launching and promoting their products. Recognizing this, SXSW created the SXSW Accelerator program to help make that happen. And this year, three Portland startups have been selected to participate.
Seems like Dylan Boyd started off the new year with a new publicist or something. Or maybe it’s just that folks are starting to realize what an undervalued asset he is to the Portland startup community. Either way. You get a double dose of Dylan for your weekend.
You know I love startups. And you know I love startups that help startups. But what you may not know is that I’m a huge fan of folks who are doing that work in a variety of industries—not just tech. That’s why I wanted to be sure that all of you outdoor gear types knew that the application for the Bend Outdoor Worx accelerator is due on December 29, 2017.
Think your startup belongs on a global stage? Of course you do. But it’s highly likely that other folks do as well. That’s why it makes sense to apply to competitions that let you take the stage and share your story. With that in mind, I’d like to remind you that the deadline for SXSW Accelerator Pitch Event applications is rapidly approaching.
If you’re just getting started or at a concept stage for your company, there are any number of resources available to help your startup. But what if you’re further along and challenges like ramping up marketing and sales have a higher priority than pitching your concept? That’s where a new growth stage accelerator from XXcelerate Fund hopes to help. Meet XXcelerator.
In the world of startups, it’s common for founders to seek out the path that promises the most opportunity with the least resistance — even if that means leaving their hometown to find help. Startup accelerators are often one of these helpful resources. And no outside accelerator program has helped Portland startups more than Techstars. And that’s why it’s always nice when Techstars Seattle is in town looking for more folks to help.
