Portland startups, open source, and tech news, jobs, and events #pdx
Our mobile phones have become our constant companions. And we seem more and more willing to give these companions the information they need to be as helpful as possible. But these little magic boxes have a ton of information at their disposal that isn’t always used as effectively as it could be. Read More
Call me crazy, but I’m beginning to think that maybe—just maybe—this whole “video on the Internet” thing may catch on. And Portland Seed Fund alum Brandlive has found themselves sitting right in the middle of the next wave of opportunity with one of the biggest names in the business. Read More
There seems to be a constant stream of chatter about how the Portland startup ecosystem compares to the Bay/Seattle. Inherently, a major piece of this conversation is about the ability or inability to raise money locally. This assumes that if there is money to be had locally, it’s the better choice—raise locally, hire locally, and in doing so support the Portland startup scene. Read More
If January is any indication, the Portland startup scene is in for an interesting year. First, Janrain announced a big round of investment. Now, Puppet Labs has landed a $30 million strategic investment from VMware. Read More
Confirming the rumors that started swirling last week, TechCrunch and The Oregonian confirmed that Portland’s Janrain had closed a $33 million round of funding, led by Millennium Technology Value Partners. Read More
The Portland startup scene always likes it when known entities choose to call our city home for their newest endeavors. So was the case when Joe Stump—of Digg and SimpleGeo fame—announced he was relocating to Portland and bringing his new effort, Sprintly, along. Read More
You might not realize it, but Oregon’s legislature is in the midst of determining the entrepreneurial future of our state, this week. Currently on the floor is Oregon House Bill 4040: The Oregon Investment Act which “Establishes Oregon Growth Fund and Oregon Growth Board to encourage investment in and availability of capital to Oregon businesses and to further economic development in Oregon.”
Problem is that the legislature adjourns on Wednesday. Read More
It’s always nice to have your investors highlighting the fact that that they’re putting money into your company.
And that’s why it was great to see the Keiretsu Forum Northwest championing their investment in a couple of Oregon tech startups, 4-tell and CrowdCompass. Read More
Even as Portland startups continue to make waves and land capital, we’ve still got a lot to do to step up to the big leagues. So what does Portland need to do to step up and be among the premier cities for startups?
One thing is for sure. Being attractive to venture capitalists can only help the cause. And ensure that Portland startups have the capital they need to succeed. But how? Well, why not ask a VC? That’s what happened on TechCrunch’s “Ask a VC” last week. Read More
Yes, I know. 11 steps. Yes, most of these things are supposed to be 12 step programs, but this one—11 Steps for Getting Investor Ready—goes to 11. Besides, we’re looking to feed your addiction to startups. Not curtail it. Oh wait. I think step 12 may be “Profit!”
In any case, our friends over at OTBC in Beaverton are offering to coach entrepreneurs on pitching their ideas and companies to would be investors. All it takes is an hour, beginning at 4:30 PM on November 16. Read More