It’s that time of year. You know, the time of the year when we look back. When we assess. And where we try to use that assessment to plot our paths forward. And to plan for a new year. Obviously this last year β perhaps more than any other of my professional career which, mind you, includes both the dotcom crash and the mortgage crisis β is one where I was desperately searching for a bright spot or two amongst all of the heartache and weirdness. And I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to find at least a couple of positives. I mean like they say, after all, hindsight isβ¦
Read MoreTag: PIE
Willamette Week pops by Workfrom virtual cafes
The isolation is real. And many folks are missing previously simple activities like hanging out at a local coffee shop or brewpub as they get some work done. And while the reality of being able to do that again still seems a long way off, Portland startup Workfrom has come up with something to tide folks over for now β and potentially forever. It’s Workfrom virtual cafes.
Read MoreOprah favorites Portland startup A Kids Book About
Sometimes you call Oprah. Sometimes Oprah calls you. At least that’s how it worked out for Portland startup A Kids Book About who had the mononymous star reach out to them with an opportunity to appear on her annual list of favorite things.
Read MoreBringing transparency to the supply chain: Chroma Signet
As more and more people make a conscious effort to vote with their spending by purchasing products that support the people and causes that they find important, it can become increasingly difficult to understand who is benefitting from those dollars. Because supply chains are anything but transparent. A new offering from a familiar Portland startup, Chroma Signet, is designed to change that by bringing transparency to the supply chain, simply and effectively.
Read MoreWorkfrom only Oregon startup to garner investment from Google for Startups Black Founders Fund
It makes sense that I’m composing this post while sitting in a Workfrom cafe. I mean, it’s a virtual cafe. But still. More on that later. What’s top of mind right now is that Workfrom has received a $50,000 non dilutive investment from Google for Startups as part of the Black Founders Fund.
Read MorePortland’s Sellwood neighborhood is now helping kids be more Brave
Speaking of Oregon Y Combinator alumsβ¦ a recent YC alum is expanding their service area β and physical footprint β here in Portland by opening a second location for their pediatric care offerings. That’s right. Brave Care has a location in Sellwood, now.
Read MorePortland startup Nexgarden featured in vertical farming documentary
While the pandemic has had any number of negative impacts on our society, like any irritant, it’s also created some positive stimulus. Like inspiration for rethinking our food systems. That’s why it’s a good time to think about Portland startups like Nexgarden, a company that is rethinking the way that retailers and restaurants participate in the food supply chain.
Read MoreIf you’re building a software, hardware, or consumer product startup, PIE would like you to apply. Like right now.
If surviving during this pandemic includes your working on something new β or keeping a new startup alive β then you might consider applying for the PIE (Portland Incubator Experiment) startup accelerator. They’re currently accepting applications for Software (SaaS, Web, Mobile), Hardware (Internet of Things, Connected devices, Electronics), and Consumer Product (Food, Beverage, Apparel, Beauty) startups. But you have to act fast. Applications close August 9, 2020.
Read MoreStartup accelerators are even more important than ever
I’m hearing from a lot of founders that can’t make the commitment to be part of a startup accelerator program. Because it seems like another thing on their plate. Another stressor. Another obligation. And I get it. People are dealing with a lot right now. More than a lot. And this fall is only going to get messier. So why take the chance of applying for a startup accelerator?
Read MorePortland startup MilkRun featured in Forbes
It’s always nice to see Portland startups getting the attention they deserve. Especially when those startups are working on solutions for signifiant problems. Like Portland startup MilkRun, a company that is rethinking the way food systems work to make them more sustainable, equitable, and healthy. Forbes recently took notice of these efforts.
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