Portland Oregon Startup and Tech News
One of my concerns about the Portland startup community is that it often takes a significant amount of time for companies to find their way to an exit. And for venture funded companies, it’s all about the exit. So it was a pleasant surprise to see two Portland companies involved in an acquisition—especially when one of those companies was still on the earlier stages of growth. Puppet has acquired Reflect.
In the world of equity financing and startups, it’s not rare to see folks adding new board members when they announce funding rounds. Because it’s usually VCs who have invested who are getting those seats. So when Portland startup Sensu announced a new round of funding and new board members, it was a pleasant surprise to see that one of them was an independent, Luke Kanies, founder of Puppet.
In the startup world, there are some prevailing assumptions about venture capital and building companies. But just because those assumptions are prevailing doesn’t mean they’re correct. That’s why I always like resources that help demystify the world of venture capital and its impact on companies. Like Venture Deals by Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson.
Not so long ago, banks were a viable means of financing business. But as the terms of that financing became more inaccessible and onerous, we saw new models arise. One of those models was venture capital. Now—thanks in part to efforts like the Zebra movement—the VC model is beginning to show its own imperfections, inadequacies, and inaccessibility. So it only makes sense that folks would start thinking about new models for financing. One of those folks is Portland’s Luke Kanies, founder and former CEO of Puppet.
I’ve had the pleasure of covering Puppet ever since they relocated to Portland. Back when they were called Reductive Labs. And throughout that time, founder Luke Kanies has been at the helm. But today, that all changed. Read More
It only stands to reason that a company that started its life as Reductive Labs would wind up reducing the complexity of their name. But that’s one of the many things that Puppet—yeah, it’s just Puppet now—announced today. Read More
Portland has no shortage of hackathons. But it’s always nice to see something with a particular focus or centered around a certain community. And what’s even nicer? When they happen on a regular basis. Which is why I’m psyched to see We Code—a women’s hackathon hosted by Nike and Puppet Labs—which is taking place for the second time. Read More
It seems like just yesterday that Reductive Labs was moving to Portland. And now look at them, all grown up. In a big new office. With amazing customers. It’s great to see Puppet Labs hitting the 10 year mark. Read More
You know me. I’m a sucker for a good video. Mostly because it means I don’t have to write a lot of copy. Err… I mean, you’ve seen me go all giddy over those Techtown Portland videos. But what’s even better? When you get a single startup showcasing what they’re trying to do. And how they work. And what makes them special. Whether they hype Portland or not. That’s why I was really happy to see this new video from Portland’s Puppet Labs. Read More
What did I tell you about Portland being campy? Another day. Another camp. Camp camp campity camp. Now, you’ve got the opportunity to hang out with the Puppet faithful and some of the Puppet Labs crew at Puppet Camp Portland. Read More
