No single one of us is as smart as a bunch of us. That was my thinking when I originally threw together this cheat sheet on Github to help document resources in the Portland startup community. The idea was that it would make it easier for folks to understand what was happening in Portland, what organizations supported startup activity, and potentially serve as a way to finally capture and quantify the actual startup activity around these parts — that allowed everyone to contribute.
Read MoreTag: Startup
Working on a Portland-based software startup with a BIPOC founder? PIE wants to help
It’s that time of year again. PIE applications are open. And this class, the nearly 15-year-old, early-stage startup accelerator is focused specifically on Portland-based startups that have at least one BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or other Person of Color) founder. Applications are due March 14, 2023. But don’t stress. There’s still plenty of time to apply. Because applications are pretty straightforward.
Read MoreBlack History Month 2023 recap: A month of incredible Black businesses
It’s become a tradition. Stephen Green and Built Oregon share images and stories of Black founders, daily, throughout the month of February in celebration of Black History Month. And then I come along and try to capture all of that content in one place so that you have it in an easy to access format — all year long. They’ve done their part. Now, it’s all on me. That’s how the tradition goes.
Read MoreWestside Pitch 2023 startup finalists announced
Not much longer now. The Westside Pitch startup competition will take place Thursday, March 9, 2023. But who, exactly, will be pitching? I’m glad you asked. Because they just released the list of the finalists.
Read MoreREMINDER: Idea-to-Business Lab 2023 applications are due today
I know. You’re not sure it’s a good idea. Or it is a good idea and you’re not quite sure where to start. But that’s why we have things like the Idea-to-Business Lab.
Read MoreContinuing the conversation about the Portland startup community
Last week, I took the opportunity to sit down and share some thoughts — and concerns — about the Portland startup community that had been rattling around in my head. Even questioning, to some extent, whether it this iteration even behaves as a “community.” I’m always heartened when these sorts of posts (okay, rants) spark more conversation. And that’s exactly what’s occurring over on the Portland Startups Slack.
Read MoreWTF is wrong with the Portland startup community?
I get one question, consistently. The same question that I get asked — time and time again — exponentially more than any other question. It doesn’t matter if it’s someone who was born and raised in Portland or if it’s someone who just moved here. It doesn’t matter if they are super well connected or don’t know anyone. It doesn’t matter if they’re employed at a major corporation or if they’re out starting their own thing. And it’s one of those questions that seems to confound practically every single person who has an interest in entrepreneurship or startups around here. And that question stuck on incessant repeat is this: How do I get connected with other people in the Portland startup community…?
Read MoreBold Reuse and Rapta selected as alternates for 2023 SXSW Pitch competition
It’s always nice to see local companies popping up in international competitions. And while no one from the area managed to make the main stage as of this writing, two local startups have been selected as alternates for the 2023 SXSW Pitch competition: Bold Reuse and Rapta.
Read MoreGetting that itch to pitch? Well if you’re on the Westside, you’re in luck
Thankful that Malia Spencer reminded me about the upcoming Westside Pitch competition for local startups. Which is still a ways off. But applications are due soon. Like the end of the month soon. Should you be interested? Are you eligible to even apply?
Read MoreCat got your… startup? Bend’s Shape.io acquired by NinjaCat
While it wasn’t a key part of my coverage area when I started this blog, these days I try to make it a regular habit of paying attention to Bend, Oregon. Because it seems more often than not, there are as many interesting startup stories coming out of Central Oregon as the metro region, as of late. Like this one: Bend’s Shape, an advertising management platform, has been acquired by digital marketing management company NinjaCat.
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