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Tag: Startups

Iron Man? Spider-man? Batman? Most super heroes are side projects. Just like yours.

Most of your favorite super heroes are actually side projects. Most super heroes don’t do that whole super hero thing as their full-time gig. In fact, most of them have got a day job.

Rick Turoczy on May 17, 2010

I know you’re busting your ass, Mr. and/or Mrs. Startup type. I know you’re working hard on a side project or idea while continuing to slave away at the day job. All in the hopes that someday—someday—you might get to turn that side project into a full-time gig. But it can be taxing. I know it.

So every once in awhile, I like to try to give you a little motivation. A little help. A little something that makes staying up that extra four hours a little easier. And that little something today is this: Most of your favorite super heroes are actually side projects. Read More

What down economy? Five Portland startups looking to hire developers and technical talent

highlighting the fact that there are five Portland-area startup or startup-ish companies—and all companies for whom I would love to work—looking to hire some technical talent. Right now.

Rick Turoczy on April 5, 2010

[HTML1]Anyone who reads Silicon Florist on a regular basis may quickly come to the conclusion that I have something nice to say about practically anything going on in the Portland startup scene. And yes, that conclusion is probably correct. So if I’ve got something nice to say about every little thing then why should a supposedly sour economy be any different? I mean, I can find something nice to say about it, right?

Or maybe I can just dodge the question by highlighting the fact that there are five Portland-area startup or startup-ish companies—and all companies for whom I would love to work—looking to hire some technical talent. Right now. Read More

TechStars Seattle: Mentorship could be as close as a train ride for Portland startups

Now, this could be your chance to get that expert TechStars advice and the chance to pitch VCs to boot. How? Well, TechStars Seattle just opened applications for the class of 2010.

Rick Turoczy on March 24, 2010

As you may have heard, TechStars—the mentor-heavy startup helper founded in Boulder, Colorado—recently opened up a Seattle branch. But what you may not have heard or realized is that they see it as very much a TechStars “Northwest.” As such, they’re interested in getting some Portland people up to Seattle to participate. And mentorship? That’s something any number of Portland types could use.

Now, this could be your chance to get that expert TechStars advice and the chance to pitch VCs to boot. How? Well, TechStars Seattle just opened applications for the class of 2010. Read More

OEN’s Angel Oregon 2010 and the state of startups and capital in Portland from Carolynn Duncan of Portland Ten

A quick download of the day’s events and outcomes, a taste for what the experience of being at Angel Oregon is like from a blend of perspectives, a status update on Portland’s startup scene

Rick Turoczy on March 8, 2010

[Editor’s note: Thanks to Carolynn Duncan, Director, Portland Ten, for her assistance in covering OEN’s Angel Oregon, last week. Her recap and insights follow.]

This year, I was invited to attend OEN’s Angel Oregon, chaired by Angela Jackson, and the Oregon Entrepreneurs’ Network, and to write a guest article highlighting the experience. My hope is that you’ll get a quick download of the day’s events and outcomes, a taste for what the experience of being at OEN’s Angel Oregon is like from a blend of perspectives, a status update on Portland’s startup scene, and finally, that you consider attending and/or participating as an entrepreneur or investor at next year’s event. Read More

What entrepreneurs and startups can learn from the whole Conan O’Brien debacle

Conan O’Brien was recently told that his show was going to follow Jay Leno at 12:05. His response? “No, it’s not.” And in those actions are valuable lessons for startups and entrepreneurs everywhere.

Rick Turoczy on January 13, 2010

[HTML1]Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few days… What’s that? Oh. No, nothing against that. I mean, it’s a nice rock. I like that one part over there. I wasn’t being serious. It’s just a turn of phrase, you know?

Ahem. Anyway.

Conan O’Brien, the host of The Tonight Show—a dynasty of late night television—was recently told that his show was going to be bumped back to follow Jay Leno at 12:05. His response? “No, it’s not.” Read More

Finance 101 for Portland startups or would-be startups

One of the primary culprits? The basics of finance. I mean, let’s face it, you didn’t come up with a startup idea because of your love of numbers and tax law.

Rick Turoczy on October 26, 2009

Sometimes, the biggest barrier to getting your startup off the ground isn’t the things you know—it’s the things you don’t know. Worse yet, finding a mentor or a trusted voice to help you figure things out can be more difficult than it should be.

One of the primary culprits? The basics of finance. I mean, let’s face it, you didn’t come up with a startup idea because of your love of numbers and tax law. Well, maybe you did. But you get my point.

What to do? What to do? Well, how does gaining some basic knowledge about finance for startups sound? Good? Good. You’re in luck. Read More

Angels in Oregon: The definitive guide to early stage investment opportunities for both startups and potential investors

In Oregon and Washington, there are many activities that give startup companies the chance to present to Angel Investors.

Rick Turoczy on October 13, 2009

[Editor: John Sechrest has put together what is, arguably, the most comprehensive collection of Oregon Angel events and organizations in existence. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to publish this guest post.]

[HTML1]Just as the sun is starting to fade and the rain is starting to be a daily occurrence, the Northwest Startup Ecosystem is starting to bloom.  During the quiet of the summer, seeds were being planted, companies reviewed and now in October, things start to move. In Oregon and Washington, there are many activities that give startup companies the chance to present to Angel Investors.

In Oregon, there is a flow to the year. Beginning with small opportunities to get out in front of people and followed by big events that can put you in front of potential investors. Read More

For Oregon startups, nothing is certain but death and taxes. Perhaps both in conjunction, given these taxes.

What you may not know is that there are some new taxes on the books that—according to Oregonians Against Job-Killing Taxes—may make those two hurdles even higher.

Rick Turoczy on October 12, 2009

If you’ve ever spent any time in the startup scene in the Silicon Forest, you’ve likely heard that there are two major hurdles for entrepreneurs around here: 1) that the State of Oregon—and sometimes the City of Portland—aren’t terribly friendly to startups and 2) that it’s really difficult to attract capital from investors.

What you may not know is that there are some new taxes on the books that—according to Oregonians Against Job-Killing Taxes—may make those two hurdles even higher.

How so? Well, they’re going to be discussing the impact of those taxes at NedSpace Old Town on Thursday October 22 at 4:30 PM. Read More

Nothing ventured, nothing gained: 5 Portland tech startups to pitch Venture Northwest crowd

Rick Turoczy on October 7, 2009

Ah, fall in Portland. Time for the leaves to change, the nights to get a little more chilly, and the startups to pitch potential investors for the capital that will help those entrepreneurs make it through the dark and rainy months.

And there’s no better place to pitch a room full of potential shareholders than Venture Northwest, the annual gathering of institutional investors, investment bankers, and some of the most promising startups in the Pacific Northwest. Read More

Is that a startup idea or are you just happy to see me?

Rick Turoczy on September 16, 2009

Sometimes the most difficult part about forming a startup is finding the right cofounders to help you get that idea off of the ground. It’s not easy. And even though there are a lot of fish in the sea, finding that special somone—or someones—is always a challenge.

Now, there’s hope.

That’s right folks. It’s that time again. Time for startup speed dating with OTBC. So pack up all of your cheesy pickup lines, all of your cool startup ideas, and a list of the complementary skills you need to make your venture a success. And head over to the OTBC on September 26. Read More

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