Remote work. You’re currently soaking in it. But it wasn’t always this way. Whether you can remember that or not. Prior to the pandemic, “remote work” in Portland was synonymous with one Portland startup, Workfrom. And this week, the founder of Workfrom, Darren Buckner, was recognized for his efforts to help the remote work community with the inaugural The Buildies Award in the Anywhere category.
Read MoreTag: workfrom
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 — and potentially forever. It’s Workfrom virtual cafes.
Read MoreA return to coworking
I’ve spent the last few weeks coworking. Every single day. In a shared space. With a variety of different people. And this week, I’ve been popping in to familiar haunts where I used to work before this whole pandemic set in.
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 MoreIs remote work here to stay?
Regardless of your corporate culture or views, remote work became a necessity for everyone as this global pandemic descended several months. But eventually — hopefully — we’ll come out of this. And that has many folks asking whether remote work is simply a passing fad or if it’s the future of work as we know it.
Read MoreRemote work startup Workfrom launches a virtual cafe to enable social connections in this time of disconnectedness
Portland startup Workfrom started its life as a database of alternative spots you could, obviously, work from. Cafes, brewpubs, coworking spaces… the list went on an on. Internet speeds, bathroom codes, noise levels, number of outlets… Workfrom could provide all of the details you needed to help you decide where to work when your office or home wouldn’t quite cut it.
Read MoreWorking from home not working? Get guidance from these remote work veterans
It may have seemed exciting at first. Perhaps even fun. But with every mounting day, it’s becoming less and less so. And more and more stressful. You thought you’d be more productive. You didn’t realize you’d have so much to juggle. And you didn’t foresee the feelings of isolation and disconnectedness. Working from home is hard.
Read MoreThinking about taking your startup team remote? Get REMOTE: Office not required for free
The funny thing about startups is that they all start as remote. I mean, it’s a kitchen table. Or a coffeeshop. Or a brew pub. That’s the kind of place your company starts. With you. With an idea. And maybe a laptop.
Read MoreTwo Techstars take three Portland startups
Okay okay okay. Maybe I’m still a bit sore that Techstars passed Portland up to make Seattle its Northwest presence. (Admittedly, they made the right decision.) Or maybe it’s the fact that we were only home to a Techstars for a brief shining three months thanks to the inaugural “powered by” program.
Read MoreThis may be the shortest survey you’ve ever taken
One of the best things about building companies, these days, is how accessible folks are. You don’t have to guess as to what people want. You can just ask them. And that’s why I’m always happy to see startups taking a few minutes to simply talk to their potential customers. And listen.