The next big thing? Portland Seed Fund chooses next round of startups
Since starting my #StumptownStartups blog here at KATU, I've taken a special interest in the Portland Seed Fund.
As a journalist reaching out to the average TV viewer, the 90 day "business boot camp" for startups stands out because it uses a combination of private and public money (thanks to the state of Oregon and cities of Portland and Hillsboro).
So, Oregonians, here is the first public list for the next "class" of startups that you are helping along. The idea is that they'll find success and then bring jobs, tax revenue and recognition to the local area.
Which do you think will be the next big thing?
Portland Seed Fund Class 4
Alum.ni - Brings enhanced social value and connectivity to alumni networks everywhere - school, work and more.
Appthwack - Empowers developers to instantly test their apps on real devices.
Celly - Create instant mobile social networks, "cells," for your school or cause.
Indie Vinos - Mobile app enables the impulse wine buy at tastings and events.
Measureful - Aggregate and share your most pertinent marketing data in a meaningful way.
Minetta Brook - Synthesizes a million news items a day to gain realtime “big picture” awareness of developing trends and connections.
Opal Labs - Ideation and innovation platform for teams to surface new ideas and solve problems.
PrestoBox - Create your brand and logo in a few minutes online using a series of fun, revealing questions.
Rally Cause - Fundraise for your favorite cause by shopping at your favorite local merchant.
Simple Emotion - Emotion recognition platform targeting apps for people with developmental disabilities.
Smart Mocha - enabling technologies for the emerging hardware/software Internet of Things
How about seeds to fill the potholes
@tally  What, you want government money spent on something worthwhile? You silly Tally
gwtl
(go with the loo)
Thanks for the coverage Erica!! We're working hard to turn PrestoBox into a sustainable Portland company - one brand at a time.
There is so much venture capital money out there right now, one has to wonder why these ideas weren't able to get funded in the private sector.
@UtterReality  Probably because the private sector prefers to invest funds in viable for profit entities. The government, however, will throw OUR money at any venture...Solyndra comes to mind.
@wondering @UtterReality And the 123 battery company that china bought. I also like the leader of obamas job council , Immelt ceo of ge sent all the imaging manufacturing jobs to china
Prestobox seems like the only one that actually does something that would be difficult to do own your own.Â
Seems the dumber the idea, the more you will be considered for this handout, Â thanks to the taxpayers.
I just interred some seeds in nice clean dirt, I got them out of an overpriced Mexican red pepper I cut up, how much do I qualify for in this new seed fund?Â
@jpk lol