Portland, Las Vegas outrank Seattle in top startup city list |
Connect with TechFlash on our Facebook page for all the latest technology news headlines and commentary, plus information and access to special events, photos from events, promotions and more.
Today On Techflash
- Can Microsoft overcome the smartphone app gap?
- Hey recruiters: Here's an R&D lab run by, and for, students
- Microsoft, Apple speak out on patents amid mobile-technology wars
- Apps that waste your time (in a good way): Execs' addictions
- Analyst sees 7-inch iPad in Apple future
- Social bookmarking site Faves.com to shut down
- Hey recruiters: Here's an R&D lab run by, and for, students
- Can Microsoft overcome the smartphone app gap?
- Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen 2011's most generous living donor
- Keiretsu Forum NW invested $24 million in 36 startups in 2011
- Daptiv cuts staff; CEO Franklin departs
- Daptiv is latest tech company to cut jobs
Mass High Tech
Portland, Las Vegas outrank Seattle in top startup city list
Flickr photo via StuSeeger
Is Portland really a better entrepreneurial town than Seattle or Silicon Valley or Boston? Well, at least that's one magazine's take, which has named the City of Roses one of the top 10 "startup-friendly cities" in the country. Nothing against our "TrailBlazing" neighbors to the south, but come on.
I am not sure what methodology Entrepreneur magazine used to compile the list. And frankly, I have some serious doubts about some of the other choices.
Youngstown, Ohio? Really? Maybe things have changed from the days when I played soccer for the "Sons of Italy" in the depressed rust belt town. But that would be one heck of a turnaround.
Others on the list include the gambling mecca of the country -- Las Vegas -- as well as the home of Walt Disney World -- Orlando, Florida. The article touts Portland's "collaborative mind-set," Las Vegas' cheap commercial rents and Orlando's civic leadership.
Still, if I had my choice, I'd much rather start a company in Seattle than any of those places.
Just check out one important metric in building new businesses -- access to capital. Certainly, venture capital is just one factor that can help propel an entrepreneurial business.
But if you ascribe to the belief that private investment money helps fuel new ventures, Seattle has a huge leg up on the other cities named above.
Take Oregon for example. It recorded just one venture capital deal in the second quarter for a total of $3.6 million in financing.
That compares to Washington state, which had 32 venture deals representing $122 million.
I am also really struggling to think of one significant publicly-traded, venture-backed company that calls Portland home.
I'd love to hear a defense of Portland's startup community. And I am sure this post will spark one or two.
UPDATE: Mike Rogoway at Silicon Forest Blog jumps into the debate, and offers some other reasons why Portland probably shouldn't be at the top of the list. Meanwhile, I agree with his analysis that rankings of top cities for anything -- dog owners, outdoor enthusiasts or entrepreneurs -- are usually dubious.
John Cook is co-founder of TechFlash. Follow him on Twitter @johnhcook.
[Flickr photo via StuSeeger]
If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.
TechFlash Team
Recent Sponsor Posts
Who's creating today's energy efficient buildings? Find out at the BetterBricks Awards, Feb. 16
BetterBricks Awards salute the individuals leading the way for high performance commercial buildings with an emphasis on energy efficiency. Join us as we recognize these standout green building professionals.
Award categories include: Advocate; Architect/Designer; Facility Manager/Operator; and Owner/Developer.
Keynote Speaker: Kevin Kampschroer, Director of U.S. GSA's Office of Federal High Performance Buildings. Kevin leads the U.S. General Services Administration's efforts in building sustainability and accelerating industry adoption of sustainable principles across all aspects of a building's life.
Register here by February 10!
If you are interested in buying a table, email Monica Alquist or call her at 206-876-5404.
The Triple Door Presents: The Atomic Bombshells "J'ADORE!: A Burlesque Valentine"
Seattle's reigning Burlesque super-troupe delivers a gorgeous and glittering VALENTINE featuring some of the Bombshells' most exhilarating acts to date. J'Adore! promises to celebrate l'amour with good humor, style, and a healthy dose of dazzle! Bring a friend, a lover, a family member, or a secret crush, and celebrate with the Valentine's Burlesque spectacular that will leave you shouting: "J'ADORE......The Atomic Bombshells!" The incomparable Jasper McCann emcees with high style and charm.
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
The Triple Door Presents: Bob Mould – See A Little Light: An Evening of Reading and Music
"Bob Mould. Those two words are synonymous with integrity. From Husker Du in the last century to right at this moment, Bob is the real deal, writing and playing music for music's sake. He's a great songwriter and performer. I have been a fan of Bob's for thirty years now with no end in sight." -Henry Rollins
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
Why Choose BDO for your SOC (previously SAS 70) Reports?
BDO’s experience in providing attestation services (SAS 70/SSAE 16, AT 101, AT 201, AT 601, etc.) to a broad range of industries, and our team of skilled professionals distinctly qualifies us to serve as your company’s Service Auditor. By leveraging the BDO global network of control specialists, we are poised to provide global services in more than 1,000 offices and across 119 countries. Many organizations find that investing in reports on controls may result in benefits, including:
• Increased client confidence
• Improved competitive advantage
• Minimization of frequent audits
• Streamlined business processes and controls
• Enhanced risk management
For detailed information contact Paul Martini at pmartini@bdo.com.
