Startup ecosystem builders from around the US are visiting Portland, this week. So we'd like them to meet all of the awesome folks in our startup community.

Ecosystem builders are people who drive long-term change by supporting innovation and entrepreneurship. They work to reduce barriers for entrepreneurs.

Ecosystem builders come from a variety of backgrounds and expertise, including entrepreneurs, government officials, economic developers, grassroots community leaders, university leaders, academics, philanthropists, corporate leaders, and media. What distinguishes Ecosystem Builders is their collaborative nature, systems thinking, selfless approach, and commitment to inclusion.

Ecosystems thrive when people and resources are connected and working together to develop new approaches and solutions for serving entrepreneurs.

Please join us for this casual meet and greet. Share your knowledge about the Portland startup community. And learn what's working in other startup communities around the US.

As part of the 2023 National Congressional Startup Day, the UpStart Collective is proud to host Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) to talk about how the government can better connect with the innovation community.

This town hall style event will be open to the general public, but space is extremely limited. You will hear from local, state and other leaders and have an opportunity to ask questions.

About Senator Ron Wyden: Ron was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1996, after serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. He holds the Senate seat once held by his mentor, the late Wayne Morse.

In the Senate, Ron is known for being a consensus builder in solving major challenges, his effectiveness in getting things done, and his innovative approach to addressing tough problems - particularly in the areas of health care, technology, and protecting the environment.

He is the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and the leading Senate Democrat on the Joint Committee on Taxation. He also serves on the Committees on Intelligence, Budget, and Energy and Natural Resources.

MAY Demolicious will be at the NEW westside UpStart Collective location!

::::::: Please use the form below to apply to pitch for 2025!:::::::::

Demolicious is back! This monthly pitch event brings together founders and the community to learn about what is being built here and around Portland.

How this all works: If you are a founder, you will apply to pitch here. Don't worry. "Apply" simply means you want to pitch, but there's no real competitive process to be accepted. We just want to see what you're working on before we put you in front of a room full of people.

You will be given 3 minutes to pitch at the event.

The audience will be given a QR code to vote for their favorite pitch. The one with the most votes will go home with the Demolicious Championship belt.

Teams Pitching: TBA

Will you be the next founder to pitch!?!