Hey Everyone,
Startup Grind Portland is gearing up for an Inaugural launch May 29th from 6 to 9 pm with none other than Michelle Rowley, recently named one of the “7 Most Powerful Women to Watch in 2014” by Entrepreneur Magazine.
Michelle is a P.I.E., Portland Incubator Experiment, graduate and now serves as a mentor to new classes. She is the founder and Executive Director of Code Scouts, a nonprofit organization that empowers women to learn software development.
She also recently founded an organizational culture consultancy called Cultivate & Co. aimed at helping tech companies build healthy cultures.
A member of the Python Software Foundation and organizer of the Portland Python User Group, she also speaks and writes about the importance of diversity in the tech scene and tech literacy for everyone.
I know its late in the month for a launch but we're pushing forward with a bang to be part of our partner, Google For Entrepreneurs big #40Forward:Rethinking the Gender Gap program.
“Women-led tech companies achieve 35% higher return on investment, and, when venture-backed, bring in 12% more revenue than male-owned tech companies. Yet women are still underrepresented in startup communities. We think there are substantive ways to be more inclusive.
Studies have shown that diverse teams create better products and run more successful companies. We also know that women are highly efficient with capital, running companies on 2/3 the funds of their male counterparts, yet receiving roughly 4% of venture capital.
Google for Entrepreneurs is providing program assistance and $1,000,000 in funding to partner organizations that are increasing the representation of women entrepreneurs in their startup communities.”
We'll be having our Inaugural event May 29th from 6 to 9 pm at the gorgeous Tillamook Station, who have been gracious enough to sponsor us for the night! Tillamook Station is nestled within the old Triangle Milling building and built in 1932 when the railroad ran right up to its back doors. Located now in what is called Industrial Alley, it neighbors a variety of artists, makers and craftspeople. The Station is close to 3,000/SF and cloaked in a canvas of white walls with hanger-style ceilings, exposed beams, and a large bright yellow roll up door, it’s not to be missed! There will be food starting at 6 with beer and wine available for purchase so come out early and network, I can't wait to meet everyone and begin building a strong community here in Portland!