Comments on: Portland Software Businesses: Small, Furry Mammals?

By: Kevin Tate

Kevin Tate — Mon, 04 May 2009 18:04:57 +0000

Hi Ryan – thanks a bunch for the nod.

I’m glad the analogy resonated… being adaptable and fast-moving is definitely something we think a lot about at SCG. When I first saw the quote in the paper, I was worried that the “adapting” part might be over-shadowed by the “small and furry” part… but it seems like it came across.

The superstitious part of me now wonders if I’ve angered the Internet Gods by comparing Google to a “dinosaur”… keep an eye out for any tornados/earthquakes/kraken-attacks on the other side of the park.

By: Kristin

Kristin — Sun, 03 May 2009 05:53:32 +0000

Apparently there was a thing called a Volaticotherium antiquus (”ancient gliding beast”) that could fly before birds.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/12/061218094135.htm

Portland is this thing. For sure.

By: Dave Kresta

Dave Kresta — Sun, 03 May 2009 05:00:02 +0000

Amen Ryan. I am sick of hearing about how Portland is all about Mom-and-Pop, hobby businesses. There is a lot of talent in Portland, both technical and executive talent. And investment is flowing to people who have passion and energy. I don’t want to be a dinosaur (those are, er, kind of extinct) nor a small furry mammal: life is too short to just get by.

By: Tom Turnbull

Tom Turnbull — Sun, 03 May 2009 04:45:39 +0000

I love Kevin’s analogy. Very clever, and very accurate.

I believe that 95% is financing related. I was part of two California startups. We were able to move much faster because we had capital.

Portland companies tend to go the professional services/agency route for this reason.

I’d love to see us break through. The talent and desire is certainly abundant here.