Malia Spencer

4 weeks ago | bizjournals.com | Malia Spencer

Portland startup Sturdy.ai secured $6 million from investors as it looks to beef up its team and build out a Portland office. Portland startup Sturdy.ai secured $6 million from investors as it looks to beef up its team and build out a Portland office. The latest round was led by Voyager Capital. The Seattle investor’s Portland-based partner Diane Fraiman is joining the Sturdy.ai's board. Other backers include Fortson VC and existing investor Grotech Ventures.

4 weeks ago | bizjournals.com | Malia Spencer

New York hedge fund Davidson Kempner Capital Management has again increased its bid for Vacasa just as the Portland company has set a date for its shareholder vote on a competing bid. New York hedge fund Davidson Kempner Capital Management has again increased its bid for Vacasa (Nadsaq: VCSA), a once-unicorn Portland company that has been trying to sell itself to Phoenix-based Casago. DKCM has increased its bid to $5.83 per share. Casago’s bid is $5.30 per share.

1 month ago | bizjournals.com | Malia Spencer

A fight between the largest shareholders of Vacasa (Nasdaq: VCSA) is heating up over which prospective suitor the troubled Portland company should make an acquisition deal with. Since February, New York hedge fund Davidson Kempner has waged a campaign for the vacation rental management company that challenges a deal in December for rival company Casago to acquire Vacasa.

1 month ago | bizjournals.com | Malia Spencer

Portland is a hive of creative talent and brand building. A new program from agency Instrument and Vanport Studio aims that talent at small businesses. Portland digital creative agency Instrument and Vanport Studio are building a program the groups hope can harness Portland's creative talent for the region’s small businesses.

1 month ago | bizjournals.com | Malia Spencer

Portland entrepreneur Matt Plitch's latest startup, Face Plant, is a fast food concept on a mission to take down McDonald's by building the most beloved fast food brand in the world. Portland entrepreneur Matt Plitch’s mission for his new company is simple: To take down McDonald's. He intends to do this by building the most loved fast food brand in the world. And it will be 100% plant-based. The company is Face Plant and its first restaurant has opened at 3110 N. Going St. on Swan Island.