Portland / SW Washington AAIA Chapter
Portland and Southwest Washington State offer an ideal environment for the AI industry to flourish, driven by a combination of technological prowess, skilled workforce, and supportive ecosystem.
The region boasts a thriving tech ecosystem, with major players like Intel, Apple, and Amazon establishing significant presence in the area. A highly educated workforce, with Portland's 41.6% of residents holding at least a bachelor's degree, provides a rich talent pool for AI companies. The area's strong support system, including industry associations, incubators, and a growing network of AI startups, fosters innovation and collaboration. Strategic location near other major tech hubs facilitates knowledge exchange and business opportunities. Finally, a supportive business environment, bolstered by organizations like CREDC and Greater Portland Inc., creates a fertile ground for AI companies to establish, grow, and make significant impacts across various industries.
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Portland Chapter President
Dave Barcos
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Born in Silicon Valley, Dave Barcos co‑founded his first digital‑design startup at 23 before relocating to the Pacific Northwest in 1990. Throughout the 1990s he led creative work for Nike, Intel, ESPN, Whole Foods and Adidas, collaborating with agencies such as Wieden+Kennedy, Sandstrom Partners and Cole & Weber.
In 2002 he launched My Shopping Community, a SaaS/e‑commerce platform that was acquired five years later. He has since co‑founded three more ventures spanning SaaS, consumer products and creative services, while running a successful design and consulting practice.
In 2017 Barcos founded North Bank Innovations, an independent incubator based in Vancouver, Washington. Backed by an extensive network of successful founders, operators and investors—North Bank offers hands‑on programs, mentorship and capital connections. Its flagship meetups, Vantechy and Startup Conversations in the Couve, have supported more than 1,200 entrepreneurs and drawn thousands of attendees.
Today Barcos is focused on expanding the North Bank Incubator and forging stronger ties between Seattle’s founder community and the Portland–Vancouver region, creating a single, connected market for talent, capital and ideas. He has advised more than over 100 startups for close to a decade on product strategy, market entry and fundraising, helping teams secure tens of millions of dollars. Barcos brings a pragmatic, design‑driven perspective to every project he touches, emphasizing clarity, sustainable growth and community impact.