Portland Incubator Experiment

Startups receive seed money and spend three months developing their businesses with support from W+K and participating mentors.

Following graduation, startups are provided with an opportunity to pitch their business plans; several companies have received investments as a result.

Participants receive $18,000 in seed money in exchange for six percent stakes and spend three months at W+K's Northwest Portland offices, developing their businesses with assistance from "mentors, W+K, big brands and other startups".

[3] Program participants in 2011 included: Seven of the companies were based in Portland; the eighth (Los Angeles–based MoPIX) planned to open a two-person office in the city.

[6] In January 2012, the participating companies offered eight-minute presentations, pitching their products to a crowd of 400 at the Bagdad Theater.

[3] The Oregonian reported in February 2012 that two of Stayhound's three founders left after the class ended, seeking stable income.

Participants received assistance from sponsors at The Coca-Cola Company, Google, Intel, Nike and other Oregon technology professionals.