DARE

Calvin Gower is the CEO and Founder of Stiira, a Portland-based SaaS company revolutionizing how businesses manage government-regulated leaves of absence. With a career devoted to developing and marketing digital HR solutions that simplify complex problems, Calvin launched Stiira with his co-founders in February 2023 to deliver the first leave management software tailored for the unique needs of third-party administrators and in-house teams alike. Just two years since its launch, Stiira has emerged as a trusted, cost-effective solution for leave administrators nationwide.

Andy Seykora is the co-founder and CEO of Axia Orthopedics, a medical device company focused on empowering orthopedic surgeons to achieve better outcomes faster. Andy has previously managed product development teams at companies like Acumed and played key roles in the growth of startups such as Acute Innovations and Outerpull.

Hollie Miller was a freelance strategic and financial consultant for non-profits in the Portland area, and she was frustrated that there were no supports for freelancers like herself to plug into for benefits, admin support, or government provided safety nets. So Hollie started Guilds with Benefits to provide those services to freelancers and small business owners alike. She believes self-employers deserve benefits, tools, support, and protections just like traditional employers, and that's what Guilds with Benefits does today!

(We're happy to launch this episode on LAUNCH WEEK for this exciting venture! Congrats to Guilds with Benefits!)

Cindy Anderson is a long-time entrepreneur who has a passion for health and wellness. She started Manny's Choice after being diagnosed with severe gluten-intolerance and breast cancer. After much research, she found that Italian or European wheat did not react like other wheat products, making her feel wonderful. Today, Cindy is on a mission to bring Manny's Choice products to everyone so they can also experience clean healthy eating.

Carter Guddell is the Regional Specialist for the Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE). He's based in Bend, where he helps out organizations that encourage investment and entrepreneurship in central Oregon. His work serves a wide span of the region -- his county coverage includes Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook, and South Wasco.

Yalda Moshiri is the Angel Oregon Program Director for the Oregon Entrepreneurs' Network. Yalda grew up in Silicon Valley where she was deeply influenced by the region’s entrepreneurial spirit, fueling her curiosity for innovation from an early age. She launched her career with renowned Fortune 50 companies, including Disney and Amazon. Her entrepreneurial spirit eventually led her to co-found two startups. Today, Yalda is dedicated to strengthening early-stage entrepreneurs across Oregon.

Toby Roberts is the former President of the famous Pok Pok restaurant chain here in Portland. Today he has a new company that is focused on bringing the ingredients that can help you create amazing Thai food yourself. His first product is high quality charcoal from Thailand. High, consistent heat, long burn time, no smoke, and made from orchard bi-product. A fascinating culinary startup story!

Founded by Susan & Joseph Piacenza, SeaStereo stands at the forefront of aquaculture innovation, committed to advancing the sustainability and vitality of aquatic populations. The mission of this innovative startup is to empower the industry with precise, AI-enabled monitoring solutions that safeguard marine health, enhance productivity, and ensure a thriving future for our global ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.

Cori Omundson is the Founder, CEO and chief Winemaker at Rising Wines Collective -- an innovative company that is opening the doors to quality small-production wines you might only find by traveling to wine country.  Rising Wines gives access to wines all over the country for any consumer.

Kristin Howard is CEO and cofounder of Joie Energy Drinks, Oregon's premier clean energy drink with function and purpose! Full of all the good and zero bad, joie energy packs 212 mg all natural caffeine with over 100md L theanine to create a perfect focused dnergy without crashes or jitters!