2011
Applications for the inaugural class were due on August 8, 2011. [6] PIE received 290 applications from interested entrepreneurs, sixty percent of which resided outside Oregon. [3] [6] PIE initially selected nine companies to participate in the incubator project, but one withdrew early. [3] Program participants in 2011 included:
- Athletepath, a social networking service "connecting races and results" [3]
- Cloudability, a software service that "compares how companies use cloud services with what they spend" [3]
- DailyPath, a service that provides "short" inspirational messages, helping people to reach their goals
- MoPIX, a platform that helps video producers release custom iOS application software
- Revisu, a cloud site that "connects designers and clients for feedback and approval" [3]
- Spotsi, a platform for mobile multimedia "tours" [3]
- Stayhound, a social networking service for locating pet sitters
- VendScreen, a technology that adds "Android-based touchscreen devices to vending machines", offers cashless transactions, provides nutrition information and stores data [3]
Seven of the companies were based in Portland; the eighth (Los Angeles–based MoPIX) planned to open a two-person office in the city. According to Turoczy, each "[had] a part in the city's budding mobile technology scene". [3] W+K connected entrepreneurs with some of its clients, including The Coca-Cola Company, Nike, Inc. and Target Corporation. [3] Financial assistance and mentorship was also provided by Google. [6]
In January 2012, the participating companies offered eight-minute presentations, pitching their products to a crowd of 400 at the Bagdad Theater. VendScreen announced that it had received a $12 million investment for its technology. [3] [5] Athletepath and Cloudability also confirmed investments of $300,000 and $1.25 million, respectively. [3] The Oregonian reported in February 2012 that two of Stayhound's three founders left after the class ended, seeking stable income. [4] In July 2012, the Willamette Week reported that Cloudability had received $8.7 million in investments. [5]
2012
PIE began accepting applications for its second class in February 2012. [3] However, the application process was postponed in order to confirm "expert" participation. [4] [7] PIE also made changes to "improve the mentorship program and the overall experience for entrepreneurs". [2] The application deadline was extended to June 12. [2] [7] 300 applications were submitted despite little promotion from PIE. [7] Companies were chosen by a "loose" selection committee consisting of at least eight people. [7] According to Turoczy, the program's second class included a greater variety of business plans, with "fewer daily deal pitches... and fewer location-based check-in companies". [7] Businesses selected to participate included:
- AppThwack, a service for testing application software and websites on Android smartphones and tablet computers
- KS12, a studio that "tells stories which blur the line between documentary and fiction, artwork and essay" [5]
- Lytics.io, an API that provides analytics to developers
- Plexus Engine, a tool suite for influencer marketing and "expert discovery and engagement" [5]
- Portland Women's Software Academy, a nonprofit organization focused on "educating and encouraging would-be software developers" [5]
- Stublisher, a service for "capturing and curating event experiences" [5]
- Vadio, a service that turns "terrestrial" radio station websites into live video channels [5]
The program began on July 16. Participants received assistance from sponsors at The Coca-Cola Company, Google, Intel, Nike and other Oregon technology professionals. [7] PIE added a staff position for the program, designating Wieden+Kennedy's Kirsten Golden as "class manager". [2]
