About NedSpace
In 2009, it all started with an idea...
What would happen if you took a bunch of normal people interested in entrepreneurship, disruptive innovation, & commerce and put them in the same space?
Keep in mind - coworking spaces, accelerator & incubator programs didn't quite exist back then.
Founded by Josh Friedman & Mark Grimes, the earliest iteration of NedSpace had a singular mission: Support Entrepreneurs in every way possible.
The idea took off, leading to NedSpace's rapid growth and extending its reach to help the city of Portland update its first economic development strategy in 15 years.
Working hand-in-hand with the mayor & other leaders, NedSpace founders created a city-backed seed investment fund to invest in early stage entrepreneurs & starts, now known as Portland Seed Fund.
2021: NedSpace Gets Acquired
With over 800 past & current members, NedSpace had created an entrepreneurial environment of transparency, diversity, and inclusion through action and execution.
Startups launched and funded inside NedSpace had raised well over $350+ million dollars. Over two dozen startups launched at NedSpace also had exit events.
NedSpace had also built & nurtured relationships with a multitude of organizations & associations in the greater Portland area.
It was time for the original founders to move on to greener pastures filled with new challenges & fresh opportunities to create massive impact.
As such, in March 2021 NedSpace was sold to a long-standing NedSpace member & serial entrepreneur.
And... We were amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Downtown Portland was in disarray.
All the elements that made NedSpace a truly unique experience went on pause, while we all acclimated & adapted to this new era of life...
2024: NedSpace Under New Ownership & Leadership
It's become time for NedSpace to refocus on its original mission & founding ideals...
To Support Entreprenuers & Do-ers in every way possible.
From collaboration rooms of like-minded peers, throwing meaningful events in our space, and connecting our members with the greater business community, to providing a space for entreprenuership & community to thrive - it's a do whatever it takes, let's make it happen mentality.
Together, let's reconnect:
- a diverse & professional community that rallies together, supports each other, and helps multiply growth through relationships,
- an innovation center, where ideas come to grow; connecting ideas with space, needs with resources, and people with people,
- a communal space for members of all races, genders, background, and belief systems to leave behind the outside world & explore the “entrepreneurial build stuff” spirit of humanity.
I, personally, invite you...
To join me on this journey to develop an one-of-a-kind space where we leverage the power of community to level up our businesses, professional development, and industry connections.