Expanded Downtown Hub to Serve as Sole Location Beginning March 2
PORTLAND, Ore.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–UpStart Collective, Portland’s co-founder workspace and startup community hub, today announced it will officially relocate its headquarters to the US Bancorp Tower, widely known as “Big Pink,” beginning March 2, 2026. The new downtown location will serve as the organization’s sole operating site, marking a significant milestone in its continued growth and commitment to supporting early-stage founders across the region.
Founded in Portland’s historic Olympic Mills building on the city’s eastside in 2022, UpStart Collective was launched through the generous donation of space from local digital marketing agency Graybox. In addition to serving as a founding partner, Graybox played an instrumental role in shaping the organization’s early identity, including the development of its brand and creative direction.
As part of this transition, UpStart Collective will also close its Portland State University campus location. The organization partnered with Portland State University to launch its second workspace, expanding access for student founders and strengthening the bridge between academia and entrepreneurship in Portland’s startup ecosystem.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Portland State University and Graybox for believing in our mission and helping us create a safe space for founders to thrive,” said Josh Carter, Co-Founder at UpStart Collective. “That partnership played an important role in our growth, and we’re proud of the impact we created together. We look forward to our continued collaboration with PSU.”
The move to US Bancorp Tower reflects both the expansion of UpStart Collective’s programming and its long-term vision to create a centralized, highly visible hub for founders, investors, and ecosystem partners in the heart of downtown Portland.
Jeff Swickard, the building’s new owner, is leading a broader vision to transform Big Pink into a centralized hub for Portland’s thriving startup and innovation community. Partnering with UpStart Collective represents a foundational step in accelerating that vision by bringing founders, funders, and ecosystem partners together under one roof.
“UpStart Collective is doing important work across the Pacific Northwest by supporting early-stage technology companies and the entrepreneurs behind them. Organizations like theirs help transform strong ideas into enduring businesses, creating jobs and long-term economic strength for our region. When founders are given the right environment and backing, the entire community benefits.” said Jeff Swickard “Their decision to establish another office in downtown Portland is a meaningful statement of confidence in the future of this city. Revitalization happens when committed organizations choose to show up, invest, and build. We believe deeply in Portland’s potential. We are grateful UpStart Collective has chosen Big Pink, and we look forward to supporting their work as part of the broader effort to strengthen and energize downtown for the long-term.”
The City of Portland is also supporting Big Pink and the UpStart Collective. “Big Pink has always been one of Portland’s most iconic buildings, and we see its next chapter as a catalyst for the city’s resurgence,” said Mayor Keith Wilson. “Jeff Swickard’s vision and his partnership with UpStart Collective show the kind of commitment and optimism Portland needs. The city is ready to work alongside them to support founders, attract investment, and ensure downtown remains a great place to live, work, and build.”
The new space is designed to house founders at the early stages and across all industries, while also providing room for events, educational programming, investor engagement, and partnerships with organizations dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship in the Pacific Northwest.
The downtown headquarters will also play a major role in the upcoming Portland Startup Week, taking place May 11–16, 2026. UpStart Collective will serve as a host venue for several events throughout the week, welcoming founders, investors, and community partners from across the region and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to convening and growing Portland’s innovation ecosystem.
UpStart Collective’s transition to a single, centralized location is intended to streamline operations, deepen community engagement, and increase access to resources for the growing number of entrepreneurs participating in its programs and workspace.
The new headquarters will officially open to members on March 2, 2026.
About UpStart Collective
UpStart Collective is a Portland-based co-founder workspace and startup community dedicated to supporting early-stage entrepreneurs through shared space, programming, mentorship, and access to capital and ecosystem partners. Since its founding, the organization has served hundreds of founders and helped foster the growth of Portland’s innovation economy.
Contacts
Media Contact:
Josh Carter
[email protected]
