North Bank is where founders come to build.

Not just network. Not just brainstorm in a vacuum. To actually build — testing ideas against the market, learning fast, and growing alongside people doing the same thing right next to you.

The best thing that can happen to a founder is sitting next to another founder who's three steps ahead of them. Who's already hit the wall they're about to hit. Who can cut through the noise and get straight to what's actually working? That's not a lucky accident at North Bank — that's the whole point.

We bring together the boldest founders in our region and give them what they need to move: coworking space that puts you in the right rooms, programs that sharpen your edge, events that spark real connections, and an incubator built to launch companies with the potential to reshape industries. Knowledge, relationships, capital — we've built North Bank around the things that actually move startups forward.

This region is full of exceptional founders ready to build something that lasts. We're here to make sure they don't have to figure it out alone.

Join us. Build faster. Go further.

The North Bank Team

Dave Barcos

Dave Barcos has spent more than two decades founding companies and building the ecosystems that help them grow. A Silicon Valley native who co-founded his first startup at 23, Dave relocated to the Pacific Northwest in 1990 and went on to lead creative work for Nike, Intel, ESPN, and Adidas through agencies like Wieden+Kennedy — sharpening a bias for clear messaging and disciplined execution that still drives his work today. He's since co-founded six companies across SaaS, fintech, and consumer products, advised 100+ early-stage teams, and produced hundreds of founder events. Now he's focused on expanding North Bank's reach across Southwest Washington, connecting Clark County founders to the talent, capital, and customers they need to grow.

Luke Atherton

Luke sits at the intersection of capital and innovation — and he knows how to move both. As Executive Director at Wells Fargo's Technology Banking Group, he leads growth-stage lending and fintech coverage across the West, connecting scaling companies with the financial firepower they need to grow. His commitment to the Pacific Northwest innovation economy runs deep — he works actively to expand capital access, strengthen financial literacy, and create real opportunity for local founders. Luke understands that great companies don't just need funding — they need the right relationships and a community invested in their success. That's what he brings to North Bank as Board Secretary.

Chris (C3) Croteau

C3 is a transformative technology executive and recognized thought leader, he specializes in launching innovative products and opening new markets through strategic vision, cross-sector partnerships, and operational excellence. With experience leading global teams of over 650 professionals, he has driven $300M+ in acquisitions and delivered breakthrough growth in emerging segments such as augmented reality and wearables. His leadership has shaped industry trajectories—propelling Intel into new categories, cultivating joint ventures with companies like Samsung, and securing over 100 business deals across SaaS, enterprise storage, networking, and advanced graphics.

Charles Swatzell

Charles Swatzell turns complex ideas into high-impact software — and he's built a global company doing exactly that. As CEO of Formos, he has scaled the firm into a world-class custom development shop delivering enterprise-grade platforms for everyone from nimble startups to Fortune 500 companies. With deep expertise in product strategy, systems architecture, and team leadership, Charles has built and managed distributed engineering teams across the U.S., South America, and Asia. He has a rare ability to align technical execution with business goals, foster long-term client relationships, and drive meaningful digital transformation across industries. As a close advisor to North Bank, he brings that same clarity and firepower to the founders in our community.

Chris Magaña

Chris has more than 14 years of equity research and portfolio management experience. After receiving his B.A. in Business Administration from Concordia University, he completed his MBA in Finance and JD from Willamette University. He is a member of the Oregon State Bar. He has served as an adjunct professor at Concordia University and currently teaches part-time at Washington State University-Vancouver and Willamette University’s Graduate School of Business. He serves on several nonprofit boards and foundations and cares deeply about advocating issues surrounding education, affordable housing, children and the environment. Chris speaks regularly to students, community groups and associations on investment, economics, business ethics and personal finance topics.

Michael Watts

Michael has spent his career sitting at the intersection of technology, community, and resourcefulness — and he brings all three to North Bank. A Vancouver native with a background that spans VR development, grant strategy, nonprofit fundraising, and operations management, Michael has a rare ability to see the full picture and execute across it. At the Chill Foundation, he built a development calendar from scratch that generated $30,000+ in annual donations — combining grant writing, corporate sponsorships, and community partnerships to sustain youth programming across Portland. He later honed his technical edge as a VR developer, building large-scale immersive experiences for clients including the Gates Foundation and Take-Two Interactive. Now, as Development Manager at North Bank, he leads fundraising strategy, grant research and submission, sponsor development, and ecosystem partnerships — turning relationships with civic leaders, funders, and community partners into durable support for the founders and operators building the future of Southwest Washington.

Resource Council

We have assembled a carefully selected group of investors, executives, and industry leaders who share one clear goal: to help founders succeed. They are not here for appearances or one-off advice. They are here to engage deeply, provide strategic insight, make meaningful introductions, and operate as an extension of your leadership team. When you are part of North Bank, you gain access to expertise and perspective that most founders rarely encounter.

The Resource Council is made up of leaders who are shaping the next wave of innovation in Clark County. It is more than a network; it is a trusted circle of influence, insight, and measurable impact.

Membership is by invitation only. This application collects your basic contact and background information. If selected, you will receive a private invitation to join. Members gain access to a dedicated Slack channel and early access to NBI events, programs, and opportunities.

As a Resource Council Member, you will:

  • See first: get a front-row seat to the newest startups emerging in our region.

  • Be informed early: receive advance notice of NBI’s upcoming events, programs, and initiatives.

  • Collaborate on North Bank education: help shape and contribute to North Bank’s founder-focused programs.

  • Get featured: opportunities to speak at events and share your expertise with a wide network of founders and leaders.

  • Expand your reach: support NBI through social and professional networks.

  • Participate as a subject matter expert: serve as a speaker, mentor, or panelist.

  • Meet exceptional leaders in our region.

  • Give back: share updates on the startups or founders you are advising.

The Resource Council is your access point to the next generation of bold ideas. Let’s build what is next, together.