Seattle VC Firm Ascend Raises $25M Second Fund to Boost AI Investments Amid Market Downturn

Seattle-based pre-seed venture capital firm Ascend, led by Kirby Winfield, raised a $25 million second fund focused on doubling down on artificial intelligence investments amid a challenging startup funding environment. Winfield, who has backed over 70 startups, predicts a further valuation correction but remains committed to early-stage investing.

KKirby Winfield AAscend AAllen Institute for AI