Amazon
Facts
- HQ
- SEATTLE
- Sectors
- E-commerce, Cloud computing, Aerospace/Satellites, Media/Streaming, Advertising, Consumer devices
- Founded
- 1994
- Type
- Corporation Seattle business license
- Employees
- 1600000
- Registered name
- Amazon.Com Inc Seattle business license
- Stage
- Public
Seattle Startup Community Foundations Doubles Capitol Hill Space, Plans Bellevue Expansion to Support Growing Members
Seattle startup community Foundations, founded by Aviel Ginzburg, is doubling its Capitol Hill office space and planning an expansion in Bellevue to support its 236 members, including 55 founders-in-residence. The community offers a no-equity, no-fee environment that helps startups grow together, with recent graduates choosing to remain engaged as the program evolves.
Benjamin Dorr Named CEO of WellSaid Labs; Jennifer Weitzel Joins Microsoft as CVP; Jason Ing Becomes Typeface’s First CMO; Tina Walha Heads U.S. Digital Response
Benjamin Dorr became CEO of AI voice startup WellSaid Labs, replacing Brian Cook, while Jennifer Weitzel joined Microsoft as CVP of engineering and construction, Jason Ing became Typeface's first CMO, and Tina Walha was named CEO of U.S. Digital Response.
Seattle Security Startup Tensor9 Raises $4M Seed to Enable Secure Cloud App Deployment
Seattle-based security startup Tensor9, founded by Amazon and tech veterans in 2023, raised $4 million in seed funding to enable secure cloud software deployment within customer environments, addressing data sensitivity and security challenges. Their technology allows vendors to deploy and manage applications in customer clouds without transferring sensitive data, supporting hybrid cloud models.
Seattle Tech Veterans Launch PoulTree, a $20 Stainless Steel Rod for Perfectly Roasted Chicken Cooking
Seattle tech veterans Dave Atchison and Tony Smith co-founded PoulTree, a simple $20 stainless steel rod that allows for evenly roasting a chicken over a cast iron skillet by elevating it for convection cooking without complex gadgets. Their invention emphasizes analog cooking, combining innovative design with straightforward usability, developed and tested in a Seattle workshop.
GeekWire Week in Review: Bill Gates Pledges $200B, Statsig Hits $1.1B Valuation, Seattle Startups Raise Millions in May 2025
This GeekWire Week in Review highlights top tech stories including Bill Gates' $200 billion philanthropy pledge, Seattle startups raising significant capital, and the emergence of new AI-driven unicorn Statsig valued at $1.1 billion. It also covers local news like a controversial Washington EV tax and cultural moments involving Seattle figures.
YIMBY AI Wins $5,000 Grand Prize at Seattle Climate Hackathon for AI Tool Supporting Accessory Dwelling Units
YIMBY AI won the $5,000 grand prize at the Seattle Climate Hackathon for their AI-powered tool that simplifies developing accessory dwelling units to boost housing and reduce emissions. The event, involving 14 teams and held at the Seattle Climate Innovation Hub, was sponsored by Microsoft and Amazon.
Wyze Labs Pays $255,000 in Tariffs on $167,000 Inventory Amid New 145% China Tariff, Plans to Move Manufacturing Out of China
Wyze Labs, a smart home device maker based in Kirkland, Washington, revealed it paid $255,000 in tariffs on $167,000 of floodlight inventory due to new trade policies, impacting costs and prompting efforts to relocate manufacturing from China. The company highlighted challenges of supply chain adjustments and the potential need to raise consumer prices.
Seattle Startups Axtrolite, Context Nature, and Chassy Develop Software for Real Estate, Green Tax Credits, and Robotics, with Chassy Raising $1.2M Pre-Seed
Seattle-area startups highlighted include Axtrolite, developing real estate property management software; Context Nature, aiding finance professionals in finding green energy tax credits; and Chassy, which secured $1.2 million to build software for robotic fleets. These companies feature experienced founders with backgrounds at Amazon, Microsoft, Lyft, and more.
Palo Alto Networks to acquire Seattle startup Protect AI in deal reported above $500 million
Seattle-based Protect AI, founded in 2022 to secure machine-learning systems and serving Fortune 500 clients, is being acquired by Palo Alto Networks; sources report the deal is worth over $500 million after Protect AI raised $60 million in a 2024 Series B at a $400 million valuation. Palo Alto plans to integrate Protect AI into its Prisma AIRS platform to expand AI security capabilities.
Seattle Startups Like Tin Can Launch WiFi-Enabled Landlines and Dumb Phones to Limit Kids’ Screen Time
Three Seattle startups, including Tin Can, are creating smartphone alternatives for kids to reduce screen time and social media pressure by offering WiFi-enabled landlines and ‘dumb phones’ with limited functionality. Tin Can’s colorful WiFi-enabled landlines aim to simplify communication and avoid screen addiction.
Palo Alto Networks to Acquire Seattle AI Cybersecurity Startup Protect AI for Over $500 Million
Palo Alto Networks plans to acquire Seattle-based AI cybersecurity startup Protect AI, founded in 2022, for an estimated $500 million or more, aiming to strengthen its AI security offerings. Protect AI, which serves Fortune 500 clients and recently raised $60 million at a $400 million valuation, focuses on protecting machine learning systems amid rising AI-related breaches.
Todd Owens, Ex-Navy Submarine Officer and Son of Admiral William Owens, Leads Seattle Health Tech Startup Kevala
Todd Owens, former U.S. Navy submarine officer and son of Admiral William Owens, is now CEO of Seattle-based health tech startup Kevala. His military leadership experience aboard the USS Pogy influences how he leads his company, which focuses on helping healthcare facilities manage workers.
Stepchange Raises $7M for Climate-Focused Venture Fund Targeting Software Startups in Transportation, Energy, and Resilience
Seattle-based venture firm Stepchange raised $7 million for its inaugural fund to invest in climate-focused startups targeting sectors like transportation, energy, and resilience with asset-light, cost-competitive software solutions. Founded by Anay Shah and Ben Eidelson, the fund has already backed 13 startups and plans 30 investments, supported by over 100 investors including Bain Capital Ventures and tech leaders from major companies.
Seattle Startup Loti Secures $16.2M Series A to Combat Deepfakes and Protect Digital Likeness
Seattle startup Loti raised $16.2 million in a Series A round led by Khosla Ventures to protect celebrities and consumers from deepfakes using advanced facial and voice recognition technology. Loti helps clients monitor and manage digital likeness misuse, including fake endorsements and AI-generated content, with partnerships including major talent agencies and support from emerging legislation like the No Fakes Act.
Seattle Startups Elora, Evvi Aftercare, and Realtie Advance AI, Pet Cremation, and Real Estate Solutions
Five Seattle-area startups are emerging in diverse sectors including caregiving AI, pet cremation services, real estate redevelopment, AI for consumer brands, and kid-focused smartphones. Notable companies include Elora, Evvi Aftercare, and Realtie, each progressing with pilots, partnerships, or funding rounds.
Convoy Co-Founder Grant Goodale Joins Ryder as Chief Product and Technology Officer
Grant Goodale, co-founder and former CTO of Convoy, has joined Ryder as chief product and technology officer, marking his return to the trucking industry. Additionally, Seattle startups Shipium and Graham & Walker announced key leadership hires with Geoff Tamman named CFO and Ryan Hughes as chief of staff, respectively.
Seattle Startup FlavorCloud Gains Demand from Trump’s Tariff Changes and New China Import Rules
Seattle startup FlavorCloud, led by CEO Rathna Sharad, is benefiting from increased demand as companies navigate new complexities from President Trump's recent tariff changes, including the elimination of the $800 'de minimis' exemption on imports from China effective May 2. FlavorCloud specializes in cross-border shipping and compliance, helping e-commerce brands manage duties and taxes amid unprecedented global trade shifts.
Gennev Founder Jill Angelo Steps Down After Acquisition; Aurion Biotech CEO Replaced Following Alcon Majority Stake; Temporal Adds New Leadership
Jill Angelo, founder and CEO of menopause startup Gennev, stepped down following its acquisition by Unified Women’s Healthcare, while Aurion Biotech replaced CEO Greg Kunst with Arnaud Lacoste after Alcon acquired a majority stake. Temporal also announced leadership additions with Jim Cyb as president and Sahir Azam as an independent board member.
Washington’s Proposed 5% Payroll Tax on Large Employers Draws Tech Industry Backlash Amid $16B Budget Shortfall
Washington state Democrats propose a 5% statewide payroll tax on wages exceeding $176,100 for companies with payrolls over $7 million to address a $16 billion budget gap, drawing criticism from CEOs and tech leaders including Microsoft President Brad Smith who warn it could harm the tech sector and drive businesses away.
Portal Space Systems Raises $17.5M to Develop Solar Thermal Propulsion Spacecraft with 2026 Launch
Portal Space Systems raised $17.5 million in seed funding led by AlleyCorp to develop its Supernova spacecraft, which uses solar thermal propulsion for rapid orbital maneuvers. The company plans to demonstrate the technology with a launch scheduled for mid-2026.
Seattle AI Startup heyLibby, Co-Founded by Spencer Rascoff, Raises $4.5M to Automate Customer Service for Gyms and Salons
Seattle-based AI startup heyLibby, now renamed Replify, raised $4.5 million in seed funding to help health and wellness businesses like gyms and tanning salons automate customer communications. Founded by Tony Small, Anna Rodriguez, and Spencer Rascoff, the company currently serves U.S. clients with plans for international expansion.
Agility Robotics Seeks $400 Million Funding at $1.75 Billion Valuation to Advance Digit Warehouse Robots
Agility Robotics is reportedly raising $400 million at a $1.75 billion valuation to fund its Digit humanoid warehouse robots, with lead investor WP Global and participation from SoftBank. The company recently announced new improvements to Digit's capabilities and continues pilot testing with Amazon, a previous investor.
Former Amazon Leader and Army Veteran Stephiney Foley Launches Maternal-Care Startup Yuzi in September 2023
Stephiney Foley, a U.S. Army veteran and former Amazon product leader, has leveraged her military and corporate experience to launch Yuzi, a maternal-care startup focused on post-natal support for new mothers. Her leadership journey, shaped by her time at West Point and service in the Army, informs her approach to entrepreneurship.
Tiger Global Leads $146M Funding Round for Temporal, Raising Valuation to $1.72B
Temporal, a Seattle startup that offers an open-source microservices orchestration platform, raised $146 million in a funding round led by Tiger Global, boosting its valuation to $1.72 billion. The company serves major clients like Snap and Netflix, with a reported 4.4X revenue growth in 18 months.
Seattle Startup Summit Highlights City's AI Strengths and Need for More Entrepreneurial Energy
At the inaugural Seattle Startup Summit, leaders like Statsig CEO Vijaye Raji and Acquired podcast co-host Ben Gilbert highlighted Seattle's strong AI ecosystem, anchored by tech giants Amazon and Microsoft, and specialization in biotech and disease research. Despite this, they noted the city could benefit from cultivating a more vibrant entrepreneurial culture to maximize its potential in AI innovation.
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Jamie Siminoff Executive, Vice President
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Steve Rabuchin Executive, Vice President of Project Kuiper (Amazon Leo)
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Ben Wild Co-founder of Hubble Network, Former Amazon Product Lead
