CoMotion
CoMotion Labs is a multi-industry incubator program at the University of Washington that provides early-stage startups with physical workspace, mentoring, and networking resources across specialized sectors like life sciences, hardware, and technology.
Founder Stack
Listed in Programs
- Contact
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Facts
- HQ
- Seattle
- Sectors
- University innovation/technology transfer, Incubation, Climate tech
Community
Home for Startups, Entrepreneurs & Innovators
- Workspace
- Online forum
- Events
- Membership program
- Mixed
- Apply to join
Workspaces
- Startup Hall, 1100 NE Campus Pkwy, Seattle, WA 98105
What's next
Trump-Era Funding Cuts and Hiring Freeze Stall UW Protein Design Startups Led by Nobel Laureate David Baker
The University of Washington's Institute for Protein Design, led by Nobel laureate David Baker, faces a hiring freeze and funding cuts under the Trump administration, stalling its promising protein design startups and reducing opportunities for graduate students and postdocs. Despite Nobel-driven interest and advances in AI-designed proteins, budget constraints threaten future innovation and company spinoffs.
Seattle Opens AI House and Foundations Startup Hubs Amid Growing AI Ecosystem
Seattle launched two new startup hubs, AI House and Foundations, to support its growing AI ecosystem, hosting events with notable figures like venture capitalist Vinod Khosla and Mayor Bruce Harrell. These hubs aim to foster collaboration and growth within Seattle's burgeoning AI startup community.
UW’s CoMotion Relaunches Fintech Incubator with Curinos Partnership to Support 3-4 Startups Annually
The University of Washington's CoMotion has relaunched its fintech incubator in partnership with data intelligence company Curinos, aiming to support 3-4 startups annually with access to Curinos' AI-powered financial data and network. The incubator continues CoMotion's legacy of fostering fintech innovation on the UW campus.
UW Genetics Professor Mary-Claire King Awarded NAS Public Welfare Medal; T-Mobile Board and Seattle Startup Violett Announce Leadership Changes
Mary-Claire King, a University of Washington genetics professor, received the National Academy of Sciences' Public Welfare Medal for her impactful genome science work including discovering the BRCA1 gene. T-Mobile announced board changes with the return of Thomas Dannenfeldt and resignations of Kelvin Westbrook and Srinivasan Gopalan, while Seattle startup Violett appointed Michael Kurtzman as CEO.
On Campus Ventures with Ken Horenstein, Pack Ventures
Sound Investments: Exploring Seattle's VC Scene with Ken Horenstein In this episode of Sound Investments, host Ed Barker delves into the Pacific Northwest venture capital ecosystem with Ken Horenstein, Founder and Managing Partner at Pack Ventures. Ken shares his personal journey in venture capital, from his educational roots at the University of Washington to his role in supporting Seattle-based startups. The discussion covers the founding and principles behind Pack Ventures, the fund's focus on UW-affiliated ventures, and the broader Seattle startup scene. Key topics include the diversification of investment sectors, the evolution of the venture space in Seattle, and the…
Seattle’s Madrona Venture Firm Absorbs Madrona Venture Labs After 10 Years, Following $770M Fundraise
Seattle’s Madrona venture firm has absorbed its startup studio Madrona Venture Labs after over 10 years of independent operation and 30 incubated startups. This restructuring aligns with Madrona’s recent $770 million fundraise to consolidate efforts under one organization amid Seattle’s growing startup ecosystem.
week of jan 27: Ken Horenstein - Pack Ventures
Top Stories 1. TikTok update AP News article and PSBJ article 2. The state of the VC industry VCs in 2024 (PSBJ) VCs in 2025 (GeekWire) 3. Meta to layoff 5% based on merit CNBC article 4. Capitol Hill's Rapport closes Capitol Hill Seattle Blog About guest Ken Horenstein - Founder & General Partner, Pack Ventures: Ken has been with Pack Ventures for 4 years. Before that he was a co-founder of Venture Out Seattle, and prior to that worked at M12 which is Microsoft’s Venture fund. He earned his MBA at UW and is currently a Mentor for CoMotion…
Seattle, UW, 9Zero, and VertueLab Launch Climate Innovation Hub to Boost Clean Energy Startups and Downtown Recovery
Seattle, alongside the University of Washington, 9Zero, and VertueLab, has launched the Seattle Climate Innovation Hub to support climate tech entrepreneurs and revitalize the downtown area post-pandemic. The hub includes a climate tech incubator program starting in spring, aiming to foster clean energy sector growth in the Pacific Northwest.
Making your network count with Ken Horenstein
How Microsoft alumni can provide rocket fuel for the startup ecosystem Ken Horenstein cut his investing teeth at what is now Microsoft's M12. He leaned into the "learn-it-all culture" to soak up the ins and outs of venture capital before leaving to start his own venture fund. In this episode of Beyond the Blue Badge, host T.A. McCann talks with Ken about his Microsoft journey, lessons learned while going it on his own, his current firm Pack Ventures and the xMSFT Syndicate, and the power that networks — specifically the Microsoft Alumni Network — can have to supercharge the startup…
Plug and Play Expands to Seattle with New Accelerator at UW’s CoMotion Labs
Silicon Valley innovation platform Plug and Play is expanding into the Seattle area with two new offices, including one at the University of Washington's CoMotion Labs, to support early-stage startups and regional innovation. The expansion is part of a strategic collaboration with SBI Holdings and SNBL.
Plug and Play Launches Two Startup Accelerators in Seattle with UW, SNBL, and SBI Holdings Partnership
Silicon Valley-based Plug and Play is launching two new startup accelerator programs in the Seattle region, partnering with the University of Washington and Japanese firms SNBL and SBI Holdings, to support early-stage tech startups, especially in AI. The initiatives include physical spaces, investment funds, and community events to leverage Seattle's growing tech ecosystem.
University of Washington Joins NSF-Funded $15M Northwest Innovation Hub Led by UC Berkeley for Technology Commercialization
The University of Washington has been selected as part of a new federally funded Northwest Region Hub by the National Science Foundation to support technology commercialization with up to $15 million distributed among eight universities over five years. UW’s CoMotion will administer funding and programming to enhance innovation training, mentorship, and customer discovery for entrepreneurs.
The Hidden Truth of Venture and AI with GP of Pack Ventures Ken Horenstein
In this episode of The Shift AI Podcast, host Boaz Ashkenazy, founder and CEO of Augmented AI, sits down with Ken Horenstein, the founding partner of Pack Ventures, a venture firm that supports startups emerging from the University of Washington's vibrant tech ecosystem. Ken shares his journey from growing up in Vancouver, Washington, to becoming a key player in Seattle's venture capital scene, with previous roles at Microsoft's M12 and Venture Out. Ken and Boaz delve into the art of identifying what’s truly necessary for startup success. Drawing from his experience working with highly technical research scientists, Ken offers a…
Pack Ventures and University of Washington Partner; Pack launches $30M fund to back UW faculty, students and alumni
Pack Ventures and the University of Washington formalized a partnership under an MOU to support UW-affiliated startups by creating a preferred venture channel through CoMotion, launching a second $30 million fund targeting UW founders, and expanding alumni investment and mentorship opportunities.
Pack Ventures partners with University of Washington, raises $30M fund to back UW founders
Pack Ventures, an independent VC fund, has formalized a partnership with the University of Washington and CoMotion to support UW-affiliated startups, launch its second fund, and is raising $30 million with over 50 investors so far. Founder Ken Horenstein says the fund will lower investment barriers for alumni, attract faculty and students, boost philanthropy, and he has pledged up to 2% of his personal proceeds to the UW.
Pack Ventures raises $30M second fund to back University of Washington spinouts across AI, biotech, robotics
Pack Ventures is raising a $30 million second fund to invest in University of Washington-linked startups across AI, biotech, robotics, and next-generation computing, building on prior investments in 29 companies and over 50 current investors in the new fund.
Pack Ventures Seeks $30M for Second Fund to Invest in University of Washington-Linked Startups
Pack Ventures, a venture capital fund focused on University of Washington-linked startups, raised $5 million for its first fund and is now aiming to raise $30 million for a second fund to expand its investments. The firm has established a preferred partnership with UW and co-invests with other Seattle VCs in companies across life sciences, software, and healthcare sectors.
Seattle Startup Autev Develops Autonomous Robots for Mobile Fast-Charging of Electric Vehicles
Autev, a Seattle-based startup co-founded by Syd Manna and Osama AlSalloum, is developing autonomous robots equipped with robotic arms to fast-charge electric vehicles by navigating to parked cars and plugging in without human assistance. This mobile, battery-powered system offers a plug-and-play alternative to costly EV infrastructure upgrades, targeting workplaces, apartments, and condos.
Gen AI Series: Ensuring Data Transparency for Gen AI models. A Conversation with Jai Jaisimha and Rob Eleveld, The Transparency Coalition
Send us Fan Mail Artificial intelligence has the potential to be a powerful tool for human progress if properly trained, harnessed, and deployed. Policies must be created to protect personal privacy, nurture innovation, and foster prosperity. The Transparency Coalition (https://www.transparencycoalition.ai/). a non-profit, is focused on creating tools, systems, and policies that hold AI developers and deployers accountable for the legal and ethical creation and operation of AI systems. Listen to the two founders of Transparency Coalition, Jai Jaishima and Rob Elevelde as they articulate the strategy they have deployed to hold developers like Open AI, Microsoft, Google and Meta accountable…
Seattle Startup Sanctum Develops Private Pods for Solo Travelers to Work or Rest, Targeting Airports and 2026 FIFA World Cup
Seattle startup Sanctum is creating private, enclosed pods designed for solo travelers to work or rest in airports, with plans to expand to gyms, co-working spaces, and major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The pods offer amenities like ventilation and charging ports and are intended to be rented by the minute.
University of Washington Opens $3M CoMotion HQ Supporting 285 Startup Spinouts in Innovation Hub
The University of Washington opened a $3 million new headquarters for CoMotion, its startup and technology commercialization program, featuring flexible workspaces and cultural elements. The space is part of a larger campus redevelopment aiming to enhance research and collaboration.
CoMotion Endorses AUTM COVID-19 Licensing Guidelines to Facilitate Access to University Innovations
CoMotion supports rapid access to university COVID-19 innovations by endorsing AUTM's humanitarian licensing guidelines and provides ongoing resources like webinars and podcasts for startups navigating the pandemic.
AI's transparency problem: Tech leaders advocate for new insights into training data
Artificial intelligence is a powerful technology that promises to reshape the future, but it also poses many risks. One of the most pressing issues is the lack of regulation and oversight of the data used to train AI models. A new nonprofit, the Seattle-based Transparency Coalition (transparencycoalition.ai) aims to address this issue. The co-founders of the group, veteran startup founders and technology leaders Rob Eleveld and Jai Jaisimha, join us on this episode of the GeekWire Podcast to discuss their reasons for starting the organization, and their goals to help shape emerging legislation and public policy in this area. With…
University of Washington’s David Baker Credits Open-Code Rosetta Commons for Protein Design Startup Success
David Baker, director of the University of Washington’s Institute for Protein Design (IPD), emphasizes open code sharing as key to the institute’s success in creating protein design startups. The IPD’s collaborative Rosetta Commons consortium has enabled widespread development of protein design tools, fostering innovation and spinouts in biotech.
UW Oceanographers Launch Banyu Carbon Startup to Remove CO2 from Seawater, Raising $8.5M and Securing $500K CO2 Removal Deal
University of Washington oceanographers Julian Sachs and Alex Gagnon co-founded Banyu Carbon, a startup developing technology to extract carbon dioxide from seawater to combat climate change. The Seattle-based company has raised $8.5 million, secured a $500,000 contract to remove 350 tons of CO2 by 2026, and is supported by notable programs and investors.
