Facts
- HQ
- Seattle, WA, US
- Sectors
- Venture Capital and Private Equity Principals
- Founded
- 2006
- Employees
- 96
UW CoMotion Labs announces data center Climate Tech Incubator supported by Microsoft and E8, launching Feb–May 2027
On September 15, 2026, UW CoMotion Labs, supported by Microsoft and E8 with Elemental Impact as advisor, launched a four-month Climate Tech Incubator focused on data center energy, cooling, water, and materials challenges. The February–May 2027 Seattle program targets pre-seed and seed founders, offering commercialization support, technical mentorship, and investor connections to accelerate deployment.
Investors at Pacific Northwest Climate Week urge funding for grid upgrades, EVs, solar and ag‑tech over data-center and some nuclear bets
At a Pacific Northwest Climate Week rooftop happy hour in Seattle, investors and founders said current tools can decarbonize the economy but urged capital to focus on proven infrastructure solutions like grid upgrades, EVs, solar and ag-tech rather than overhyped areas such as data centers and some nuclear startups. Participants highlighted increasing individual investor commitment despite federal and geopolitical headwinds and noted the event drew nearly 7,000 people across 313 events.
Seattle Startup Emerald Battery Labs Raises $1.1M to Scale Sodium-Ion Battery Technology Competing with Chinese Giants CATL and BYD
Seattle-based Emerald Battery Labs raised nearly $1.1 million in a pre-seed round to scale its sodium-ion battery technology, offering a cheaper and safer alternative to lithium-ion batteries. While China leads in sodium-ion battery production through companies like CATL and BYD, U.S. startups are entering the competition amid growing demand for energy storage solutions.
TerraPower, Group14 Technologies, and Helion Energy Secure Over $1.5 Billion in Pacific Northwest Climate Tech Funding in 2025
The three largest investment rounds in the Pacific Northwest in 2025 have all gone to climate tech companies: TerraPower, Group14 Technologies, and Helion Energy, totaling over $1.5 billion. Despite political and economic challenges, clean energy firms in the region attracted nearly 40% of total investment funding so far this year.
Aquagga Wins $1,500 Top Prize at PNW Climate Week for Portable PFAS Destruction Technology
Aquagga won the top prize of $1,500 at a PNW Climate Week pitch contest for its portable units that destroy harmful PFAS 'forever chemicals' in contaminated wastewater, addressing major environmental and health concerns. The startup, led by CEO Dhileep Sivam, is expanding operations with new contracts including a three-year deal in Colorado and work with 3M.
Jay Choi Named CEO of Typeform; Charley Daitch CEO of Rowan Digital Infrastructure; Allison Arnold Joins VertueLab Board
Jay Choi, former Qualtrics executive, is now CEO of Typeform, while Charley Daitch, ex-AWS director, became CEO of Rowan Digital Infrastructure, and Allison Arnold joined VertueLab's board.
University of Washington’s AgroFilms Wins $15,000 at 2023 Alaska Airlines Environmental Innovation Challenge
University of Washington students competed in the Alaska Airlines Environmental Innovation Challenge, with AgroFilms winning the $15,000 grand prize for their biodegradable solution. The event showcased innovative climate tech startups integrating various technologies to tackle environmental challenges.
Tacoma Startup Aquagga Deploys PFAS Destroyer 'Eleanor' in Alaska, Secures $5.7M Funding to Combat Toxic Forever Chemicals
Tacoma startup Aquagga deployed its PFAS destruction device, 'Eleanor,' in Fairbanks, Alaska, successfully treating 20,000 gallons of contaminated wastewater. The startup has secured $4.7 million in government contracts and $1 million in private funding to combat toxic 'forever chemicals' in water.
Seattle Startup Nvirovate Raises $850K to Commercialize Soy-Based Compostable Adhesives Cutting 70% Greenhouse Gases
Seattle startup Nvirovate is commercializing a soy-based, compostable adhesive to replace petroleum-based glues in shipping labels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 70%. Founded in May 2021, Nvirovate recently secured $850,000 in angel investments to expand into the $80 billion global tape and label market.
Fintech Startup Formations Raises $8M to Simplify Taxes for Freelancers with Focus on Realtors
Bellevue-based fintech startup Formations raised $8 million to simplify tax and paperwork processes for self-employed individuals, initially targeting realtors. The company has served about 700 customers with average savings of $8,000 each and recently partnered with Gusto to expand its services.
Gopuff adds Sanjay Shah, Dan Beranek and Komal Kashiramka to Seattle leadership as company valued at $15B after $1B funding
Gopuff expanded its Seattle leadership team by hiring three executives — Sanjay Shah (SVP North America fulfillment), Dan Beranek (VP product for fresh food) and Komal Kashiramka (director of engineering for Gopuff Kitchen) — after a $1 billion funding round that valued the company at $15 billion. Other regional moves include Vinayak Hegde promoted to president of Wheels Up and FlavorCloud hiring Telved Devlet as VP of customer success and operations.
Investors Pour Billions into Climate Tech as E8 Expands and Sector Raises $14.2B by Midyear
A wide range of investors — from tech employees to former VCs and concerned parents — are increasingly funding climate-tech startups, driving a sharp rise in capital flows after years of stagnation. By midyear, climate tech companies raised $14.2 billion globally, supported by growing networks like Seattle’s E8 and large climate-focused funds from private equity and venture firms.
E8 launches Decarbon8-US philanthropic fund to back climate-tech startups, raised $120,000 so far
Seattle-based E8 launched Decarbon8-US, a tax-deductible philanthropic fund that lets anyone donate to support early-stage climate-tech startups; it has raised $120,000 so far and will award $50,000–$75,000 to three-to-six companies announced in July.
StormSensor Raises $1.2 Million to Expand Digital Stormwater Monitoring for Pollution and Flood Prevention
Seattle startup StormSensor raised $1.2 million to expand its wireless stormwater monitoring system that helps municipalities and agencies track pollution and prevent flooding. Founded in 2015, the company uses predictive algorithms to digitize stormwater quality reporting and has piloted its system in locations including Jersey City and the Port of Seattle.
People
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Martin Tobias Founder
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Karin Kidder Executive Director, Member, Investor
