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Fintech Startup Enduring Planet Raises $12M Second Fund to Support Early-Stage Climate Startups
Enduring Planet, a Pacific Northwest fintech startup launched in 2021, has closed its second investment fund at over $12 million, more than doubling its initial fund size to support early-stage climate startups. The company focuses on lending to climate ventures with government awards and also provides part-time CFO services.
Alitheon Raises $8M to Scale FeaturePrint Optical AI for Label-Free Physical Object Identification
Alitheon, a Bellevue startup, has raised $8 million to expand its FeaturePrint technology that uses optical AI to create unique digital fingerprints for physical objects without labels. The technology enhances security and traceability across industries, with customers including Argor-Heraeus and Pentagon contracts.
Space Northwest and Commercial Space Federation Launch Accelerator for Early-Stage Space Companies in Kent, WA
Space Northwest and the Commercial Space Federation are launching a regional space business accelerator in Kent, Washington, aimed at supporting up to 10 early-stage space companies with local support from the City of Kent, a hub for space industry businesses like Blue Origin and Stoke Space. The program will begin with an executive roundtable this summer, followed by a 12-week accelerator starting in autumn, focusing on investment readiness, tech commercialization, and integration into the global space supply chain.
WTIA Selects 21 Startups for 14th Founder Cohort Accelerator to Boost Washington State Innovation
The Washington Technology Industry Association selected 21 early-stage startups across Washington state for its 14th Founder Cohort Accelerator Program, focusing on fields like AI, cybersecurity, and healthcare. The four-month program offers mentorship, peer learning, and investor connections to support entrepreneurial growth.
Seattle’s Rec Room Social Gaming Platform Shuts Down June 1, 2026 After $294M Funding and $3.5B Valuation
Seattle-based social gaming platform Rec Room, which attracted 150 million players and reached a $3.5 billion valuation in 2021, is shutting down on June 1, 2026 due to unviable business economics. Founded in 2016 by former Microsoft engineers, Rec Room built a decade-long virtual community but ultimately could not sustain its operations.
Humanly Acquires Anthill to Expand AI Hiring Platform with Employee Engagement Features
Humanly, an AI-powered hiring startup based in Bellevue, Washington, acquired Anthill to enhance its employee engagement capabilities. This acquisition follows Humanly's previous purchases of three recruiting technology companies and aims to integrate post-hire engagement with its existing candidate attraction, screening, and interviewing tools.
Fuse closes $250M second fund to back 30–35 Pacific Northwest software and AI startups
Seattle-area VC firm Fuse has closed a $250 million second fund to invest in 30–35 Pacific Northwest software and AI-enabled startups, writing $1M–$10M checks and co-leading rounds. Backers include state-affiliated accounts, foundations, universities and prominent Seattle software executives, and Fuse aims to back companies that automate business processes or augment workers.
