Microsoft
Facts
- HQ
- NASDAQ:MSFT
- Sectors
- Technology, Workplace tools, Cloud
- Founded
- 1975
- Employees
- 221000
- Stage
- Public
Bala Vishwanath Named SeekOut CMO; Zillow’s Chad Cohen and Zulily’s Darrell Cavens Join Grindr and Match Group Boards
Bala Vishwanath joined SeekOut as chief marketing officer, while former Zillow CFO Chad Cohen and ex-Zulily CEO Darrell Cavens joined the boards of Grindr and Match Group, respectively. These appointments highlight leadership changes in prominent Seattle-area tech and dating companies.
Student Team Kymavi Wins $3,000 at TiE Young Entrepreneur Seattle Finals with Ocean-Healing Biodegradable Plastic Bags
A student team named Kymavi won the TiE Young Entrepreneur Seattle chapter finals with biodegradable plastic bags that release ocean-healing additives. They received a $3,000 prize and will represent Seattle at the TYE Global Finals in Washington, D.C.
Seattle Startups Airloom AI, Artemis Software Works, and Genmark Innovate in Security Video Search, Software Tools, and Marketing Automation
The article spotlights Seattle-based tech startups Airloom AI, Artemis Software Works, and Genmark, highlighting their founders, focus areas, and recent developments. These startups work in video operations for security footage, secretive software tools, and marketing automation, respectively.
Seattle Has Fewer Than 20 Unicorn Startups Amid Top AI Talent and Tech Giants in 2025
Seattle hosts fewer than 20 unicorn startups, representing about 1.5% of global unicorns as of January 2025, despite having a dense tech talent pool and being a prime location for AI businesses. Industry leaders argue that the number of unicorns alone is a poor measure of regional tech success, pointing to Seattle's strengths in AI, cloud giants, and fast-growing startups.
Seattle Fusion Startups Helion, Zap, Avalanche Clash Over Commercial Power Timelines at Investor Summit
At a Seattle-area Technology Alliance event, fusion startups Helion Energy, Zap Energy, and Avalanche Energy debated their timelines and challenges in commercializing fusion power, with Helion targeting a 2028 fusion power plant for Microsoft and competitors expressing skepticism about such aggressive goals.
Seattle Musician Danny Newcomb Launches Incantio Startup with $350,000 Pre-Seed Funding to Help Indie Artists Self-License Music Rights
Seattle musician Danny Newcomb founded Incantio, a startup launching a two-sided marketplace that helps independent musicians self-license and manage music rights while enabling creators to find and license music easily. The company raised $350,000 in pre-seed funding and plans to start generating revenue, aiming to empower indie artists with royalty retention amid a streaming-dominated industry.
Helion Energy to Build World's First Fusion Plant in Malaga, Washington, Powering Microsoft Data Centers with 50MW
Helion Energy plans to build the world's first fusion power plant near the Rock Island Dam in Malaga, Washington, aiming to begin construction this summer and provide 50 megawatts of clean energy to Microsoft data centers. The company, backed by over $1 billion in investments from notable investors like Sam Altman and SoftBank, has been engaging extensively with the local community and authorities to secure permits and support.
Technology Alliance Report Warns Public Investment Lags Behind Private R&D in Washington, Causing 23% Drop in Patents from 2018 to 2023
Washington state's innovation sector faces risk due to a heavy reliance on private R&D spending, with public investment in research lagging significantly. This imbalance has led to a 23% drop in patent filings and limited startup diversity beyond IT and healthcare sectors.
Pay-i announces $4.9M seed round as Bellevue startup launches ROI platform for generative AI
Bellevue-based Pay-i, an intelligence platform that measures returns from generative AI investments, announced it is coming out of stealth with $4.9 million in seed funding and is now generally available across major cloud providers and models. The September 2023-founded startup — led by co-founders David Tepper, Doron Holan and Erik Winters — will use the funds to accelerate product development and expand enterprise adoption.
Neotribe-led $13.7M Series A in Yoodli to Expand AI Roleplay Enterprise Platform Serving Google, Databricks and More
Neotribe Ventures led a $13.7 million Series A in Yoodli, an AI roleplay enterprise platform that helps users rehearse high-stakes conversations with real-time feedback; existing investors including Madrona, Cercano, AI2 and Neotribe (who previously invested) highlighted Yoodli’s enterprise traction with customers like Google, Databricks, RingCentral, Snowflake and BDO. The funding will expand sales, customer success, and engineering while improving personalization and realism in roleplays to address communication training gaps at scale.
Microsoft Veterans’ Startup Pay-i Raises $4.9M to Quantify ROI of Generative AI Investments
Seattle startup Pay-i, founded by Microsoft veterans, raised $4.9 million to develop software that measures the ROI of generative AI initiatives by linking usage data to business KPIs. The company aims to provide real-time insights on AI value creation and projects over $2 million ARR by 2026.
Sophia Space Raises $3.5M Pre-Seed to Develop TILE Orbital Data Centers for In-Space AI and Edge Computing
Sophia Space, a Seattle- and California-based startup co-founded by former NASA and tech veterans, raised $3.5 million in pre-seed funding to develop its TILE orbital data center platform for in-space AI and edge computing. The platform aims to reduce latency by processing data closer to its source in space using radiation-resistant, solar-powered compute modules.
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 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.
Seattle Recruiting Startup Humanly Triples Revenue and Raises $7 Million Amid Hiring Slowdown
Seattle-based recruiting software startup Humanly is experiencing rapid growth with a 3X annual revenue increase and a recent $7 million funding raise, despite a broader hiring slowdown. The company uses automation to help companies manage increased applicant volumes and improve candidate experiences, positioning itself strongly for market rebounds.
Seattle Startup Row Zero Raises $10 Million Seed Round to Revolutionize Big Data Spreadsheet Analysis
Seattle startup Row Zero raised $10 million in a seed round led by IA Ventures to develop a spreadsheet software optimized for big data analysis. Founded by former AWS engineers, the company aims to provide a faster, enterprise-grade alternative to traditional spreadsheets, with over 1,500 companies already using its platform.
Statsig Raises $100M at $1.1B Valuation to Expand AI-Powered Product Development Platform
Statsig raised $100 million in Series C funding at a $1.1 billion valuation to expand its AI-driven product development platform that unifies A/B testing, analytics, and feature management. Led by Iconiq Growth with participation from Sequoia and Madrona, the company aims to grow its product offerings and 140-person team amid increasing AI-driven software complexity.
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.
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.
Seattle Legal Tech Startup Supio Raises $60M Series B to Expand AI Software for Personal Injury and Mass Tort Law
Seattle startup Supio raised $60 million in a Series B funding round to expand its AI-powered software that helps lawyers efficiently manage personal injury and mass tort case data. The company, led by co-founders Jerry Zhou and Kyle Lam, has seen its annual recurring revenue quadruple since August and has raised a total of $91 million to date.
Seattle Startup Gumshoe Raises $2M to Help Marketers Navigate AI Search Tool Recommendations
Seattle startup Gumshoe, led by Todd Sawicki and Patrick O’Donnell, raised $2 million to help marketers understand AI search tools' product recommendations and brand visibility. Their platform analyzes AI-generated conversations to reveal brand mentions, sources cited, and evolving trends in AI search, addressing marketers' concerns about the impact of AI on e-commerce and SEO.
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.
Chainguard Raises $356 Million Series D, Valued at $3.5 Billion in Under Two Years
Cybersecurity startup Chainguard raised $356 million in a Series D funding round led by Kleiner Perkins and IVP, boosting its valuation to $3.5 billion from $1.12 billion less than a year ago. Founded in 2021, Chainguard helps secure software supply chains, focusing on open source software security, and has grown its annual recurring revenue to $40 million with plans to exceed $100 million soon.
People
See all 8-
Ali Farhadi Executive, Former Allen Institute for AI CEO
-
Bill Gates Executive, Former CEO, Co-founder
-
Gaurav Sareen Executive, Chief Technology Officer - CAP
