Microsoft
Facts
- HQ
- NASDAQ:MSFT
- Sectors
- Technology, Workplace tools, Cloud
- Founded
- 1975
- Employees
- 221000
- Stage
- Public
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.
Innovation in Turbulent Times: Voices from the GeekWire Awards
Recorded live at the 2025 GeekWire Awards in Seattle, this episode features industry leaders navigating a shifting tech and political landscape. Amid celebrations of AI breakthroughs, startup milestones, and community-building, guests discuss deeper concerns: capital flight, regulatory headwinds, and what the region needs to retain its innovation edge. Featured on the show: Ambika Singh, founder and CEO of Armoire (Workplace of the Year winner) Joseph Williams, Washington State Department of Commerce (Public Policy Champion for Innovation) Emer Dooley, Creative Destruction Lab, University of Washington (Geeks Give Back honoree) Laura Ruderman, CEO of the Technology Alliance Aviel Ginzburg, co-founder at Foundations…
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.
AI teammates, a fully remote unicorn, and the new world of work
On this week’s GeekWire Podcast: Microsoft sees a future where humans manage fleets of AI agents — promising to fundamentally change the way companies are run and work gets done. Plus, we dive into the story of Chainguard, the $3.5 billion cybersecurity startup proving that a fully remote company can scale fast without a physical office. And we explore how AI is reshaping everyday life, from travel planning to home repairs. Related stories Meet your new AI teammate: Microsoft sees humans as ‘agent bosses,’ upending the workplace: Microsoft’s 2025 Work Trend Index envisions a future where employees manage AI agents…
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.
Seattle-Area Startups Eve Wealth, Omnivista, and SelfFull Leverage AI in Investing, Voice Agents, and Coaching with $1.75M Raised
Several early stage Seattle-area startups are using AI in innovative ways across diverse sectors including digital asset investing, voice agents for websites, and AI-powered coaching platforms. Notable among them are Eve Wealth relaunching with $1.75 million raised to support crypto education and investment, Omnivista enabling rapid deployment of voice agents for customer interaction, and SelfFull scaling coaching impact with AI.
GeekWire Honors Aviel Ginzburg, Chaitra Vedullapalli, and Emer Dooley for Building Seattle’s Tech Community at 2025 Awards
The 2025 GeekWire Awards honored Aviel Ginzburg, Chaitra Vedullapalli, and Emer Dooley for their efforts in strengthening Seattle's tech community through inclusive initiatives and startup support. The awards ceremony recognizing nearly 50 finalists will take place on April 30, 2025, in Seattle.
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.
Juicer Energy, Led by Ex-OfferUp CEO Nick Huzar, Raises $7M to Expand EV Charging at Apartments and Hotels
Seattle startup Juicer Energy, led by ex-OfferUp CEO Nick Huzar, installs and manages full EV charging infrastructure at apartment buildings, hotels, and businesses, backed by $7 million in funding from notable investors. The company aims to simplify EV charging for both consumers and property owners to support greater EV adoption nationwide.
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.
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.
Seattle Maritime Logistics Startup OpenTug Raises $2.2M Led by New York Firm TMV
Seattle-based maritime logistics startup OpenTug raised $2.2 million in a funding round led by New York firm TMV, bringing its total funding to $5.3 million. OpenTug offers software to optimize freight efficiency for inland and coastal waterways, serving barge shippers and tug operators.
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.
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Ali Farhadi Executive, Former Allen Institute for AI CEO
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Bill Gates Executive, Former CEO, Co-founder
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Gaurav Sareen Executive, Chief Technology Officer - CAP
