Norwest
Pioneer Square Labs spins out 25 startups in five years; six launched during pandemic surge
Seattle startup studio Pioneer Square Labs (PSL) spun out 25 startups in five years — six during a six-month pandemic stretch — by rapidly testing ideas, though it has yet to produce a breakout unicorn and faces criticism over founder dilution.
Wyze Labs raises $15M in Series A-1 (additional $5M) with investment from Jay-Z’s Marcy Venture Partners, plans thermostat and video doorbell
Wyze Labs raised an additional $5 million in a Series A-1 round—bringing $15 million in new funds—to expand its smart-home products, with investment from Marcy Venture Partners, co-founded by Jay-Z. The Seattle startup plans new devices including a thermostat and video doorbell and has raised $36 million to date.
Uplevel launches remote-work analytics to track engineers' 'always on' hours, isolation, and throughput
Seattle startup Uplevel, which emerged from stealth earlier this year, added new analytics features to measure developer productivity and wellbeing in remote work settings, tracking metrics like messaging hours, meeting attendance, and engineering throughput. The tools aim to help managers detect overwork, isolation, and workflow bottlenecks caused by increased digital interruptions and home distractions.
Wyze Labs Raises $10M in Series A-1 Led by Norwest to Expand Smart Home Products and Boost AI Amid COVID-19
Wyze Labs raised $10 million in a Series A-1 round led by Norwest to expand its smart home products and enhance AI technology, while adapting operations during the COVID-19 crisis. The startup responded to pandemic needs by supplying no-touch thermometers, face masks, and webcam firmware, despite facing supply chain challenges.
Co-living Startup Common Launches Two Shared-Living Buildings in Seattle with $1,600 Monthly Rent
Common, a New York-based co-living startup, has launched two buildings in Seattle offering private rooms with shared amenities for about $1,600 per month, aiming to provide more affordable housing alternatives in the city's expensive market. The company highlights these flexible, community-driven homes as a solution to Seattle's housing supply and demand challenges.
