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Seattle’s ‘Third Act’: VCs Say Local Superstars Are Deep-Tech Startups Building Rockets, Geothermal Plants and Autonomous Vehicles
Two Seattle venture capitalists argue that the city’s next wave of superstar startups are already here but focus on deep tech—intelligent machines and physical products like rockets, geothermal plants and autonomous off-road vehicles—rather than pure software. They frame this shift as Seattle’s "Third Act," building on maritime/aerospace roots (Act I) and the software/cloud boom (Act II) to combine hardware and software using local infrastructure and talent.
Agility Robotics names Michael Beer CFO as Jennifer Hunter shifts to COO ahead of planned public listing; other tech executive moves reported
Agility Robotics hired Michael Beer as CFO while current CFO/COO Jennifer Hunter will focus solely on operations as the company prepares to go public; other tech moves include Matt Fisher becoming CTO of Efekta Education and another security leader, Rahul Prakash, departing Microsoft. Zap Energy also appointed a chief legal officer and KEXP named a new CPTO, reflecting a wave of executive changes across startups and tech firms.
General Fusion’s GFUZ Debuts on Nasdaq as Fusion Private Funding Hits $4.5B in 12 Months
General Fusion became the first fusion energy company to list on a major exchange when GFUZ debuted on Nasdaq, sending its stock higher. The Fusion Industry Association report said private funding for fusion companies reached $4.5 billion in the past 12 months and $13.3 billion over five years, driven partly by demand from AI data centers and large rounds like Helion Energy’s $465 million raise.
Zap Energy's FuZE-3 Reactor Generates Pressure 10 Times Mariana Trench Level, Paving Way for Fusion Power
Zap Energy’s FuZE-3 fusion reactor achieved pressures 10 times higher than those at the Mariana Trench, marking a major milestone in fusion power development. The company plans to commission a fifth device, FuZE-A, next month to further advance and optimize fusion technology.
Insights from Uncommon Thinkers: How these innovators found novel approaches in their fields
This week on the GeekWire Podcast, we sit down with some of the Seattle region’s “Uncommon Thinkers” — inventors, scientists, technologists and entrepreneurs transforming industries and driving positive change in the world. We recorded the episode on location, backstage at the GeekWire Gala, where we recognized five Uncommon Thinkers through this annual awards program, presented in partnership with Greater Seattle Partners. Speaking on the episode are: Uri Shumlak, co-founder and chief scientist at Zap Energy, a physicist leading a team in pursuit of fusion energy, taking a different approach from others in the field. Read the profile. Ingrid Swanson Pultz…
Zap Energy Secures $130M Funding and Advances Century Fusion Power Plant Demo System
Zap Energy raised $130 million in funding and is progressing on its Century system, a demonstration of key technologies for fusion power plants aimed at producing 50 megawatts per module. The Century device integrates power-generation components while the core fusion reactor FuZE-Q continues development.
Zap Energy Debuts Custom FuZE Grill Inspired by Fusion Devices at Everett Headquarters BBQ
Zap Energy, a Seattle-area fusion startup, hosted a summer BBQ at its new Everett headquarters featuring a custom FuZE Grill made by construction company Trico that resembles its fusion devices. The event showcased fusion-themed dishes and attracted about 40 attendees.
Zap Energy Secures $5M DOE Grant for Fusion Power Development with FuZE-Q Device Targeting 2030 Grid Integration
Zap Energy received a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to support its development of fusion power using its fourth-generation Z-pinch device, FuZE-Q, aiming for commercial fusion energy by 2030. Despite challenges, the DOE funding serves as a significant national-level endorsement of Zap's work toward achieving fusion breakeven.
CTFusion Shuts Down After Failing to Raise Venture Capital; Co-Founders Join Rival Zap Energy
CTFusion, a University of Washington spinoff fusion startup, ceased operations after failing to secure venture capital despite $20 million in government grants. Three of its four co-founders have joined rival company Zap Energy, as the Pacific Northwest remains a key region for fusion energy development.
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Uri Shumlak Researcher
