Charlotte Schubert
Charlotte Schubert is a GeekWire contributing writer focused on biotech, healthcare, and life sciences; she is a Seattle native with a Ph.D. in developmental biology.
University of Washington’s David Baker Credits Open-Code Rosetta Commons for Protein Design Startup Success
David Baker, director of the University of Washington’s Institute for Protein Design (IPD), emphasizes open code sharing as key to the institute’s success in creating protein design startups. The IPD’s collaborative Rosetta Commons consortium has enabled widespread development of protein design tools, fostering innovation and spinouts in biotech.
Phase Genomics Secures $2.5M to Develop AI Platform for Detecting Cancer Chromosomal Aberrations
Seattle startup Phase Genomics received $2.5 million in funding, including $2 million from the U.S. National Cancer Institute and $500,000 from Washington state's Andy Hill CARE Fund, to advance its AI-driven platform that detects chromosomal aberrations in cancer. The funding supports projects analyzing tumor samples to develop predictive scores for cancers like acute myeloid leukemia and colorectal cancer.
Seattle's Dexter Yard Develops into Major South Lake Union Biotech Cluster with Outpace Bio and Allen Institute
Seattle's Dexter Yard has become a growing biotech and life sciences hub, attracting companies like Outpace Bio and the Allen Institute with 528,000 square feet of new lab and office space. The area, located in South Lake Union, is part of a larger regional expansion of science facilities supported by major real estate developments and significant biotech investment.
CurvaFix Raises $39M to Expand Marketing of FDA-Cleared Curved Pelvic Fracture Implant, CEO Transitioned to Mark Foster
Seattle startup CurvaFix raised $39 million to expand marketing of its FDA-cleared curved implant for pelvic fracture repair, addressing an underserved patient population mainly consisting of elderly women. Founder Steve Dimmer stepped down as CEO, succeeded by Mark Foster to lead growth.
Wavely Diagnostics Raises $1.35M to Launch Smartphone App Detecting Ear Infections via Acoustic Signals in 2023
Wavely Diagnostics, a University of Washington spinout, raised $1.35 million to develop a smartphone app that detects ear infections using acoustic signals. The app aims to enable virtual pediatric care by connecting users with physicians and is slated for public release later this year.
AltPep Raises $52.9M to Advance Early Detection and Treatments for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases
AltPep, a University of Washington spinout developing tests and treatments for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, raised $52.9 million in Series B funding to advance clinical trials and regulatory approval for its early detection blood test. The company targets toxic oligomers linked to Alzheimer’s and a related protein in Parkinson’s, aiming to enable early screening and preventive treatment.
Ziad Ismail Named COO of Seattle AI Startup Xembly; Jennifer Sullo Joins Earth Finance; Aaron Bird Becomes Inflection.io CEO
Ziad Ismail has joined Seattle AI startup Xembly as COO, bringing extensive experience from Convoy and Microsoft. Additionally, Jennifer Sullo joined Earth Finance as managing director, and Aaron Bird became CEO of Seattle marketing startup Inflection.io.
Neoleukin Therapeutics Cuts 70% of Workforce, CEO Jonathan Drachman to Step Down Amid Strategic Review
Neoleukin Therapeutics is cutting about 70% of its workforce and exploring strategic alternatives including sale or merger, with CEO Jonathan Drachman stepping down. The company’s stock rose by over 30% following the announcement.
Seattle Startup Aiberry Raises $8M for AI Mental Health Screening Software Using Conversation Analysis
Seattle-area startup Aiberry raised $8 million to develop AI-powered software that screens mental health conditions by analyzing audio, visual, and language data from short conversations. The tool offers an alternative to traditional surveys by providing risk scores and insights via a clinician dashboard, and is compliant with federal health privacy regulations.
Seattle's 98point6 Sells Virtual Care Platform and Primary Care Business to Transcarent for $100M
Seattle healthcare startup 98point6 is selling its virtual care platform and primary care business to San Francisco-based Transcarent for $100 million in cash and equity, with the transaction expected to close by March 31. Post-sale, 98point6 will focus exclusively on software licensing as 98point6 Technologies, while about half of its workforce, including clinical staff, will move to Transcarent.
University of Washington Students' Endozene Wins $15,000 for Endometriosis Menstrual Blood Test at 8th UW Hollomon Health Innovation Challenge
University of Washington students' startup Endozene won the top prize and $15,000 at the 8th annual UW Hollomon Health Innovation Challenge for developing a menstrual blood test to detect endometriosis using a lateral flow assay. Other winning teams included Amor, creating an artificial liver support device, and OneCourt.
Armoire Hires Ex-Microsoft CTO Laura Butler; Chewy Acquires Petabyte for $43.4M, Elevates Founder Michael Hyman to VP
Clothing rental startup Armoire appointed former Microsoft technical fellow Laura Butler as CTO, while pet e-commerce company Chewy promoted Michael Hyman to VP following its $43.4 million acquisition of his veterinary startup Petabyte.
Seattle Identity Verification Startup Vouched Raises $6.3M Led by BHG VC, Zulily Founders Participate
Seattle-based identity verification startup Vouched raised $6.3 million in a funding round led by BHG VC and SpringRock Ventures, with participation from Zulily co-founders Darrell Cavens and Mark Vadon. The company uses AI to verify identities for over 300 financial and healthcare clients and has now raised over $18 million in total.
Abacus Bioscience Raises $4.4M for Novel Cancer Vaccine Technology Led by Ex-Seagen Executives
Abacus Bioscience, a University of Washington spinout led by former Seattle Genetics veterans, raised $4.4 million to develop a novel cancer vaccine approach targeting tumor antigens to stimulate a strong immune response. Despite historical skepticism about cancer vaccines, Abacus aims to advance a new technology that activates immune cells via antibody fragments linked to tumor antigens.
Seattle-Area Longevity Biomedical to Go Public via SPAC in Q2 2023, Raising $30M with $236M Valuation
Longevity Biomedical, formed by merging Seattle-area startups Cerevast Medical, NovoKera, and Aegeria Soft Tissue, plans to go public via a SPAC merger expected to close in Q2 2023, raising at least $30 million. The combined company targets healthspan extension with treatments for stroke, blindness, and soft-tissue reconstruction, and is valued at $236.2 million.
Seattle Biotech Myosana Raises $5M to Develop Advanced Gene Therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Myosana Therapeutics, a Seattle biotech co-founded by University of Washington researchers, raised $5 million to advance a novel gene therapy candidate targeting Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The company aims to develop a gene delivery platform that can handle larger DNA segments compared to current standard methods, potentially improving treatment options against DMD.
SafKan Health Raises $8M and Secures FDA Clearance for OtoSet Earwax Removal Device after Viral TikTok Success
Seattle-based SafKan Health has raised $8 million and received FDA clearance for its OtoSet device, which removes earwax through a combination of irrigation and suction and has gained viral attention on TikTok. The device aims to modernize earwax removal by being faster and easier to use than current clinical methods, and has been adopted by hundreds of clinics.
Century Therapeutics Cuts 25% Staff, Closes Seattle and Hamilton Sites, R&D Head Hyam Levitsky to Resign by Jan 31
Century Therapeutics is closing its Seattle hub and cutting 25% of its workforce, including a shutdown of its Hamilton, Ontario location, as it shifts priorities and extends its cash runway to 2026. The company’s president of R&D, Hyam Levitsky, plans to resign by January 31, and Century is de-prioritizing programs for glioblastoma and blood cancers.
Somalytics to Launch SomaSleep Eye-Tracking Sleep Mask for $199 by End of 2023
Somalytics unveiled SomaSleep, a $199 wearable sleep mask that uses eye-tracking sensors to monitor REM sleep, aiming to provide accessible tracking of sleep quality by the end of 2023. The device, showcased at CES, could integrate with existing sleep apps and does not currently seek FDA clearance but plans comparative studies this spring.
Cardiac Dimensions Raises $35M to Advance Carillon System for Treating Mitral Valve Regurgitation
Cardiac Dimensions raised $35 million to support testing and marketing of its Carillon Mitral Contour System, a minimally invasive device for treating mitral valve regurgitation linked to heart failure. The funds will expand European sales and finance a U.S.-based clinical study involving major medical centers.
Flexe CTO David Glick Departs; Impinj Appoints Cathal Phelan as Chief Innovation Officer; FlyHomes and VertueLab Announce New Executives
David Glick resigned as CTO of Flexe after nearly four years, passing leadership to Anthony Girolamo, while Impinj named Cathal Phelan as chief innovation officer. Additionally, Seattle's FlyHomes and Portland's VertueLab announced key executive appointments.
William Canestaro of Washington Research Foundation Advises Life Science Entrepreneurs on Essential First 10 Calls for Startup Success
William Canestaro, managing director of Washington Research Foundation and WRF Capital, advises life science entrepreneurs on crucial early-stage contacts and questions to keep startups on track, highlighting the importance of support networks, investor feedback, and careful regulatory consultation.
Claudiu Bulai Joins AI Startup Quantarium; Lynn Seely Named CEO of Lyell Immunopharma
Claudiu Bulai joined Bellevue AI startup Quantarium as chief innovation officer after five years at Meta’s Reality Labs Research. Lynn Seely became CEO and president of Lyell Immunopharma, succeeding Elizabeth Homans, who will consult through June 2024.
Maureen Ezekwugo Named CEO of Oggvo; Chad Cohen Joins Capella Space as CFO and COO; GitHub Appoints Inbal Shani as Chief Product Officer
Maureen Ezekwugo became CEO of Seattle-based Oggvo, specializing in customer review software, while Chad Cohen joined Capella Space as CFO and COO. Microsoft-owned GitHub hired Inbal Shani as its new chief product officer, and Falkon added two executives after raising $16 million.
Intrinsic Medicine Terminates $178.8M SPAC Deal With Phoenix Biotech Amid Market Downturn
Seattle biotech startup Intrinsic Medicine's planned $178.8 million SPAC merger with Phoenix Biotech Acquisition Corp. has been terminated due to market conditions. The company had previously withdrawn its traditional IPO filing and plans to advance clinical trials for its sugar-based therapeutic molecules.
Organizations
-
GeekWire Contributing Writer · current
