Erik Benson
Erik Benson is currently an investor at 4AG Robotics and Overland AI, and serves as a board member at Burro, Carbon Robotics, and Lighter Capital. His expertise includes applied AI, agricultural technology, and deep tech.
Seattle’s Agtech Startups Like Carbon Robotics Garner $157M to Drive Sustainable Farming Amid Industry Growth
Seattle and the Pacific Northwest are becoming a major hub for agriculture technology, driven by local tech talent, innovative farming, and advances in robotics and AI. Despite a dip in agtech investments from 2021 to 2022, startups like Seattle-based Carbon Robotics are raising significant funding and developing sustainable farming technologies.
Seattle’s Tech Sector Struggles with Microsoft and Amazon Layoffs, $146M Budget Deficit Projected
Seattle's tech scene faces challenges due to layoffs at Microsoft and Amazon, leading to decreased retail spending, restaurant closures, and a projected $146 million city budget deficit. Despite these setbacks, the AI boom may alter hiring trends and create new opportunities for startups in the region.
Seattle VCs Forecast AI Dominance and Crypto Skepticism in 2025 Tech Landscape
Seattle venture capitalists predict AI will dominate tech trends in 2025, emphasizing its integration into consumer interactions and infrastructure. While AI is expected to advance, some also view crypto as the most overhyped technology.
'Seattle Freeze' Social Dynamic Criticized and Debated at WTIA FullConTech; Industry Leaders Call for Action in Seattle Startup Scene
Discussion about the 'Seattle Freeze' social dynamic resurfaced at the WTIA FullConTech conference, highlighting challenges for startup founders in Seattle. Industry leaders debated the issue, with some urging focus on actionable solutions over complaints.
Voyager Capital Targets $100M Sixth Fund to Support Early-Stage B2B Startups in the Pacific Northwest
Voyager Capital is aiming to raise $100 million for its sixth fund to invest in early-stage B2B startups in the Pacific Northwest, targeting software, SaaS, AI, and cloud infrastructure sectors. Founded in 1997, the firm has backed over 75 companies and manages more than $520 million in assets.
Carbon Robotics unveils 2022 LaserWeeder with 30 CO2 lasers; sold out after orders, taking 2023 pre-orders
Seattle startup Carbon Robotics unveiled the 2022 LaserWeeder, a tractor-pulled AI and computer-vision system using 30 CO2 lasers to kill weeds, can cover ~2 acres/hour, has sold out and is taking 2023 pre-orders. Carbon, founded in 2018 by Paul Mikesell, has raised $36 million to date and employs 35 people; a Voyager Capital partner called it the fastest-growing company hes seen in 23 years.
Carbon Robotics raises $27M to scale AI laser weed-zapping robots as farmers report pesticide-free savings
Seattle startup Carbon Robotics raised $27 million to scale its AI-powered, laser-based autonomous weed-removal robots, which farmers say cut pesticide use, save time, and improve soil health while the company has sold out 2021–2022 models and reported over $20 million in bookings.
Lighter Capital raises more than $100M (mostly debt) to expand revenue-based financing for startups
Lighter Capital has raised over $100 million (mostly debt) to expand its revenue-based financing program that lets startups get $50,000–$3 million without giving up equity. The Seattle firm, which has invested $200M in 400+ companies, is now profitable with 36 employees after prior layoffs and recently named Melissa Widner CEO.
Videon raises $7.3M Series A led by Voyager Capital, hires Rob Green as Seattle-based CEO and opens co-HQ
Videon raised $7.3 million in a Series A led by Seattle-based Voyager Capital, hired Seattle-based tech veteran Rob Green as CEO, and will shift part of its operations from State College, Pennsylvania to open a co-headquarters in Seattle. The 44-employee company provides edge video compute hardware and ultra-low-latency live-streaming solutions used across 19+ countries and plans to expand leadership, engineering, marketing, and sales with the new funding.
Lighter Capital appoints Melissa Widner as CEO after layoffs; firm has invested $200M+ using revenue-based financing
Seattle alternative VC firm Lighter Capital named Melissa Widner as CEO; she succeeds Thor Culverhouse and joins a company that has deployed $200M+ via revenue-based financing and recently cut staff from ~80 to 23 before rising to 25 employees. Widner, a Sydney-based board member and former NAB venture managing partner, plans remote hiring as the firm seeks global growth.
Organizations
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Burro Board Member 2026–present · current
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Pyka Investor 2026–present · current
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4AG Robotics Investor 2025–present · current
Education
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Harvard Business School MBA, Business Administration and Management, General · 1995–1997
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Pacific Lutheran University Bachelor of Arts - Economics · 1986–1990
