John Stearns
Helion’s $465M Series G Values Everett Fusion Firm Above $15B, Tops Seattle-Area 2Q VC Deals
Everett fusion-energy company Helion led greater Seattle-area 2Q venture capital deals with a $465 million Series G that valued it above $15 billion, making up nearly one-third of the region’s $1.5 billion in 2Q funding amid a year-over-year decline from $2.3 billion in 2Q 2025.
Pay-i announces $4.9M seed round as Bellevue startup launches ROI platform for generative AI
Bellevue-based Pay-i, an intelligence platform that measures returns from generative AI investments, announced it is coming out of stealth with $4.9 million in seed funding and is now generally available across major cloud providers and models. The September 2023-founded startup — led by co-founders David Tepper, Doron Holan and Erik Winters — will use the funds to accelerate product development and expand enterprise adoption.
WTIA Selects 33 Startups for 10th Founder Cohort; Program Runs Through February 2024
The Washington Technology Industry Association selected 33 seed-stage companies for its 10th Founder Cohort, a six-month virtual program running through February 2024 that provides free mentorship, education, coaching and connections without taking equity. The cohorts have produced more than 230 alumni since 2018 who have raised over $300 million; 30% of this cohort have women CEOs and 18% are based outside King County.
Pack Ventures launches 506(c) pre-seed fund to back University of Washington founders, pledges 10% of returns to UW
Pack Ventures (Pack VC), a pre-seed and seed 506(c) fund, launched to invest in University of Washington-affiliated founders and broaden accredited investor access; leaders pledge 10% of personal fund returns to UW and will host an online introduction for accredited investors on Feb. 17.
