Kevin Lisota
Kevin Lisota is currently Co-Founder at Akari Photo Tours and works as a photographer and videographer at Kevin Lisota Photography, as well as a photographer at GeekWire. He founded Akari Photo Tours, which is still running, and has expertise in photography, videography, guiding, and instruction.
GeekWire and Greater Seattle Partners call for nominations for 2026 Uncommon Thinkers; deadline Sept. 18, winners honored Dec. 10
Nominations for GeekWire’s 2026 Uncommon Thinkers Awards — honoring Seattle-area inventors, scientists, technologists and entrepreneurs — close Friday, Sept. 18 at 11 a.m. PT; winners will be chosen by a judges panel and celebrated at the GeekWire Gala on Dec. 10. The fourth annual program, run with Greater Seattle Partners, seeks nominees who demonstrate innovation, leadership and measurable impact.
Independent report: Seattle’s JumpStart payroll tax penalizes senior hires and concentrates revenue in 10 largely tech firms, risking $50M loss if one large employer shifts 10,000 workers
An independent 127-page City of Seattle-commissioned study finds the city’s tax structure, notably the JumpStart payroll tax, disproportionately penalizes hiring senior high‑pay workers and concentrates revenue risk in a few large tech employers. Researchers warn that reliance on a small number of firms—10 companies account for three-quarters of the payroll tax on large employers—exposes Seattle to significant fiscal vulnerability if large employers relocate or stock‑based compensation fluctuates.
Pallet announces shutdown after nine years; deployed 100+ transitional villages and raised $18M
Everett, Washington social-purpose company Pallet, which built rapidly deployable hard-panel micro-shelters to address unsheltered homelessness, is shutting down after nine years of operation. The firm deployed over 100 transitional villages providing more than 6,000 beds, served an estimated 30,000 people, and raised over $18 million including a $15 million Series A in 2022.
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.
Zoom Acquires Seattle AI Startup Common Room to Enhance Sales Signal Tracking in Zoom Revenue Accelerator
Zoom has acquired Seattle-based startup Common Room, which developed an AI-powered platform for sales and marketing teams to track buyer signals, in a move to enhance its Zoom Revenue Accelerator platform with deeper buyer intelligence. Common Room, founded in 2020, had raised $52 million in funding and was named Startup of the Year at the 2022 GeekWire Awards.
Robbie Cape Launches The Instrument to Disrupt Trillion-Dollar Insurance Industry with Pioneer Square Labs Backing
Seattle entrepreneur Robbie Cape is launching The Instrument, a new startup backed by Pioneer Square Labs, to disrupt the trillion-dollar insurance industry. After a nine-month job search and drawn by the sector's complexity and financial potential, Cape aims to build generational wealth unlike his previous mission-driven ventures.
TerraPower Opens UK Subsidiary and Launches Regulatory Process for Next-Gen Nuclear Plant
TerraPower has opened a subsidiary office in the UK to pursue its first international next-generation nuclear power plant, having officially started the UK regulatory approval process. The company is building the Natrium demonstration plant in Wyoming, featuring advanced nuclear technology aimed at safer, more affordable, and faster nuclear energy deployment.
Zillow and Expedia Co-founder Rich Barton Officially Moves to Las Vegas Amid Seattle Tech Exodus
Rich Barton, co-founder of Zillow and Expedia, has officially moved from Seattle to Las Vegas, marking a new chapter in his life after his children left home. His departure is notable amid other high-profile Seattle tech leaders relocating and ongoing debates about Washington's tax policies on wealthy residents.
2026 GeekWire Awards Celebrate Innovation with Luis Poggi and Tracy Drinkwater Among Honorees
The 2026 GeekWire Awards honored innovators reshaping work, building, and learning with highlights including STEM Educator of the Year Tracy Drinkwater and CEO of the Year Luis Poggi. The event featured finalists discussing AI and innovation, plus a trivia segment celebrating 15 years of GeekWire Awards history.
2026 GeekWire Awards Celebrate Seattle Tech Scene with Over 300 Attendees and Winners Including Carbon Robotics, HouseWhisper AI, and Omeros
The 2026 GeekWire Awards celebrated Seattle's vibrant tech community with over 300 attendees honoring top startups, founders, and leaders across multiple categories at Showbox SoDo. The event highlighted Seattle as a hub for innovation with winners like Carbon Robotics, HouseWhisper AI, and Omeros recognized for their contributions.
Pay-i Founder David Tepper Wins GeekWire’s AI Startup Pitch Competition with Advanced AI Spend Management Platform
At GeekWire’s Agents of Transformation event in Seattle, four AI startups—Pay-i, Cascade, Autessa, and GemaTEG—pitched their ideas to a panel of judges, with Pay-i founder David Tepper winning for his AI spend management platform that accurately tracks AI costs beyond token usage. Judges praised Tepper for his strong presentation skills and ability to answer questions under pressure.
Jay Graber Steps Down as Bluesky CEO, Toni Schneider Named Interim CEO; Graber Becomes Chief Innovation Officer
Bluesky CEO Jay Graber is stepping down to become chief innovation officer as the company hires Toni Schneider as interim CEO to focus on scaling and execution. Bluesky has grown its user base to 43 million and distinguishes itself with the open AT Protocol for social media.
Seattle Faces Risk of Decline Like Cleveland Due to Civic Complacency and Strained Tech-Government Relations Amid AI Competition
The article warns that Seattle could follow Cleveland’s decline if it fails to address civic complacency, strained government-tech relations, and lack of focus on future industries, especially in the evolving AI landscape. Cleveland, once a powerhouse city, experienced rapid economic and population decline due to similar issues, serving as a cautionary example.
2025 GeekWire Gala Hosts 750+ Seattle Tech Enthusiasts with Robots and Honors 'Uncommon Thinkers' Innovators
The 2025 GeekWire Gala brought together over 750 members of Seattle's tech community at Showbox SoDo for an evening of celebration featuring robots, games, and networking. The event also honored the region’s 'Uncommon Thinkers,' recognizing innovative leaders from multiple tech companies.
University of Chicago Student Maddie Stoll Chronicles Seattle GeekWire Internship Featuring Microsoft Protest and Startup Interviews
Maddie Stoll, a University of Chicago student from London, shares her immersive GeekWire internship experience in Seattle, highlighting diverse stories from protests at Microsoft's campus to startup interviews and cultural contrasts with London and Chicago.
Seattle Startup Pulumi Launches AI Agent Neo to Automate Cloud Infrastructure with a Third of Workforce
Seattle startup Pulumi launched Neo, an AI agent automating cloud infrastructure tasks such as provisioning, security, and compliance, developed by a third of its 130-person workforce. Neo uses large language models, primarily Claude, integrates with various AI developer tools, and aims to address bottlenecks faced by platform teams amid increasing developer demands.
Seattle Startup Founders Discuss Fundraising, Hiring, and Return-to-Office Strategies at GeekWire Fremont Event
Seattle startup founders shared insights on fundraising, hiring, and navigating challenges such as talent acquisition and return-to-office policies during a GeekWire event in Fremont. Several CEOs highlighted successful capital raises in 2023, mixed approaches to in-office work, and the importance of networks amid a competitive talent market.
Seattle Recruiting Startup Humanly Triples Revenue and Raises $7 Million Amid Hiring Slowdown
Seattle-based recruiting software startup Humanly is experiencing rapid growth with a 3X annual revenue increase and a recent $7 million funding raise, despite a broader hiring slowdown. The company uses automation to help companies manage increased applicant volumes and improve candidate experiences, positioning itself strongly for market rebounds.
2025 GeekWire Awards Tickets on Sale for April 30 Event Honoring Pacific Northwest Tech Innovators at Showbox SoDo
Individual tickets are now available for the 2025 GeekWire Awards celebrating top Pacific Northwest tech innovators on April 30 at Showbox SoDo, Seattle, featuring nearly 50 finalists across a dozen categories. The event includes a welcome party, dinner, main program, and sponsor participation, highlighting innovations in AI, sustainability, health, and more.
Seattle Startup FlavorCloud Gains Demand from Trump’s Tariff Changes and New China Import Rules
Seattle startup FlavorCloud, led by CEO Rathna Sharad, is benefiting from increased demand as companies navigate new complexities from President Trump's recent tariff changes, including the elimination of the $800 'de minimis' exemption on imports from China effective May 2. FlavorCloud specializes in cross-border shipping and compliance, helping e-commerce brands manage duties and taxes amid unprecedented global trade shifts.
Washington’s Proposed 5% Payroll Tax on Large Employers Draws Tech Industry Backlash Amid $16B Budget Shortfall
Washington state Democrats propose a 5% statewide payroll tax on wages exceeding $176,100 for companies with payrolls over $7 million to address a $16 billion budget gap, drawing criticism from CEOs and tech leaders including Microsoft President Brad Smith who warn it could harm the tech sector and drive businesses away.
Icertis Raises $50M from B Capital to Reduce Debt, Reports $300M Annual Recurring Revenue in 2024
Icertis, a Bellevue-based contract management software company, raised $50 million from existing investor B Capital to pay down debt, marking over $500 million raised since its 2009 founding. Valued at $5 billion in 2021, Icertis reported $300 million in annual recurring revenue in 2024 and has been expanding its AI product offerings.
Three UW Foster School Students Awarded $15,000 Richard Tait Memorial Entrepreneurship Scholarship
Three University of Washington Foster School of Business students received the inaugural Richard Tait Memorial Entrepreneurship Scholarship, totaling $15,000, honoring the late Seattle entrepreneur Richard Tait. The recipients include one undergraduate and two graduate students pursuing ventures in areas such as climate change and leadership.
Seattle Startup Read AI Raises $50M Series B to Accelerate Growth of AI-Powered Enterprise Productivity Tools
Seattle startup Read AI, selling generative AI-powered enterprise productivity tools, has raised $50 million in a Series B round to accelerate growth, boasting 75% of the Fortune 500 as users and adding 100,000 new accounts weekly without marketing spend. The company aims to expand its 'copilot everywhere' vision by integrating AI across communication platforms like email, messaging, and video calls, with plans to add predictive analytics and automation.
Pictory Wins Startup of the Year at 2024 GeekWire Awards in Seattle Featuring Live Music and Surprise Guests
The 2024 GeekWire Awards in Seattle celebrated Pacific Northwest tech with winners like Pictory, live music, and surprise guests, hosted at Showbox SoDo. The event featured sponsors such as Astound Business Solutions and included networking, entertainment, and a nostalgic tech theme.
Organizations
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Akari Photo Tours Co-Founder 2023–present · current
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Kevin Lisota Photography Photographer / Videographer 2014–present · current
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GeekWire Photographer · current
Education
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Tokyo Institute of Technology Chemical Engineering · 1993–1994
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University of Wisconsin-Madison BS, Chemical Engineering/East Asian Studies
