Kurt Schlosser
Kurt Schlosser is a photographer and reporter associated with GeekWire and Recompose, mentioned in multiple GeekWire articles.
Seattle Startup Amperity Cuts 20 Employees in Minor Restructuring Amid Growth Plans
Seattle-based startup Amperity laid off about 20 employees, 5% of its workforce, calling it a minor restructuring while preparing to invest in new growth initiatives. The company previously cut 10% of staff in February 2023 in response to economic challenges.
Nomad Go Raises $1.5M to Launch AI-Driven Inventory Counting Software for Food Service Sector
Nomad Go, a Bellevue-based startup, raised $1.5 million to develop AI-powered inventory counting software using iPads and iPhones that delivers fast, 99% accurate counts without additional hardware. The technology targets the food service sector to improve supply chain management and reduce waste by enabling more frequent and precise inventory checks.
Seattle Startup Skip Launches Dating App That Eliminates Chatting to Streamline Date Scheduling
Seattle-based dating app Skip, founded by Scott Avy, eliminates in-app chatting and endless swiping to facilitate quicker, safer date meet-ups through automated screening and scheduling. The app requires users to answer deal-breaker questions and confirm dates to reduce ghosting.
Kirkland Startup Steller Raises $5M to Launch AI-Enhanced 'Trips' Feature Combining Human and Machine Travel Insights
Steller, a Kirkland-based travel tech startup, raised $5 million to launch its 'Trips' feature, combining human travel insights with AI to enhance trip planning. Founded in 2014 and acquired in 2018 by its current team, the app leverages social media-style short videos and curated content to inspire and assist travelers.
Washington State Commerce Leads Six Tech Companies, Including Artly, to CES 2024 in Las Vegas
The Washington State Department of Commerce is leading a delegation of six innovative tech companies, including Seattle-based robotic barista maker Artly, to the CES 2024 event in Las Vegas from Tuesday to Thursday. The delegation emphasizes companies with global business potential and is partially funded by a U.S. Small Business Administration grant to boost international sales.
Seattle Startup Olamedi Raises $80K to Automate Healthcare Clinic Communications, Launching Platform in Q4 2024
Seattle startup Olamedi, co-founded by Daniel Sarfati and Noah Loudon, is developing a platform to automate healthcare clinic communications and track patient outcomes, launching in Q4 2024. The company recently raised $80,000 from angel investors and founders invested $400,000 of their own capital.
Fixie Launches HiSanta.ai for Real-Time AI Voice Calls with Santa and Holiday Characters
Seattle startup Fixie launched HiSanta.ai, a web platform enabling real-time AI voice calls with Santa and holiday characters using integrated large language models and speech technology. The service is designed as a fun technology demo featuring fast and interactive conversations while deliberately avoiding questions about Santa's reality.
Glowforge Lays Off 30 Employees Amid Preparations for 2024 Growth, Offers Support Packages
Seattle-based 3D laser engraver maker Glowforge has laid off 30 employees as part of preparations for future opportunities, with CEO Dan Shapiro emphasizing support for those affected. The company, which had 145 employees as of July 2023, plans significant developments in 2024.
Flyhomes Conducts Another Round of Layoffs Amid Persistent Real Estate Market Challenges
Seattle-based real estate startup Flyhomes has conducted another round of layoffs due to persistent industry challenges, continuing a pattern of workforce reductions since 2022. The company, which raised over $200 million, cited worsening market conditions driven by high mortgage rates and economic headwinds.
Lassen Peak Raises $6M from Madrona to Advance Handheld Terahertz Weapon Detection Device
Lassen Peak, a Bellevue-based startup developing a handheld terahertz radar device for concealed weapon detection, raised $6 million from Madrona Venture Group, bringing its total funding to $32 million. The device aims to improve public safety by enabling law enforcement and others to detect weapons at a distance without physical pat-downs.
Prenuvo to Open Seattle Clinic in 2024 Offering $2,500 Full-Body MRI Scans Endorsed by Kim Kardashian
Prenuvo, a company endorsed by celebrities like Kim Kardashian, offers $2,500 full-body MRI scans to detect early-stage diseases and plans to open a new clinic in Seattle in 2024. Their scans take under an hour and aim to identify various cancers and other health conditions without radiation.
Audiosocket Launches Subscription Service Granting Instant Access to 85,000 Licensed Songs for Digital Creators
Audiosocket, a Seattle-based music-licensing startup founded in 2009, has launched a new subscription service called Music as a Service (MaaS) Integration Plan that offers instant access to a catalog of over 85,000 licensed songs for digital creators, bypassing traditional licensing delays. The company, led by co-founder and CEO Jenn Anderson-Miller, has also expanded partnerships with major platforms like TikTok, Canva, and YouTube to increase use of its licensed music in various digital ecosystems.
Seattle Health Software Company Valant Sold to Atlanta's Resurgens Technology Partners
Seattle-based Valant Medical Solutions, a behavioral health software company, was sold to Atlanta-based private equity firm Resurgens Technology Partners. Valant, founded in 2005 and backed by Gemspring Capital since 2019, serves over 22,000 health professionals nationwide.
Sustainable Chicken Sandwich Startup Mt. Joy Raises $1.5M and Opens First Seattle Restaurant
Entrepreneur Robbie Cape launched Mt. Joy, a sustainable chicken sandwich startup, opening a Seattle brick-and-mortar location after a food truck debut and raising $1.5 million from notable investors. The restaurant emphasizes sustainable farming and locally sourced ingredients to promote regenerative agriculture.
Seattle Metro Chamber Debuts Community Business Connector to Support Entrepreneurs with Inclusive Online Resources
The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce launched the Community Business Connector website to help local entrepreneurs and small businesses access resources for capital, planning, marketing, and more, with a focus on inclusivity for businesses facing barriers. This tool, powered by Qwally, matches businesses to support immediately and was recognized with the WEDA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion award.
Rad Power Bikes to Close Brooklyn Store as Part of Organizational Changes After Multiple Layoff Rounds
Seattle-based Rad Power Bikes is closing its Brooklyn retail store amid ongoing organizational changes following multiple layoffs and a recent exit from the European market. The company cited the need for efficiency and sustainability in a challenging market but did not disclose closure dates or affected employee numbers.
Ben Gilbert Transitions to Venture Partner at Pioneer Square Labs to Focus on Top-Ranking 'Acquired' Podcast
Ben Gilbert, co-founder of Pioneer Square Labs, is shifting from managing director and general partner to venture partner to focus on the popular 'Acquired' podcast, which now has over 450,000 monthly listeners and is the top tech podcast on Apple and Spotify. The podcast's in-depth episodes require extensive research and production time, leading Gilbert to prioritize it over his previous dual roles.
Boundless CEO Xiao Wang Uses Personal Immigration Experience to Revolutionize U.S. Green Card Process
Boundless co-founder and CEO Xiao Wang, an immigrant himself, launched the company to simplify the complex U.S. immigration process after witnessing his parents' struggles. Leveraging his tech background and extensive research, Wang aims to address systemic pain points and help families navigate immigration more efficiently.
Five Seattle-Area Companies Featured in Time Magazine’s 200 Best Inventions of 2023 for Innovative Tech Solutions
Time Magazine's 2023 list of the 200 Best Inventions features five Seattle-area companies innovating in AI, fitness, smart home technology, health software, and green hardware. Notable entries include Alitheon's object-identifying technology and Amazon's Echo Hub smart home device.
Seattle Startup Peeka Launches Barbie Fashion Designer VR Experience in Partnership with Mattel
Seattle-based VR startup Peeka partnered with Mattel to release "Barbie: You Can Be a Fashion Designer VR," an immersive storybook experience that teaches kids fashion design skills through virtual reality. The app is available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.
Valve and Picnik Veterans Darrin Massena and Mike Harrington Launch Hatch, a No-Code Web Design Platform for Tech-Curious Creators
Seattle entrepreneurs and former Valve and Picnik developers Darrin Massena and Mike Harrington launched Hatch, a no-code web design platform for tech-curious creators featuring drag-and-drop tools, interactivity, and generative AI. Hatch enables users to create portfolios, storefronts, and progressive web apps without programming skills, empowering more people to build custom websites.
PortX Raises $16.5M Series B Led by Fuse and Curql, Forms Subsidiary to Serve Credit Unions
Seattle-based fintech startup PortX raised $16.5 million in a Series B funding round led by Fuse and Curql to develop AI and automation tools and create a new subsidiary serving credit unions. PortX has now raised $26.5 million total and will use the funds to enhance its banking infrastructure software for community banks and credit unions.
Ada Developers Academy Cuts 45% Staff, Pauses Admissions, Names Shawna Young Interim CEO Amid Tech Industry Downturn
Seattle-based nonprofit Ada Developers Academy, which provides tuition-free tech training for underrepresented groups, has significantly reduced its workforce and paused admissions amid economic challenges. Shawna Young has been named interim CEO following Lauren Sato's resignation, as the organization refocuses on sustainability.
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.
Former Tred Director John Whisenant Indicted for $2M Wire Fraud to Fund Luxury Purchases
John Whisenant, former director of Seattle auto startup Tred, was indicted on five wire fraud counts for allegedly stealing over $2 million via 57 unauthorized transfers to fund a lavish lifestyle. Tred, founded in 2012 and acquired by Cox Automotive in 2022, aimed to simplify used car buying and selling.
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