Kurt Schlosser
Kurt Schlosser is a photographer and reporter associated with GeekWire and Recompose, mentioned in multiple GeekWire articles.
Lassen Peak Raises $10M to Commercialize Handheld Radar Scanner for Safe Concealed Weapon Detection
Lassen Peak, a Bellevue startup, is commercializing a handheld radar scanning device that detects concealed weapons from several feet away, aiming to reduce dangerous police pat-downs. The device uses a custom semiconductor chip operating at ultra-high frequencies to create detailed images through clothing, potentially improving officer safety and public trust.
Rad Power Bikes Appoints Angelina Smith as CEO Amid Chapter 11 Bankruptcy with $73M Liabilities
Rad Power Bikes named Angelina Smith as CEO amid Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, marking the company's fourth CEO change in three years. The Seattle-based e-bike maker filed for bankruptcy due to declining revenues and economic challenges following a pandemic-era sales boom.
Seattle Seahawks Test OneCourt Tactile Device Enhancing Game Experience for Blind Fans in NFL Pilot
The Seattle Seahawks joined an NFL pilot program testing OneCourt's tactile device that helps blind and low-vision fans follow live game action through synchronized audio and vibrations. Feedback from games, including one against the Indianapolis Colts, will guide future in-stadium accessibility improvements.
Seattle Data Governance Startup Codified Winds Down as CEO Yatharth Gupta Joins Google
Seattle data governance startup Codified is winding down as its founder and former CEO, Yatharth Gupta, takes a new role as director of product management at Google. The company, which raised $4 million in seed funding in February 2024 and developed AI-driven data access controls, provided no further details on the shutdown.
Seattle Startup Tin Can Raises $12M Seed Funding Led by Greylock to Scale Kid-Friendly Wi-Fi Landline Phones
Seattle startup Tin Can raised $12 million in a seed round led by Greylock Partners to meet high demand for its Wi-Fi landline-style phones for kids, which have sold out two production runs and built a near-six-figure waitlist. The company aims to provide a safer communication device for kids without screen distractions, attracting investors who are also parents and industry experts.
Rad Power Bikes Files Chapter 11, Owes $8.3 Million to U.S. Customs as Tariffs Pressure E-Bike Industry
Rad Power Bikes filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, listing an $8.3 million unpaid tariff bill to U.S. Customs among its largest debts, highlighting financial challenges amid COVID-driven demand declines and rising costs in the e-bike industry.
Seattle’s Rad Power Bikes Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy with $73M Liabilities Amid Declining Revenue, Pursues Sale to Stay Afloat
Seattle-based Rad Power Bikes filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection amid declining revenue and liabilities over twice its assets, while pursuing a sale to keep the company operating. The filing follows a recent CPSC safety warning over battery issues and ongoing financial challenges threatening the company's future and 64 jobs.
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.
Seattle Recycling Startup Ridwell Grows to 130,000 Customers and Raises $15M for New Mail-In Service
Ridwell, a Seattle-based recycling startup, has expanded its services to include a mail-in option that has attracted around 20,000 users, growing its customer base to 130,000 nationwide. The company recently raised $15 million to support its growth and continues to promote its services through community meetups across the U.S.
GeekWire Honors Six 'Uncommon Thinkers' Transforming Industries with Innovative Startups in 2025
GeekWire's third annual 'Uncommon Thinkers' honors six innovators including Anindya Roy, Kiana Ehsani, and Jeff Thornburg, who are leading startups transforming industries with breakthrough technologies in biotech, social media, and space propulsion. These leaders will be celebrated at the GeekWire Gala in Seattle for their creative and mission-driven approaches to solving significant challenges.
Founder Institute Relaunches Seattle Accelerator with Local Leadership and In-Person Programs Starting March 2024
Founder Institute is relaunching its Seattle chapter with local leadership led by tech veteran Aniket Naravanekar to revive in-person mentorship, events, and funding opportunities for startups. The first new cohort starts in March, with a launch event scheduled for December 12.
HSA Bank Acquires Seattle-Based Fintech SecureSave, Provider of Emergency Savings Solutions for Employees
HSA Bank has acquired fintech startup SecureSave, a 2020 Pioneer Square Labs spinout that provides emergency savings accounts as an employee financial wellness benefit. SecureSave has supported over 60,000 users saving more than $100 million, and the acquisition will allow it to continue its platform and client services.
Otto Launches AI Travel Assistant Led by Ex-Expedia Exec to Personalize Business Travel End-to-End
Seattle-based startup Otto, founded by former Expedia executive Michael Gulmann, has launched Otto the Agent, an AI-powered business travel assistant designed to personalize bookings and manage travel end-to-end. The platform learns individual travel preferences and integrates with calendars to proactively suggest itineraries, aiming to replicate the service level of a top executive assistant.
Seattle Startup Govstream.ai Raises $3.6M Seed Round to Accelerate City Permitting with AI
Seattle-based startup Govstream.ai raised $3.6 million in seed funding to enhance city permitting processes using AI, initially deploying their platform with the City of Bellevue. Their AI-driven tool assists city staff by answering questions, checking documents, and accelerating application reviews to support housing development and urban planning.
Vercept CEO Kiana Ehsani Creates AI Tool Vy to Automate Workflow, Encourage Outdoor Time
Kiana Ehsani, co-founder and CEO of Seattle AI startup Vercept, developed Vy, an AI tool that automates repetitive computer tasks via natural language commands, enabling users to spend more time outdoors and focus on creativity. Ehsani blends her passion for nature with technology innovation to simplify software use and improve workflow.
U.S. Safety Commission Warns Against Use of Rad Power Bikes' Lithium-Ion Batteries Citing Fire Hazard Amid Company's Financial Crisis
Rad Power Bikes is facing a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warning to stop using certain lithium-ion batteries due to fire risks, which the company disputes, amid its ongoing financial struggles and potential shutdown. The CPSC urged removal and disposal of hazardous batteries sold with multiple Rad bike models, while Rad disagrees with calling the batteries defective or unsafe.
WTIA Selects 19 Startups for 13th Founder Cohort Accelerator Program to Support Growth in Washington State
Washington Technology Industry Association selected 19 startups for its 13th Founder Cohort Accelerator, a four-month program providing mentorship and resources to early-stage Washington state startups. Since its start, the program has supported over 300 companies that have collectively raised more than $400 million.
Former Fabric CFO Nevin Shetty Convicted of Wire Fraud for Diverting $35M to Crypto Business
Nevin Shetty, former CFO of Seattle startup Fabric, was convicted of wire fraud for diverting $35 million of company funds into a crypto side business, resulting in near-total loss. He faces sentencing in February 2026 and could receive up to 20 years in prison.
Seattle Startup Tin Can Raises $3.5M, Gains Viral Success with Kid-Friendly WiFi Landline Phones
Chet Kittleson’s Seattle startup Tin Can has gained viral success with its WiFi-enabled landline phones designed to help kids avoid screens and foster real connections, raising $3.5 million and distributing products nationwide. The device's simplicity and analog nature have resonated with parents seeking alternatives to social media and texting for their children.
Rad Power Bikes Faces Potential Shutdown by January 2026 Amid Financial Struggles and Job Losses
Rad Power Bikes, a leading Seattle-based e-bike company that reached unicorn status during the pandemic, is facing potential shutdown due to significant financial challenges, with a possible closure impacting 64 jobs as early as January 2026. The company is exploring funding or acquisition options after a promising deal fell through and cites a drop in consumer demand, tariffs, and macroeconomic issues as contributing factors.
Glowforge Co-Founders Dan Shapiro and Mark Gosselin Reacquire Startup Assets After Restructuring
Glowforge, the Seattle-based laser engraver startup, has undergone restructuring after financial troubles, with co-founders Dan Shapiro and Mark Gosselin reacquiring key assets to restart operations. They plan to focus on improving hardware, software, and customer service with a smaller team.
Seattle Startup Hearvana Raises $6M to Develop AI-Driven Sound Enhancement Technology
Seattle startup Hearvana, founded by University of Washington researchers including Shyam Gollakota, raised $6 million in pre-seed funding to develop AI-powered sound enhancement technology for devices like earbuds and hearing aids. Their AI platform enables real-time, on-device audio processing to improve listening in complex and noisy environments.
Seattle Startup Zuper Launches AI-Powered Smart Glasses for Tradespeople Integrating with Its Workforce Management Platform
Seattle-based Zuper launched Zuper Glass, AI-powered smart glasses for tradespeople like roofers and electricians to capture visuals, perform inspections, and communicate hands-free. The glasses integrate with Zuper's platform for field workforce management, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Seattle Startup Alertmouse Launches to Rival Google Alerts with Improved Online Mention Tracking
Seattle startup Alertmouse, founded by tech veterans Rand Fishkin, Adam Doppelt, and Nathan Kriege, offers enhanced email alerts to track online mentions more effectively than Google Alerts. The service scans websites multiple times daily to provide timely notifications for individuals and brands monitoring their online presence.
Chainguard Raises $280M from General Catalyst Six Months After $356M Series D, Valued at $3.5B
Seattle-based cybersecurity startup Chainguard secured $280 million in new financing from General Catalyst’s Customer Value Fund, six months after raising $356 million in a Series D round, bringing its total funding to $892 million and valuation to $3.5 billion. The company, which helps secure open source software supply chains and serves over 200 customers, grew its annual recurring revenue to $40 million in fiscal year 2025.
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