Kurt Schlosser
Kurt Schlosser is a photographer and reporter associated with GeekWire and Recompose, mentioned in multiple GeekWire articles.
GeekWire at 10 years: Reflections on an extraordinary decade in Seattle tech
This Sunday, March 7, will mark 10 years since GeekWire’s launch. Looking back, we couldn’t have picked a better decade as GeekWire’s first, given our focus on Seattle and Pacific Northwest innovation. This was the moment that Seattle tech came into its own. We’ve covered the rise of the cloud, Amazon’s boom, Microsoft’s rebirth, the arrival of Silicon Valley engineering centers, disputes, mergers, IPOs, and the emergence of thousands of startups. And in the past year, we’ve covered Seattle as a center of the scientific and philanthropic response to a world-changing pandemic. What happens here matters everywhere. This has become…
LinkedIn data: Seattle added 2.2 tech workers per one lost from March–October as Bay Area outflows rise
LinkedIn migration data shows Seattle gained 2.2 tech workers for every one who left from March to October, nearly matching last year’s 2.5 ratio, and attracted a 28% increase in movers from the Bay Area. While the Bay Area and New York saw notable declines in their inflow-outflow ratios, observers and local advocates say Seattle’s similar amenities and lower cost of living help explain the trend.
Rover partners with Walmart as Seattle pet-care startup recovers from COVID layoffs, eyes profitability
Seattle pet-care startup Rover, which laid off about 41% of staff in March as pandemic demand collapsed, has regained momentum with rising pet ownership and a new partnership with Walmart that promotes Rover services on Walmart.com. The company expects roughly $250M in gross bookings this year after trimming expenses, received over $5M in PPP loans, and says it may reach profitability sooner than pre-COVID plans.
Microsoft (maybe) rescues TikTok; downtown Seattle struggles; micro-schools
Here’s what we’re talking about on the GeekWire Podcast this week. Who would have thought that Microsoft could be the likely white knight to save social video app TikTok from threats by President Trump to ban it in the U.S.? Trump set a hard deadline this week for Microsoft or another entity to buy the company before he'll block all transactions with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. We discuss what might be behind Microsoft's interest in entering the social media sphere. In latest TikTok twist, Microsoft reportedly looking at buying entire social media giant Trump issues executive order banning transactions…
SBA data: Seattle startups Rover, ExtraHop, Porch, Promethean and Logic20/20 each received $5–$10M in PPP loans
The SBA released Paycheck Protection Program data showing several Seattle-area tech startups received $5–$10 million PPP loans to help during COVID-19; recipients include Rover, ExtraHop, Porch, Promethean and Logic20/20. The program has seen controversy over eligibility and forgiveness guidance, and some venture-backed startups declined loans on ethical grounds.
University of Washington-Bothell and iInnovate Network report: Seattle tech, health and life-sciences grew in 2019 but COVID-19 threatens startups
The fifth annual Seattle Tech Ecosystem Report from University of Washington-Bothell School of Business and iInnovate Network finds Seattle’s tech, health and life-sciences sectors continued growing in 2019, with STEM jobs, GDP and venture investment strength, but warns COVID-19 creates uncertain short- and long-term impacts on startups and hiring. The report highlights local resources and notes many startups face cash-runway pressures while major firms like Microsoft and Amazon may weather the crisis and gain share.
Grammarly makes first-ever investment, joins $10M seed round in Seattle AI startup Docugami
Grammarly made the first investment in its 11-year history by participating in a $10 million seed round for Seattle AI document-engineering startup Docugami, reflecting shared goals between CEOs Brad Hoover and Jean Paoli. The companies currently have no short-term product partnership plans but may collaborate in the future.
GeekWire Podcast: Bill Gates on COVID-19’s permanent work shift; Vicis assets sold for $2.85M; LEGO and Nintendo launch interactive Super Mario set
The GeekWire Podcast covers Bill Gates on how COVID-19 will permanently change work (while preserving in-person schooling), the resurrection of Seattle helmet maker Vicis through a $2.85M asset sale, and a collaboration bringing Super Mario into LEGO physical sets, plus tech and COVID-related business headlines.
Rover lays off 41% of staff (194 people) amid COVID-19, extends health benefits for six months
Seattle-based pet care startup Rover laid off 41% of its workforce (194 employees impacted) and put an additional 9% on standby due to revenue declines from COVID-19; about 275 employees remain and affected staff receive six months of extended health benefits and extended stock option exercise windows.
Seattle adjusts to life under the coronavirus threat
Here’s what we’re talking about this week on the GeekWire Podcast. The gravity of the COVID-19 virus outbreak hit home hard in Seattle this week: Large events were banned, schools were closed, and thousands of people struggled to adjust to working from home. Restaurants began to feel the pinch – some even closed temporarily – as people stayed home. The Seattle Archdiocese said it would suspend celebration of the Eucharist at services. Amazon will hold its annual shareholder meeting online … a first. Over three dozen people have died from the virus and over 500 cases of the disease were…
Seattle Startup Crowd Cow Raises $15.1 Million to Expand Direct-to-Consumer Meat Marketplace
Seattle startup Crowd Cow raised $15.1 million to expand its meat marketplace, which allows customers to crowdfund meat from independent farms. Despite competition from alternative meat companies, Crowd Cow has grown by adding new products, partnerships like Shake Shack, and investment from notable backers including Madrona Venture Group and Ashton Kutcher’s Sound Ventures.
Amazon's $1B acquisition
It was a big week for Amazon. The company announced a new last-mile delivery service to rival FedEx and UPS, but with an interesting twist. It also announced a $1 billion acquisition: A company called PillPack that delivers drugs straight to customer's doors. Plus, we dive into a huge funding round from a startup you've probably never heard of. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
San Francisco Startup Getaround Launches Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing in Seattle, Taking 40% Revenue Per Rental
Seattle’s Getaround, a peer-to-peer car-sharing service backed by a San Francisco startup, allows users to rent neighbors' cars via an app, keeping 40% of rental fees. After a rocky start, the service provided a smooth experience, exploring the feasibility of the Airbnb model applied to car rentals.
Our ping-pong robot overlords
We check in with GeekWire reporter Kurt Schlosser live from the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. His highlight so far? Beating a ping-pong robot. In other news, one of Seattle's biggest private tech companies, Avvo, was acquired this week and tech startup funding reaches levels higher than the dot com boom. Plus, we don't talk about Oprah. Follow all our coverage and read this week's stories at GeekWire.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Amazon Seeks Cities for $5 Billion Second Headquarters with 50,000 Jobs, Equal to Seattle Campus
Amazon announced plans to build a $5 billion second headquarters in North America, called HQ2, expected to create up to 50,000 jobs and be a full equal to its Seattle operations. The company is inviting cities to submit proposals for hosting the new campus.
GeekWire 200 November Update: DocuSign Tops as Textio Rises 23 Spots and Morningstar Acquires PitchBook for $180M
The November update of the GeekWire 200 highlights Pacific Northwest startups leveraging recent large funding rounds to expand products and staff, with DocuSign leading the list. Notable moves include Textio jumping 23 spots to number 176 and Avvo advancing into the seventh spot, while PitchBook was acquired by Morningstar for $180 million.
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