Kurt Schlosser
Kurt Schlosser is a photographer and reporter associated with GeekWire and Recompose, mentioned in multiple GeekWire articles.
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 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.
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.
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.
Organizations
-
GeekWire Photographer · current
-
GeekWire Photo Credit · current
-
Recompose current
