Lisa Stiffler
Nimbus Aerospace tests quarter-scale NX1 prototype in Oregon, targets 2028 full-scale flights and late‑2030 deliveries
Seattle-based Nimbus Aerospace completed two test flights of its quarter-scale NX1 hybrid-electric prototype in Oregon this summer, validating manufacturing and aerodynamic goals as it engineers a full-scale build aimed for 2028 and customer deliveries by late 2030.
DexCare acquires Seattle AI agent startup Mila Health to add automated patient calls and texts to platform serving 57 million
Seattle health‑tech company DexCare has acquired local AI agent developer Mila Health to integrate Mila’s patient-calling and texting tools into DexCare’s patient-access platform, which serves 57 million patients nationwide; financial terms were not disclosed. The combined offering aims to automate appointment scheduling and streamline provider workflows with rapidly deployable, auditable AI communications.
Ravel raises $8.2M to scale tech that removes elastane (spandex) from clothing and makes recycled polyester pellets
Seattle startup Ravel raised $8.2 million to scale its technology that removes elastane (spandex/Lycra) from blended fabrics and converts it into recycled plastic pellets for polyester production, enabling commercial-scale validation with textile partners; the process is marketed as energy-efficient and waste-minimizing.
Microsoft names Aneesh Raman chief economic opportunity officer and promotes Jenny Lay‑Flurrie; DAT CPO Brian Gill resigns
Microsoft promoted Jenny Lay‑Flurrie to corporate vice president of its Trusted Technology Group and named Aneesh Raman chief economic opportunity officer; Zillow appointed a new policy lead while departures occurred at Oracle, Hiya and DAT Freight & Analytics, including DAT’s CPO Brian Gill resigning.
NewDays raises $16M seed round led by Madrona and General Catalyst, expands AI-driven dementia care to Nevada
Seattle startup NewDays closed a $16 million seed round led by Madrona and General Catalyst to scale a telehealth program combining clinicians with an AI companion, Sunny, for treating mild dementia; early research suggests the platform may preserve about 18 months of cognitive function and the service now operates in six states including Nevada.
Accipiter Bio raises $10.5M more to speed AI-designed multi-target protein drugs, expanding clinical pipeline
Seattle biotech Accipiter Bio raised an additional $10.5 million from existing investors to accelerate development of AI-designed multi-target protein therapeutics and expand its team and clinical pipeline. The company, now 22 people strong and partnered with Pfizer and Kite/Gilead, will use the funds to advance three to four programs—focusing mainly on immunology alongside oncology—after emerging from stealth last year with $12.7 million.
Dopl Technologies raises $6.3M (total >$8M) to pursue FDA clearance for remote robotic ultrasound system
Dopl Technologies raised $6.3 million (bringing total funding to over $8 million) to develop and commercialize a remotely operated robotic ultrasound system that pairs off-the-shelf probes with commercial robots and supports remote sonographers via haptic feedback and video. The Bothell, Wash. startup is pursuing FDA clearance and conducting clinical evaluations to target rural and underserved communities.
General Fusion’s GFUZ Debuts on Nasdaq as Fusion Private Funding Hits $4.5B in 12 Months
General Fusion became the first fusion energy company to list on a major exchange when GFUZ debuted on Nasdaq, sending its stock higher. The Fusion Industry Association report said private funding for fusion companies reached $4.5 billion in the past 12 months and $13.3 billion over five years, driven partly by demand from AI data centers and large rounds like Helion Energy’s $465 million raise.
University of Washington’s CoMotion Announces 10 Startups, Eight Focused on Healthcare; CoMotion Firms Raised $1.8B
University of Washington’s CoMotion announced 10 new startups spun out with UW-licensed IP, eight focused on healthcare (diagnostics, devices, therapeutics) and two on K–12 education or climate; CoMotion-backed companies have raised $1.8 billion in five years and 310 deep-tech firms have been formed over three decades.