Nat Levy
Seattle Startup Flyhomes Expands to Boston, Portland, and L.A., Raises $141M to Aid Homebuyers in Competitive Markets
Seattle-based Flyhomes is expanding its real estate home-buying services to Portland, Boston, and Los Angeles/Orange County, focusing on competitive, high-priced markets by purchasing homes with cash for clients. The startup recently raised $141 million to support growth and has helped over 1,000 clients close on more than $1 billion in homes since 2015.
Ossia and Spigen to Release Wireless-Charging Phone Case Using Cota Technology in 2020
Seattle-area startup Ossia is partnering with phone accessory maker Spigen to release a wireless-charging smartphone case using Ossia’s Cota technology in 2020, with Spigen manufacturing the mass-market product. The case contains a lithium-ion battery that receives power from room-sized transmitters (like Wi‑Fi routers) placed around the home, car, or office; final size, price and exact release details were not disclosed.
Seattle Startup FenSens Launches Wireless Smart Backup Cameras and Sensors to Retrofit Older Vehicles Starting at $70
Seattle startup FenSens offers a wireless license plate frame parking sensor and plans to launch smart backup cameras and a GPS tracker to retrofit older vehicles without backup cameras. The products connect via Bluetooth to smartphones and avoid wiring hassles, targeting car owners who want modern safety features in older cars.
TurboPatent launches RoboReview and RapidResponse to automate patent drafting and responses after $1.4M raise
Seattle startup TurboPatent, which raised $1.4 million earlier this year, launched two AI-powered products—RoboReview and RapidResponse—to automate and speed patent drafting, review and office-action responses, aiming to cut time, costs and human error. The company is led by co-founders James Billmaier and Charles Mirho, who bring technology and patent-law experience.
Smartsheet Rises to No. 6 on GeekWire 200 List with Over $70M Revenue and Boston Expansion Plans
Smartsheet has risen to number six on the GeekWire 200 list of privately held Pacific Northwest startups, up from 13th at the start of the year, driven by strong subscription revenue growth and key executive hires. Other notable movers include Vacation rental startup Vacasa entering the top 10 and Seattle’s Highspot climbing to number 148 after forming a strategic partnership with Brainshark.
Seattle Startup TurboPatent Raises $1.45M to Expand Patent Automation with New SmartShell Product
Seattle startup TurboPatent raised $1.45 million in convertible notes to expand its patent automation tools, including the recent SmartShell product for paralegals. Founded by James Billmaier and Charles Mirho, the company aims to streamline patent documentation for law firms and corporations.
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.
Impinj Reports Second Consecutive Post-IPO Earnings Beat with $1.9M Profit on $31M Revenue
Impinj, a Seattle-based RFID company, exceeded Wall Street expectations for the second consecutive quarter post-IPO, reporting $1.9 million non-GAAP profit on $31 million revenue. The company forecasts continued profitability and revenue growth in the upcoming quarter, with stock up over 80% since its July IPO.
OfferUp Raises $119M Led by Warburg Pincus, Confirms Over $1B Valuation with Global Expansion Plans
OfferUp, a Bellevue-based mobile marketplace rival to Craigslist, raised $119 million led by Warburg Pincus, confirming a valuation over $1 billion. The company plans to expand its U.S. dominance and pursue global ambitions by enhancing its platform and hiring more staff.