GeekWire updates Seattle list as Highspot raises $248M at $3.5B; SeekOut and Icertis added to 16 local unicorns
GeekWire updated its list of Seattle-area 'unicorn' startups (privately held companies valued at $1B+) after additions and a valuation change for Icertis, noting recent entrants like SeekOut and Highspot, which raised $248 million at a $3.5 billion valuation. The article highlights that the Seattle cohort includes 16 unicorns, none led by a female or Black CEO, and that many CEOs have Microsoft backgrounds amid a global surge in unicorns and venture funding.
Seattle Tech CEOs — Icertis, Syndio, Qumulo, Remitly, Outreach, Convoy, Zenoti, Skilljar — Share First-Job Lessons That Shaped Their Careers
Seattle-area tech startup CEOs shared lessons from their first jobs—ranging from car washing to programming—highlighting practical skills, work ethic, and enduring lessons that shaped their leadership and product thinking.
Zenoti raises $80M extension from TPG Capital, total funding $330M and valuation near $1.5B after December Series D
Zenoti raised an $80 million extension to its December Series D led by TPG Capital, bringing total funding to $330 million and valuing the company near $1.5 billion; the enterprise software serves over 12,000 spas, salons and wellness businesses across 50 countries. The company, founded by Sudheer and Dheeraj Koneru, charges per-store subscriptions, has a growing payments arm, saw revenue double in 2020, expects 120% growth in 2021, and plans expansion into pet grooming and fitness.
Seattle Reaches 10 Unicorns Worth $1B+, Mostly Enterprise Software Firms with Microsoft Links
Seattle now has 10 unicorn startups valued at $1 billion or more, many concentrated in enterprise software/cloud computing and driven by rapid digital transformation and strong revenue run rates. Most have immigrant founders and Microsoft ties, but none have female co-founders or CEOs.
Zenoti raises $160M Series D, reaches $1B valuation to expand enterprise software for 12,000+ salons, spas and wellness businesses
Bellevue-based Zenoti raised $160 million in a Series D that values the company at $1 billion; its enterprise software serves over 12,000 spas, salons and wellness businesses and has doubled revenue this year.
Zenoti lays off ~17 employees (3.5% of 500) as COVID-19 pressures beauty industry, says CEO Sudheer Koneru
Seattle-based Zenoti cut 3.5% of its 500-person global staff (about 17 employees) as the COVID-19 outbreak disrupts the beauty and wellness industry, though CEO Sudheer Koneru says financial impact has been minimal and larger clients continue driving revenue through digital tools like gift cards and online retail.
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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Zenoti CEO · current
