Taylor Soper
Taylor Soper is Director of Community and Programming at AI House and serves as a board member at the University of Washington, Board of Student Publications. He previously held editorial and reporting roles at GeekWire and Major League Baseball, with expertise in technology startups, programming, and community building.
Seattle Startup Gumshoe Raises $2M to Help Marketers Navigate AI Search Tool Recommendations
Seattle startup Gumshoe, led by Todd Sawicki and Patrick O’Donnell, raised $2 million to help marketers understand AI search tools' product recommendations and brand visibility. Their platform analyzes AI-generated conversations to reveal brand mentions, sources cited, and evolving trends in AI search, addressing marketers' concerns about the impact of AI on e-commerce and SEO.
Palo Alto Networks to Acquire Seattle AI Cybersecurity Startup Protect AI for Over $500 Million
Palo Alto Networks plans to acquire Seattle-based AI cybersecurity startup Protect AI, founded in 2022, for an estimated $500 million or more, aiming to strengthen its AI security offerings. Protect AI, which serves Fortune 500 clients and recently raised $60 million at a $400 million valuation, focuses on protecting machine learning systems amid rising AI-related breaches.
AI teammates, a fully remote unicorn, and the new world of work
On this week’s GeekWire Podcast: Microsoft sees a future where humans manage fleets of AI agents — promising to fundamentally change the way companies are run and work gets done. Plus, we dive into the story of Chainguard, the $3.5 billion cybersecurity startup proving that a fully remote company can scale fast without a physical office. And we explore how AI is reshaping everyday life, from travel planning to home repairs. Related stories Meet your new AI teammate: Microsoft sees humans as ‘agent bosses,’ upending the workplace: Microsoft’s 2025 Work Trend Index envisions a future where employees manage AI agents…
Fortson VC Raises $50M to Fund Early-Stage B2B Software Startups Led by Cole Younger in Seattle
Fortson VC, led by Cole Younger, has raised $50 million to invest in early-stage B2B software startups, primarily in the Pacific Northwest. The fund plans 25 to 30 investments with check sizes between $500,000 and $1 million, focusing on founders with unique internal compasses.
Madrona Managing Director Matt McIlwain Shares 'Triangle' Model to Assess Startup Founders and Pitches
Madrona Managing Director Matt McIlwain explained his 'triangle' model for evaluating startup pitches, focusing on the problem's existence, timing, the product, and founder-market fit. He emphasized the importance of founders' dedication, understanding of timing, and adaptability in successfully backing startups.
Chainguard, $3.5B Cybersecurity Startup with 350+ Employees, Operates Fully Remotely Without Offices
Chainguard, a $3.5 billion cybersecurity startup with over 350 employees, operates fully remotely without any physical offices, leveraging biannual retreats and regular virtual meetings to build team cohesion. CEO Dan Lorenc highlights that this remote model enables access to niche talent across various locations, supported by employee stipends for remote work expenses.
Chainguard Raises $356 Million Series D, Valued at $3.5 Billion in Under Two Years
Cybersecurity startup Chainguard raised $356 million in a Series D funding round led by Kleiner Perkins and IVP, boosting its valuation to $3.5 billion from $1.12 billion less than a year ago. Founded in 2021, Chainguard helps secure software supply chains, focusing on open source software security, and has grown its annual recurring revenue to $40 million with plans to exceed $100 million soon.
Seattle Startup Tomorrow Shuts Down High-Tech Refrigerator Project Citing Consumer Hardware Market Challenges
Seattle startup Tomorrow, developing a high-tech refrigerator to extend produce life using cooling and computer vision technology, is shutting down due to challenging consumer hardware market conditions and tariffs. Founder Andrew Kinzer cited investor hesitancy amid macroeconomic headwinds as the main reason for closure.
University of Washington Students Place Third in 2023 Global Venture Capital Investment Competition
University of Washington’s Foster School of Business offers a 10-week venture capital course finishing with a competition where students act as investors and analyze startup pitches. This year, the UW team placed third globally in the Venture Capital Investment Competition, their best result since 2015.
Seattle-Area Startups Eve Wealth, Omnivista, and SelfFull Leverage AI in Investing, Voice Agents, and Coaching with $1.75M Raised
Several early stage Seattle-area startups are using AI in innovative ways across diverse sectors including digital asset investing, voice agents for websites, and AI-powered coaching platforms. Notable among them are Eve Wealth relaunching with $1.75 million raised to support crypto education and investment, Omnivista enabling rapid deployment of voice agents for customer interaction, and SelfFull scaling coaching impact with AI.
Seattle Hardware Startup Mason Uses Elastic Supply Chain to Adapt Amid Tariff Uncertainty, Eyes India and Taiwan Manufacturing
Seattle startup Mason is adjusting to tariff uncertainties by using an 'elastic supply chain' to manage component sourcing and shift manufacturing to tariff-friendly regions like India and Taiwan. CEO Jim Xiao noted cautious customer behavior and emphasized the company's control over its hardware production as key to navigating economic and regulatory challenges.
Aircall Opens Ninth Global Office in Bellevue to Expand AI Innovation, Plans 50 Employees by 2025
Aircall, a cloud-based business communications company led by CEO Scott Chancellor, has opened its ninth global office in Bellevue, Washington to expand AI innovation and plans to employ about 50 people there by the end of 2025. The profitable company serves over 20,000 customers, expects $200 million in annual recurring revenue this year, and recently launched an AI Voice Agent to automate customer service calls.
Seattle VC Firm Ascend Raises Third Fund to Back Early-Stage AI Startups After $25M Second Fund in 2023
Seattle venture capital firm Ascend is raising its third fund to invest in early-stage tech startups focused on vertical AI and infrastructure, following a $25 million second fund in 2023. Founder Kirby Winfield launched Ascend in 2019 and the firm primarily supports Seattle-area founders with investments ranging from $250,000 to $750,000.
Seattle Startup Loti Secures $16.2M Series A to Combat Deepfakes and Protect Digital Likeness
Seattle startup Loti raised $16.2 million in a Series A round led by Khosla Ventures to protect celebrities and consumers from deepfakes using advanced facial and voice recognition technology. Loti helps clients monitor and manage digital likeness misuse, including fake endorsements and AI-generated content, with partnerships including major talent agencies and support from emerging legislation like the No Fakes Act.
Seattle Startup Friday Harbor Raises $6M to Help Smaller Mortgage Lenders Compete Using AI
Seattle startup Friday Harbor raised $6 million in seed funding to provide AI-driven software that helps smaller mortgage lenders identify loan file issues earlier and compete with industry giants like Rocket and United Wholesale Mortgage. Its product, launched in October, is used by 16 enterprise customers to reduce loan processing time and cost by detecting risks such as undisclosed debts and employment discrepancies.
Juicer Energy, Led by Ex-OfferUp CEO Nick Huzar, Raises $7M to Expand EV Charging at Apartments and Hotels
Seattle startup Juicer Energy, led by ex-OfferUp CEO Nick Huzar, installs and manages full EV charging infrastructure at apartment buildings, hotels, and businesses, backed by $7 million in funding from notable investors. The company aims to simplify EV charging for both consumers and property owners to support greater EV adoption nationwide.
Seattle Startups Elora, Evvi Aftercare, and Realtie Advance AI, Pet Cremation, and Real Estate Solutions
Five Seattle-area startups are emerging in diverse sectors including caregiving AI, pet cremation services, real estate redevelopment, AI for consumer brands, and kid-focused smartphones. Notable companies include Elora, Evvi Aftercare, and Realtie, each progressing with pilots, partnerships, or funding rounds.
Brianna McDonald Launches Seattle’s Ecosystem Venture Group to Unite Investors and Support Startups with New Fund
Brianna McDonald has launched Seattle's Ecosystem Venture Group to integrate angel investors, VCs, and entrepreneurs by providing investment funding and advisory services. The group aims to break down sector silos and support startups toward profitability rather than chasing unicorn status.
Convoy Co-Founder Grant Goodale Joins Ryder as Chief Product and Technology Officer
Grant Goodale, co-founder and former CTO of Convoy, has joined Ryder as chief product and technology officer, marking his return to the trucking industry. Additionally, Seattle startups Shipium and Graham & Walker announced key leadership hires with Geoff Tamman named CFO and Ryan Hughes as chief of staff, respectively.
Seattle Startup FlavorCloud Gains Demand from Trump’s Tariff Changes and New China Import Rules
Seattle startup FlavorCloud, led by CEO Rathna Sharad, is benefiting from increased demand as companies navigate new complexities from President Trump's recent tariff changes, including the elimination of the $800 'de minimis' exemption on imports from China effective May 2. FlavorCloud specializes in cross-border shipping and compliance, helping e-commerce brands manage duties and taxes amid unprecedented global trade shifts.
Seattle VCs Madrona, Maveron, Founders' Co-op Highlight Key Founder Red Flags at Graham & Walker’s Founder Day
Seattle venture capitalists from Madrona, Maveron, and Founders' Co-op advised early-stage startup founders to display growth mindset, customer obsession, and strong storytelling skills as key factors for securing investment. These insights were shared at Graham & Walker’s Founder Day event to guide founders on investor red flags.
VCs Urge Startups to Focus Long-Term Despite $3 Trillion Market Loss from Trump’s Tariff Announcement
Venture capitalists advise startups to maintain a long-term focus despite uncertainty caused by President Trump’s new tariffs, which triggered a $3 trillion market value loss. While tariffs pose short-term challenges for hardware and manufacturing startups, many emphasize resilience and product-centric growth strategies.
Seattle AI Startup heyLibby, Co-Founded by Spencer Rascoff, Raises $4.5M to Automate Customer Service for Gyms and Salons
Seattle-based AI startup heyLibby, now renamed Replify, raised $4.5 million in seed funding to help health and wellness businesses like gyms and tanning salons automate customer communications. Founded by Tony Small, Anna Rodriguez, and Spencer Rascoff, the company currently serves U.S. clients with plans for international expansion.
Mark Cuban Backs Seattle Startup Skylight Social Developing TikTok-Like App on AT Protocol Amid TikTok Ban Concerns
Seattle startup Skylight Social, founded by Victoria White and Reed Harmeyer, raised funding from Mark Cuban and Graham & Walker to develop a TikTok-like short-form video app built on the AT Protocol, enabling users to own and transfer their data across platforms. The app is a Public Benefit Corporation committed to positive social impact and aims to capitalize on TikTok's uncertain future amid a potential U.S. ban.
Seattle Maritime Logistics Startup OpenTug Raises $2.2M Led by New York Firm TMV
Seattle-based maritime logistics startup OpenTug raised $2.2 million in a funding round led by New York firm TMV, bringing its total funding to $5.3 million. OpenTug offers software to optimize freight efficiency for inland and coastal waterways, serving barge shippers and tug operators.
Organizations
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AI House Director of Community and Programming 2026–present · current
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University of Washington, Board of Student Publications Board Member 2016–present · current
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AI House Director of Community and Programming · current
Education
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University of Washington Executive Development Program, Business Administration and Management, General · 2021–2022
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University of Washington Bachelor, Business, Journalism · 2008–2012
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Foster School of Business B.A., Business Administration · 2008–2012
