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.
Tiger Global Leads $146M Funding Round for Temporal, Raising Valuation to $1.72B
Temporal, a Seattle startup that offers an open-source microservices orchestration platform, raised $146 million in a funding round led by Tiger Global, boosting its valuation to $1.72 billion. The company serves major clients like Snap and Netflix, with a reported 4.4X revenue growth in 18 months.
Seattle Startup Gable Raises $20M Series A Led by Crane Venture Partners to Coordinate Data Changes Across Teams
Seattle startup Gable raised $20 million in a Series A round led by Crane Venture Partners to help companies coordinate data changes and ensure data quality across teams. Founded by ex-Convoy data leaders, Gable serves clients like Glassdoor and Grab and has raised $27 million total.
Seattle Startup Summit Highlights City's AI Strengths and Need for More Entrepreneurial Energy
At the inaugural Seattle Startup Summit, leaders like Statsig CEO Vijaye Raji and Acquired podcast co-host Ben Gilbert highlighted Seattle's strong AI ecosystem, anchored by tech giants Amazon and Microsoft, and specialization in biotech and disease research. Despite this, they noted the city could benefit from cultivating a more vibrant entrepreneurial culture to maximize its potential in AI innovation.
Perplexity Teams Up with Seattle’s Firmly.ai to Enhance E-Commerce in AI Search App
Perplexity partners with Seattle startup Firmly.ai to integrate e-commerce features into its AI search app, enabling businesses to sell products directly through the platform. Firmly, founded by ex-Samsung executives and backed by $5.2 million in funding, supports 'buy-anywhere' shopping experiences amid rising demand.
Opanga Networks Raises $15.9M to Expand Mobile Network Optimization Software Globally
Seattle-based startup Opanga Networks raised $15.9 million to expand its machine learning-powered mobile network optimization software into central Europe and Africa. The company is led by Cole Brodman and recently added former T-Mobile technology president Neville Ray to its board.
Seattle Opens AI House and Foundations Startup Hubs Amid Growing AI Ecosystem
Seattle launched two new startup hubs, AI House and Foundations, to support its growing AI ecosystem, hosting events with notable figures like venture capitalist Vinod Khosla and Mayor Bruce Harrell. These hubs aim to foster collaboration and growth within Seattle's burgeoning AI startup community.
Former Outreach CEO Manny Medina Launches London-Based Startup Paid with $10M to Monetize AI Agents
Manny Medina, co-founder and former CEO of Outreach, has launched Paid, a London-based startup focused on monetizing AI agents, backed by over $10 million in funding. Medina stepped down as Outreach CEO in September and now serves as executive chairman while Paid aims to simplify billing and monetization for AI builders.
Pike Street Capital Raises $199M Led by NorthSands and Painswick to Expand Seattle Water Flow Startup Impel
Pike Street Capital Partners raised $199 million to expand its investment in Impel, a Seattle-based water flow management startup led by Doug Staab. The funding, led by NorthSands Capital and Painswick Capital, supports Impel's growth following Pike Street's strategic acquisitions since 2021.
GeekWire Awards 2024 Startup of the Year Finalists Auger, CalmWave, Clearbrief, Oleria, and Yoodli Showcase AI-Driven Innovations
The five finalists for the GeekWire Awards’ Startup of the Year—Auger, CalmWave, Clearbrief, Oleria, and Yoodli—are all leveraging AI to enhance their products and internal processes, utilizing automation and AI-driven insights across diverse sectors such as supply chain, healthcare, legal, web3, and communications. Their CEOs shared how AI empowers their companies to innovate and improve customer experiences.
Icertis Raises $50M from B Capital to Reduce Debt, Reports $300M Annual Recurring Revenue in 2024
Icertis, a Bellevue-based contract management software company, raised $50 million from existing investor B Capital to pay down debt, marking over $500 million raised since its 2009 founding. Valued at $5 billion in 2021, Icertis reported $300 million in annual recurring revenue in 2024 and has been expanding its AI product offerings.
Madrona Venture Group Marks 30 Years with $770M Raised for New Funds, Continuing Strong Seattle Investments
Madrona Venture Group, a Seattle-based venture capital firm celebrating its 30th anniversary, has invested in major startups like Amazon and recently raised $770 million for two new funds to support about 40 investments. While expanding beyond the Pacific Northwest with a Palo Alto office, Madrona continues to focus most of its investments locally.
Madrona Ventures Backs AI-Powered E-Commerce Startup Spangle Led by Ex-Bolt CEO Maju Kuruvilla
Spangle, a new AI-driven e-commerce startup led by former Bolt CEO and Amazon VP Maju Kuruvilla, has emerged from stealth with seed funding from Madrona and Streamlined Ventures. The company aims to revolutionize online shopping personalization by bridging hyper-targeted marketing and broad customer experiences.
UW’s CoMotion Relaunches Fintech Incubator with Curinos Partnership to Support 3-4 Startups Annually
The University of Washington's CoMotion has relaunched its fintech incubator in partnership with data intelligence company Curinos, aiming to support 3-4 startups annually with access to Curinos' AI-powered financial data and network. The incubator continues CoMotion's legacy of fostering fintech innovation on the UW campus.
Flexport Sues Freightmate Founders for Trade Secret Theft to Launch Seattle Startup
Logistics company Flexport has filed a federal lawsuit against Freightmate and its founders, alleging theft of thousands of confidential files and trade secrets to launch a competing startup in Seattle. Flexport accuses Freightmate's CEO Bryan Lacaillade and CTO Jason Zhao of secretly conspiring while employed at Flexport, resulting in claims for monetary damages, injunctive relief, and destruction of stolen materials.
Curevo Raises $110M Series B to Advance Shingles Vaccine Amid GSK Competition, Adds Former GSK and Moderna Execs to Board
Seattle biotech startup Curevo raised $110 million in a Series B round to advance Phase 2 trials of its shingles vaccine amezosvatein, competing with GlaxoSmithKline's Shingrix. The company added biotech veterans, including former GSK and Moderna executives, to its board to support development.
Rad Power Bikes Names Kathi Lentzsch, Former Bartell Drugs CEO, as New CEO Amid Strategic Retail Shift
Seattle-based e-bike company Rad Power Bikes appointed Kathi Lentzsch, former CEO of Bartell Drugs, as its new CEO amid a strategic shift to retail-focused operations and recent layoffs. Lentzsch replaces Phil Molyneux, who led the company for over two years during a period marked by lawsuits and recalls.
University of Washington Students Pitch AI and Tech Startups After 10-Week Entrepreneurship Course Led by Greg Gottesman
The University of Washington offers a popular 10-week entrepreneurship class led by venture capitalist Greg Gottesman, culminating in student pitches of tech startups at Pioneer Square Labs. The course attracted strong demand, featured high-profile guest speakers like Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, and highlighted trends such as AI and computer vision.
Seattle Venture Capitalists Urge Founders to Prioritize Practical AI Over Pursuit of AGI
Seattle venture capitalists at a Plug and Play event encouraged tech founders to focus on building practical AI products for specific industries rather than chasing artificial general intelligence (AGI), which they believe is uncertain and not imminent.
Seattle VC Firm Founders’ Co-op Raises Nearly $23M for New Fund, Following $50M Fifth Fund in 2021
Seattle venture capital firm Founders’ Co-op is raising a new fund with nearly $23 million secured according to SEC filings. The firm, led by Chris DeVore and Aviel Ginzburg, previously raised $50 million in 2021 and invests in early-stage startups in the Pacific Northwest.
Seattle Startup Rhodium Raises $2 Million to Revolutionize Marketing for Medical Spas and Beauty Brands with AI
Seattle startup Rhodium, founded by former Petabyte executives, has raised $2 million to provide AI-driven marketing software for medical spas and beauty brands. The company combines machine learning with merged direct-to-consumer brands to enhance customer engagement and revenue.
Seattle Startup Read AI Launches AI-Powered Search Copilot to Transform Enterprise Data Discovery, Raises $81M Total Funding
Seattle startup Read AI launched Search Copilot, an AI-powered enterprise search tool that helps users find and analyze internal data across multiple platforms, offering free access with limits. The company has grown rapidly with 40,000 new accounts daily, 5X revenue growth last year, and $81 million funding to date.
Seattle Venture Firm Graham & Walker Files to Raise $15M Second Fund for Early-Stage Tech Startups
Seattle-based venture firm Graham & Walker is raising a $15 million second fund focused on early-stage tech companies across North America, following a $10 million first fund in 2021. The firm, founded by Leslie Feinzaig, has a portfolio including Seattle startups Tokki, Planette, Proxi, and PairTree.
Rad Power Bikes CEO Phil Molyneux Steps Down Amid Strategic Shift and Layoffs; CFO Stephanie Roberts Named Interim CEO
Phil Molyneux has stepped down as CEO of Rad Power Bikes after more than two years, with CFO Stephanie Roberts serving as interim CEO during the leadership transition. The Seattle-based e-bike company is undergoing a strategic shift toward physical retail, resulting in additional layoffs and operational changes.
Seattle Renewable Energy Startup Omnidian Acquires Australia’s Largest Solar Service Network Solar Service Guys
Seattle-based renewable energy startup Omnidian has acquired Australia's largest solar service network, Solar Service Guys, expanding its presence in the country. Founded in 2006, Solar Service Guys will operate as a subsidiary of Omnidian, which recently raised $25 million and employs over 260 people.
Seattle Startups Actual AI, CopyCat, and Esterre Launch Innovative Tech Solutions for Real Estate, Mental Health, and Performance Reviews
Seattle startups Actual AI, CopyCat, and Esterre are innovating in areas like automated performance reviews, browser task automation, and flexible vacation home ownership. These companies are gaining traction with pilot programs, accelerator support, and new business models to serve therapists, real estate, and other industries.
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
