Tess Danielson 
“Things are only impossible until they’re not.” – Captain Picard, Star Trek, The Next Generation. For Justin Ayars, founder and CEO of EqualityMD, this isn’t just a quote—it’s a way of life. “[Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry]’s dream was to see past the squabbles of humanity and show the world what a future could look … more
Technology’s hottest trend can be summarized in two words: artificial intelligence. AI startups are racing to innovate and deploy new solutions across a broad range of industries and applications. From 2023 to 2024 alone, the industry grew by 80%. The different sectors within AI are changing and evolving every day–with new ideas creating breakthroughs every … more
Unicorn Investor Club: Icertis Website | LinkedIn | Pitchbook Portfolio Summary Description Pitchbook: Developer of a contract intelligence platform designed to structure and connect every kind of contract. The company’s platform uses artificial intelligence to read, analyze documents, and third-party papers to provide authorized users with detailed risk reports and automatic obligations, as well as … more
Artificial intelligence has been a hot topic for decades—but according to top investors, its defining moment is now. From reshaping industries to redefining human potential, AI is no longer just a promise–delivering tangible, world-changing impact. Here’s where five of the most influential investors believe the technology is headed next. 1. Marc Andreessen Andreessen Horowitz: Co-Founder … more
Since its inception, technology has fascinated the entrepreneurs of the world. In the 20th century, that obsession moved to the hardware powering the computers of the future. In the 21st century, the fight to out upgrade competitor artificial intelligence models has become the new space race. Many tech leaders have professed its potential for decades, … more
Seattle’s rise wasn’t accidental—it combined geographic luck, big tech anchors, and a founder-friendly culture. Amazon’s choice catalyzed a golden age, but sustaining it requires solving new challenges. Seattle offers ex-Amazon talent with scaling experience and accessible local investors like Voyager Capital facing less competition than Silicon Valley. Its pragmatic culture avoids hype cycles, ideal for … more
VC Spotlight: Founders’ Co-op Website | LinkedIn | Pitchbook Motto: “Built by founders, funded by founders, and designed to put founders first.” Founded in 2008, Founders’ Co-op is a venture capital investment firm based in Seattle, Washington. The firm seeks to invest in the Pacific Northwest-based companies operating in the software sector. This firm is … more
Artificial intelligence solutions now play a vital role in launching and scaling startups, offering efficiency gains, improved decision-making and versatile applications. From automation to web search, these tools help businesses stay competitive. Selecting the right AI requires evaluating integration capabilities, scalability and alignment with business goals. The technology can enhance analytics, customer engagement and operations. … more
Launching a startup is a rollercoaster—exciting, fast-paced, and sometimes overwhelming. The right artificial intelligence (AI) tools can make all the difference, helping you stay organized, efficient, and ahead of the competition. Here’s a list of the best apps for startup founders, including key details like founding dates, founders, core uses, AI-powered features, and why they … more
Raising early-stage funding is one of the most exciting—and perilous—phases of a startup’s journey. A single misstep can derail your growth, dilute your equity too soon, or even scare off future investors. Here are seven of the most common funding mistakes founders make—and how to avoid them. Mistake #1: Raising Too Early (Or Too Late) … more
Kameale Terry, 35, grew up in South Central Los Angeles as the eldest of four children in a first-generation American family. Her parents immigrated from Belize, instilling an entrepreneurial spirit in their children. “I grew up just knowing that I could do anything, I could accomplish whatever I put my mind to,” she says. “We … more
Jake Peterson never planned to become senior SEO and web analytics manager at Go Fish Digital. “I kind of stumbled backward into the SEO [search engine optimization] and digital marketing world,” he said. “I come from an editorial background and really enjoyed the content side. But everything I did was behind a paywall.” This realization … more
The path from underrepresented founder to venture capitalist is rarely linear, but it’s one filled with invaluable lessons, resilience, and the power of rewriting the narrative. For many founders from marginalized backgrounds, breaking into the VC world isn’t just about securing capital—it’s about reshaping who gets to control it. The Founder’s Struggle is a Strength … more
Seattle is experiencing a revitalization – and a major factor is investor support for early-stage founders. Many venture capitalists here prioritize traction over pedigree, with even major players like Microsoft (M12) and Amazon quietly funding local entrepreneurs. But the true stars are the local investors: a tight-knit community dedicated to uplifting founders and paying it … more
As the possibility of a recession grows, many entrepreneurs are adapting their strategies. With the U.S. potentially facing a recession (defined as two consecutive quarters of declining GDP), businesses must prioritize adaptability. While recessions bring challenges, utilizing careful planning and targeted marketing can help a startup do more than just survive the storm. What is ‘Recession-Proof’? … more
No matter where you come from or where you’re going, every immigrant’s journey is unique. Sergio Paluch—co-founder and managing partner of Beta Boom, a pre-seed and seed fund investing in overlooked founders—is no exception. He has made it his life’s mission to dismantle inequity in venture capital and disrupt industry norms. For Sergio, where you’re … more
For 200 years, immigrant minds have fueled America’s tech dominance. With each new wave of migration, generation-defining innovations follows. Today, this legacy continues as immigrant founders dominate fields from semiconductor manufacturing to artificial intelligence. Here are their accomplishments: decade by decade, breakthrough by breakthrough. Timeline 1840s–1850s (Early Industrial Era) Antonio Meucci (Italy) In 1856, Italian immigrant … more
As economies globalize and technology becomes a central force of change, Nevada is adapting. The tourism-centered state was hit hard by COVID-19 and is still trying to recover. But its post-pandemic commitment to nurturing a healthy tech ecosystem has proven to be a very smart economic move. Over the last decade, a concerted push toward … more
We invest at the pre-seed and seed stages in passionate, tenacious founders solving big problems and help them grow their startup with hands-on product, marketing, sales, and fundraising support