With a few companies landing fresh funding last week, big tech innovations are underway on the Puget Sound. Find out what these startups are up to. This is the Built In Seattle weekly refresh.
Plunk secured $6.5M. With its AI-powered mobile app, Bellevue-based proptech startup Plunk raised seed funding to commercialize its tech. Its platform helps homeowners determine the most cost-effective home renovation projects. Unlock Ventures led the round that’ll support Plunk as it works to scale its product nationally. [Built In Seattle]
Remitly extended its Visa partnership. In helping people send money abroad, the fintech company announced a new investment from financial partner Visa. It’s seen plenty of success recently as people have used its platform to support loved ones during the pandemic. Now, Remitly is extending its partnership to continue to provide its customers with Visa’s real-time payments platform, Visa Direct. [Built In Seattle]
Seattle Tech Quote of the Week
Madrona Venture Labs got $8M. The startup incubator helps companies build out their ideas, devise a business plan and seek funding. The companies also get to leverage the incubator’s relationship with the Madrona Venture Group. With the fresh capital, MVL anticipates providing more startups with its resources and hopes to spin out six to eight companies over the next few years. [Built In Seattle]
Amazon to make 75,000 new hires. The tech giant is currently hiring for tens of thousands of positions across the U.S. and Canada within its fulfillment and transportation network. Offering a starting salary of $17 an hour and full-time employee benefits such as dental coverage and a 401(k), Amazon is also extending its COVID-19 vaccination program to employees and their families. [Amazon]
Our Mayberry pulled in $1.2M. With its three-sided online marketplace platform that enables charitable donations, the company aims to help businesses demonstrate their values to their customers. Our Mayberry closed on an oversubscribed seed funding round to invest in expanding within the U.S. and internationally. [Built In Seattle]
