Startups on the Seattle tech scene are growing and developing more ways to serve communities. Powering things from spas to churches to pet tracking services, find out what’s new. This is the Built In Seattle weekly refresh.
TerraClear raised $25M. Providing AI and robotics tech to ease the process of rock removal, Bellevue-based TerraClear closed on its Series A round that brings its total venture sum to $38 million. The raise was led by Madrona Venture Group and enables the startup to invest in scaling up its production and sales. It also has hiring plans that include growing its team. [FinSMEs]
Amazon to acquire MGM Studios. The major Hollywood movie studio behind numerous TV programs and award-winning films is getting acquired by Amazon in a deal worth $8.45 billion. Amazon is growing its media presence with Amazon Prime to compete with streaming companies like Netflix and Hulu. The acquisition is Amazon’s second largest since it bought Whole Foods Market for $13.7 billion back in 2017. [GeekWire]
Seattle Tech Quote of the Week
Tractive expands into Seattle. Based in Austria, this company developed a wearable GPS tracking device for pet collars, helping owners keep up with their furry friends with real-time location details pinged to their phone. It currently counts 400,000 customers across 175 countries, and now it’s building out its U.S. presence. Tractive is hiring for up to 12 Seattle-based positions with $35 million growth funding from a round led by Guidepost Growth Equity. [Built In Seattle]
Pushpay plans to hire 50. Headquartered in Redmond, Pushpay provides a platform to help churches and other organizations process donations and grow their digital presence. The company is looking to expand its platform to serve Catholic churches across the country, and it’s conducting a hiring initiative to do so. Pushpay currently has open roles across product, engineering, design, marketing, customer success and more. [Built In Seattle]
RightBound pulled in $12M. Dual-headquartered in Kirkland and Tel Aviv, the startup developed a platform that automates processes involved in sales prospecting, helping teams better connect with buyers. With its Series A funding led by Innovation Endeavors, the company is investing in expanding its operations and business reach. [FinSMEs]
Zenoti launches spa services initiative. So business owners and employees can spend more time pampering their guests, Zenoti offers spas and salons software to help manage business operations. Its Zenoti Foundation just launched an initiative providing individuals in need with access to spa and salon services to boost their self esteem. [Built In Seattle]
