Advancements of all kinds are making their way onto the Seattle tech scene. With contact lenses from a sci-fi novel and software that can help companies find the perfect employee, read more about what’s underway. This is the Built In Seattle weekly refresh.
Innovega raised $15M. The Bellevue-based company is behind tech-enabled contact lenses that pair with a set of smart glasses to transport the wearer into an augmented and virtual reality experience. It’s currently in the process of publicly raising its Series A funding through a partnership with SeedInvest. The money will let Innovega finance its FDA clinical trials to get market clearance for its product, as well as fund other initiatives. [Built In Seattle]
Seattle companies made Forbes’ best startup employers list. Based on factors like employer reputation, employee satisfaction and growth, Forbes compiled a list of startups that could make ideal workplaces. Some of the 15 Seattle companies listed include DefinedCrowd, 98point6, Wrench and Auth0. Claiming the top spot on the magazine’s list is communications company Hiya. [Built In Seattle]
Seattle Tech Quote of the Week
SeekOut pulled in $65M. Its AI-enabled recruitment software works to help companies find source-qualified talent, reduce bias and achieve their recruitment goals sooner. With its Series B funding led by Tiger Global Management, SeekOut is looking to expand the capabilities of its Talent 360 platform as well as make new hires of its own in departments including engineering, sales, marketing, product and customer success. [Built In Seattle]
Icertis got $80M. By extracting data from contracts, this startup works to digitize the entire contracting process for businesses, a service that has seen increased demand since the transition to remote work. B Capital Group led the company’s Series F round, and the new funding will allow it to further its AI and blockchain development, expand its sales and marketing footprint, form new partnerships and increase its headcount. [Built In Seattle]
Lockstep expands its executive team. This company specializing in cloud accounting capabilities announced the hire of two new additions to its executive team. Rosalyn Curato will be taking over as the executive vice president of customer success, while Preethi Pragash will adopt the position of vice president of finance. The company raised a $10 million Series A round last month and plans to more than double its team by the end of the year. [Press Release]
