The Seattle tech scene announced an array of news last week, ranging from venture capital raises to scaling computer science programs at two local colleges. Catch up on the latest news you might have missed. This is the Built In Seattle Weekly Refresh.
Viome Life Sciences secured $67M. Viome is a digital health platform that uses mRNA tech and artificial intelligence solutions to fuel longevity and health. The company also works to prevent and address aging, chronic diseases and cancer. In addition to its recently launched at-home test for oral and throat cancers, Viome plans to offer an early-detection diagnostic test for gastrointestinal disorders and elusive cancers. The fresh funding, which comes one year after its $54 million pre-Series C round, will go toward developing additional prevention and early-detection products. [Built In Seattle]
CHEQ raised $8M. CHEQ is a mobile payment platform for restaurants and hospitality venues. Founded in 2020, the platform allows users to send drinks and food to each other for on-premise consumption — something the company calls social purchasing and gifting. This company has raised $13.4 million to date, including future equity notes, an $8 million seed round and a $5.4 million pre-seed round raised last year. CHEQ plans to double its 18-person team by the end of next year. [Puget Sound Business Journal]
Seattle Tech Quote of the Week
Lithos gained $6.29M. Lithos is a greentech company that aims to decarbonize farms and trap CO2. The company’s biogeochemical process uses machine learning to determining how much volcanic basalt rock dust should be applied to fields. This dust gives crops various nutrients and captures carbon as it decomposes. Lithos’ seed funding round was co-led by Greylock Partners and Union Square Ventures and will be used to scale its team and fulfill its waitlist. [Built In Seattle]
Amazon donated $3M to local colleges. The money given to Bellevue College will go toward expanding its computer science program by 60 percent and assisting students with their technical and financial needs. Seattle College will use the money to hire more faculty, double the capacity of its computer science program and launch its bachelor’s degree program in computer science. [Bothell-Kenmore Reporter]
Techstars Seattle named a new managing director. At the end of October, Marius Ciocirlan will serve as the accelerator’s managing director. Ciocirlan is the co-founder and former CEO of ShareGrid, a marketplace for photographers and videographers that was acquired in January. The previous managing director, Isaac Kato, stepped down at the end of September. [Puget Sound Business Journal]
