From a notable funding raise by a battery manufacturer and supplier to a real estate tech acquisition, catch up on the latest Seattle tech news. This is the Seattle Built In Weekly Refresh.
Zillow acquired VRX Media. Zillow Group is expanding its offerings to real estate agents following this acquisition. VRX Media is a national network of photographers that offers aerial drone photography, 3D home tours and more. VRX Media is now part of Zillow’s ShowingTime+ software suite. [Built In Seattle]
Banzai announced plans to go public. The Seattle-based marketing software startup plans to go public via a SPAC merger with 7GC Holdings. Banzai got its start in 2016 as an on-demand sales and marketing tool and has since switched to a marketing platform for virtual events. In addition to this announcement, Banzi agreed to acquire Hyros, a marketing optimization company, for $110 million. [GeekWire]
Seattle Tech Quote of the Week
“It comes down to shortening the path to market for OEMs so we can meet EV demand today. The market has been moving at a breakneck pace, and right now, we’re truly at a crossroads for the future of electrified mobility. This investment is a testament to the mission on which Group14 has been founded: a cleaner, more sustainable planet for generations to come.” — Rick Luebbe, Group14 CEO and co-founder
Group14 Technologies raised an additional $214M. This additional capital from Microsoft’s Climate Innovation Fund, Lightrock Climate Impact Fund and others brings Group14’s Series C round to $614 million. The first $400 million was announced in May and led by Porsche AG. Group14 aims to help all industries transition into an all electric future with its advanced silicon batter technology. The Series C round will help the company build its second Battery Active Materials factory. The first factory opened in Woodinville in April 2021. [Group14 Technologies]
Protect AI got $13.5M. Recently emerging from stealth, Protect AI is a cybersecurity company for artificial intelligence and machine learning systems. The $13.5 million seed round was co-led by Acrew Capital and boldstart ventures. Protect AI is based in Seattle and has offices in Dallas and Raleigh, North Carolina. [Business Wire]
