Summer 2009
Framing the Future of Computing and of Washington's Long-Term Competitiveness
On May 1st, more than 700 business, research and policy leaders from across the state were on hand for the premier event for Washington's innovation community: the Technology Alliance's 2009 State of Technology Luncheon.
Governor Chris Gregoire kicked off the event, expressing appreciation for the innovative, forward-looking members of the audience who represent Washington's economic future. Other highlights included the Alliance of Angels 2009 Company of the Year announcement and key findings from the Technology Alliance's latest study benchmarking Washington's competitiveness in the drivers of a successful innovation economy.
The program culminated in a keynote conversation featuring one of those forward-looking innovators, Microsoft Chief Software Architect Ray Ozzie.
An experienced entrepreneur and industry visionary, Ozzie joined TA board member Ed Lazowska of University of Washington Computer Science & Engineering onstage to share his insights into the future of computing.
In her opening remarks, Governor Gregoire alluded to the Technology Alliance's benchmarking research showing Washington ranks fourth in the nation for intensity of scientists and engineers in the workforce to underline the critical contributions of the tech sector to our state economy.
"To say the technology sector is the sparkplug for economic vitality is an understatement," the Governor said. "Technology jobs are desirable, high-wage jobs, and all sectors increasingly rely on an adaptable, tech-savvy workforce."
Crediting innovation for making our state what it is today, Governor Gregoire highlighted a few of the groundbreaking companies, large and small, that have contributed to our position as a world leader in technology. In addition to big names like Boeing and Microsoft, she called attention to bioinformatics company Geospiza, advanced materials developer Modumetal, unmanned aircraft maker Insitu, and energy conservation software developer Verdiem as indicators of a bright future for Washington's innovation economy.
Three of those companies - Geospiza, Modumetal, and Insitu - received funding from members of the Technology Alliance's Alliance of Angels investment group.
TA Chair Emeritus Marty Smith took the podium to celebrate AoA's robust investment activity. Having directed $6.4 million to 36 early stage companies last year, AoA once again earned recognition as one of the most active angel groups in the nation. Smith, managing director of legal services startup MetaJure, identified Insitu as one of five successful exits for AoA investors in 2008, alongside CleverSet, Shelfari, SNAPin Software, and The Coffee Equipment Company.
He noted that all five companies retained operations and staff in Washington following their acquisitions.
"These positive exits help instill confidence in our entrepreneurs and investors to build innovative companies for the long haul," he said.
Two of the companies on the list - Insitu and The Coffee Equipment Company - took home the title of AoA Company of the Year from previous State of Technology Luncheons. It was no surprise, then, that a third, SNAPin Software, was honored at this year's luncheon as AoA's 2009 Company of the Year. The Bellevue-based company, which was founded in 2003, develops innovative customer service solutions for mobile carriers. Acquired by Nuance Communications last year, the company's technology is used by 210 million mobile subscribers worldwide.
Smith turned over the microphone to TA Chair Jeremy Jaech to deliver highlights of Washington's performance in education, research, and entrepreneurship compared to that of other leading technology states. The TA found that, while Washington excels in strength of science and engineering workforce, it has ample room for improvement in preparing our state's students to take part in the innovation economy.
"We have been a magnet for top talent because of the world class companies present here today, and of all the indicators, this one truly shows our state's competitive strength," observed Jaech.
"Unfortunately, we are not preparing enough of our state's students to be successful in higher education or those technology careers."
Jaech acknowledged that the state took an important first step with the approval of education reform legislation in the recently concluded session, congratulating the policy leaders present for laying out a blueprint to move the state forward.
"While critics have said it does not make sense to pass legislation that we cannot yet pay for," said Jaech, "we believe making the commitment now to do better for our children will help compel us as a state to make the necessary decisions that move us toward real competitiveness."
The keynote presentation featuring Ray Ozzie blended an inside look into the evolution of computing with unique insights into what the rise of the cloud will mean for the industry and its customers, both now and in the future.
The conversation touched upon everything from who does what at the top of Microsoft these days, to Italian fashion, to the shakeup of the newspaper business model. But the overarching message Ozzie shared with the audience was one of enthusiasm for new opportunities the cloud will bring for software developers, for device makers, and for consumers.
"Right now, there has never been a more exciting time," said Ozzie. "This should be the golden age of computer-based cooperative work and social interaction."
View the entire luncheon program online, courtesy of TVW.
TA Chair Jeremy Jaech Urges Washington to "Put the Pedal to the Metal" in the Race to Grow Our Innovation Economy
Since 2003, the Technology Alliance has periodically benchmarked Washington's progress in advancing the essential drivers of a successful innovation economy: excellence in K-12 and higher education, strong public and private research, and a robust entrepreneurial climate.
At the 2009 State of Technology Luncheon, Jeremy Jaech, CEO of Verdiem, revealed which states are in pole position.
Alliance of Angels Launches Seed Fund to Supercharge Early Stage Investment
Building on its well-earned reputation as one of the most active angel groups in the nation, Alliance of Angels announced this spring the launch of its new AoA Seed Fund. The Fund will capitalize on AoA's screening process and network of savvy investors to have an even greater impact in supporting the growth of innovative, young companies in the region.
The Fund made its first investment in June, directing $235,000 to online project management software developer LiquidPlanner. The investment was in addition to a combined $385,000 the company received from individual AoA members in recent months.
Think of it as angel investing, supercharged.
Greg Huey Brings a Wealth of Investment Experience to Position of AoA Program Director
Alliance of Angels was pleased to welcome Greg Huey, former principal at Seattle-based Frazier Technology Ventures, as the new AoA program director. Greg's primary mission as he takes the helm will be to strengthen investor outreach and education, building on the program's robust deal flow and status as the Northwest's premier entrepreneur-friendly angel investing group.
Important Dates
- September 1
- Alliance of Angels 10-Minute Pitch Clinic
- 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
- Seattle
- September 11
- Science & Technology Discovery Series
- Featuring: Tadayoshi Kohno, University of Washington
- Computer Science & Engineering
- 7:30 am - 9:00 am
- Seattle
- September 17
- Technology Alliance Board Meeting
- 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
- Seattle
- September 28-30
- Technology Institute
- Leavenworth
