Jen Haller, a startup veteran, has been named a partner at Ascend, a pre-seed venture capital firm based in Seattle. She initially joined the firm in January 2022 as chief of staff, and her new role will involve providing operational guidance to founders, managing internal operations, and fostering community engagement. Haller has a background working in various roles at Seattle startups such as Attunely, Axon, and The Flight Team, where she specialized in strategic growth. Ascend’s founding partner, Kirby Winfield, praised Haller as a valuable asset to the firm, highlighting her ability to work closely with portfolio companies and build a sense of community within the Seattle tech sector.
Ascend currently has over 80 portfolio companies, with close to 60 of them based in the Seattle region. In addition to Haller’s appointment, there have been several other key personnel changes in the Pacific Northwest tech industry. Amanda Kleha has joined the board of Common Room, a Seattle startup focused on creating connections between organizations and their communities. Brad Booth has been appointed as CEO of NLM Photonics, a Seattle-based company working on hybrid electro-optic modulation for computing and networking. Dr. Charles “Chuck” Murry, the director of the Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine, is leaving to lead stem-cell research at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine. Brian Hoffman also joined Maritime Blue as the director of Blue Ventures, bringing his executive leadership experience from StartX, a nonprofit founder community for Stanford University entrepreneurs.
Haller expressed her excitement about the new title, stating that it acknowledges her role in expanding Ascend’s offerings as an early-stage venture capital firm. Apart from providing initial investments, Ascend also offers hands-on support to founders throughout the startup journey, starting from the inception of the company to raising their Series A funding round. Haller’s previous work experience has equipped her with the skills needed to assist founders in navigating the complexities of building and scaling their businesses. Her track record in operational roles at various startups reflects her ability to drive growth and foster community relationships within the tech sector.
As a force-multiplier for Ascend, Haller has played a pivotal role in the firm’s success by working closely with portfolio companies, hosting events, volunteering, and making valuable introductions within the Seattle tech community. Her operational expertise and community-focused approach have contributed to Ascend’s growth and reputation as a supportive and engaged venture capital firm. With a strong portfolio of companies and a dedicated team of professionals, Ascend is poised to continue its mission of investing in and supporting early-stage startups in the Seattle region and beyond.
Overall, the recent personnel changes in the Pacific Northwest tech industry highlight the dynamic nature of the sector, with experienced individuals like Jen Haller, Amanda Kleha, Brad Booth, Dr. Charles Murry, and Brian Hoffman taking on new roles and contributing their expertise to innovative companies and research institutions. These changes reflect the ongoing evolution and growth of the tech ecosystem in the region, with a focus on supporting startups, advancing technology, and fostering community engagement. Through their leadership and contributions, these individuals are shaping the future of the tech industry in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
