The news: Violett, a Seattle-based startup that sells ultraviolet light air purification technology, raised $2.3 million.
The tech: Founded in 2020, Violett has developed hospital-grade air purification units that maximize UVC exposure using a cyclone pattern to disinfect air in a single pass. Its product is effective against COVID-19 virus particles, according to the company.
“People are now realizing COVID-19 is something we may be living with forever in some capacity, and passive air disinfection solutions might be a required step to get back to a sense of normalcy we all want,” said CEO Branden Doyle. “Customers have been more eager to try our product over time, as the pandemic has lingered on.”
The customers: Violett currently has 10 customers that use its products in healthcare settings, schools, fitness centers, and more. The company is launching a new rental business model. It also provides units to in-person events for underrepresented populations in the Seattle area.
With its new round of funding, Violett plans to scale manufacturing operations, seek more opportunities to help vulnerable populations, develop a mobile app, build nanotechnology odor removal, and expand its 7-person team.
The founders: Violett co-founders include Doyle, a former nuclear engineer for the U.S. Department of Defense, and Jessie Perez, a scientist and former employee at Nanostring.
The funders: The seed round was led by Tacoma Venture Fund, with participation from Pack VC, Swan VC, Luana Investments, Alliance of Angels, and other angel investors. The company started fundraising in late 2021 and closed the round in mid-2022. Total funding to date is $2.75 million.
Previously: Former DoD nuclear engineer leads new Seattle startup developing air purification technology
