Jen Haller, a seasoned startup professional, has been appointed as a partner at Ascend, a pre-seed venture capital firm based in Seattle. She originally joined the company as chief of staff in January 2022 and will now take on a role that expands on her responsibilities by providing operational guidance to founders, managing internal operations, and fostering community engagement. Haller’s work history includes roles at Seattle startups Attunely and Axon, as well as co-founding The Flight Team, a consultancy specializing in strategic growth. She has also been an office manager at Paul Allen’s Stratolaunch, where she managed the buildout of the Seattle office from 20 to 150 people. Haller’s expertise and experience have made her a valuable asset to the team at Ascend.
Ascend founding partner Kirby Winfield praised Haller as “an absolute force-multiplier” for the firm, emphasizing her impact on fostering a sense of community in the Seattle tech sector through hosting events, volunteering, and making meaningful introductions. Ascend has a portfolio of over 80 companies, with nearly 60 of them based in the Seattle region. This growth has been facilitated by Haller’s contributions, which have played a significant role in the firm’s success. The recognition of her expanded role as a partner highlights the importance of her work in broadening Ascend’s offerings as an early-stage venture capital firm, supporting founders throughout the startup journey from the initial investment to raising their Series A.
In addition to Haller’s appointment at Ascend, other key personnel changes have taken place across the Pacific Northwest tech industry. Amanda Kleha, with experience at companies like Google, Zendesk, Airtable, and Figma, joined the board of Common Room, a Seattle startup aiming to enhance connections between companies and their communities. Brad Booth has become CEO of NLM Photonics, a Seattle-based company focusing on hybrid electro-optic modulation for computing and networking solutions, replacing co-founder Gerard Zytnicki in the role. Dr. Charles “Chuck” Murry, a stem cell expert at the University of Washington School of Medicine, is leaving to lead stem cell research at USC’s Keck School of Medicine, while Brian Hoffman has joined Maritime Blue as director of Blue Ventures, bringing leadership experience from Stanford University’s StartX.
These changes reflect the dynamic nature of the Pacific Northwest tech industry, with talented professionals moving between companies to take on new challenges and drive innovation. Each individual brings a unique set of skills and experiences to their respective roles, contributing to the growth and success of the organizations they join. The appointment of Jen Haller as a partner at Ascend showcases the company’s commitment to supporting founders and providing operational guidance, while other key personnel changes in the region demonstrate the ongoing evolution and development of the tech sector. By leveraging their expertise and connections, these professionals are making meaningful contributions to their respective organizations and the broader tech community in the Pacific Northwest.
Overall, these personnel changes illustrate the continuous evolution and growth of the tech industry in the Pacific Northwest, with talented individuals taking on new challenges and roles to drive innovation and success. From Jen Haller’s appointment as a partner at Ascend to other key personnel changes in companies like Common Room, NLM Photonics, and Maritime Blue, these professionals are bringing their unique skills and experiences to their respective organizations to make a positive impact. Their contributions are fostering a sense of community, supporting founders, and advancing research in areas like stem cell therapy and environmentally friendly technologies. The Pacific Northwest tech industry continues to be a hub of innovation and talent, with these personnel changes reflecting the region’s commitment to growth and excellence in the tech sector.
