Glue, a nascent Seattle-based startup specializing in automated hardware testing, has secured a significant $2 million pre-seed funding round. This injection of capital, led by industrial behemoth Fortive, signifies a strong vote of confidence in Glue’s innovative approach to streamlining the often cumbersome hardware testing process. The funding will empower Glue to further develop its software platform, which leverages the power of artificial intelligence to revolutionize how hardware testing is conducted. This investment marks an exciting chapter in Glue’s journey, positioning the company for rapid growth and innovation within the hardware testing landscape.
The genesis of Glue can be traced to a collaborative effort between Fortive and Pioneer Square Labs (PSL), a prominent Seattle-based startup studio known for incubating and launching promising ventures. This partnership brought together the industrial expertise of Fortive with the entrepreneurial agility of PSL, creating a fertile ground for Glue’s emergence. Fortive’s deep understanding of the challenges inherent in hardware testing, combined with PSL’s experience in nurturing early-stage companies, provided Glue with a strong foundation from which to launch its innovative platform. This strategic alliance positioned Glue to effectively address the unmet needs of the hardware testing industry.
At the helm of Glue is CEO and co-founder David Sulpy, a seasoned veteran in the field of test automation. Sulpy brings a wealth of experience from his tenure as VP of test automation at Tektronix, a subsidiary of Fortive. His previous entrepreneurial success includes founding and subsequently selling data streaming startup Initial State to Tektronix in 2018. This background makes him ideally suited to lead Glue in its mission to transform hardware testing. Sulpy’s expertise in both test automation and entrepreneurial endeavors provides a valuable combination of technical acumen and business leadership.
Further strengthening Glue’s leadership team is CTO and co-founder Will Blaschko, who brings significant experience in AI and voice technologies from his previous role at Amazon, where he led a team focused on Alexa development. Blaschko’s expertise in these cutting-edge technologies is crucial to Glue’s AI-driven approach to test automation. His experience at Amazon, a leader in AI and voice technology, provides Glue with a competitive advantage in developing innovative solutions for the hardware testing market.
Glue’s core technology centers around the application of AI to automate the generation of test automation scripts from complex hardware design specifications. This innovative approach significantly simplifies and speeds up the testing process, allowing companies to bring their products to market more quickly and efficiently. The software also offers features such as intelligent instrument recommendations and automated test plan generation, further enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the testing process. By automating these critical steps, Glue empowers hardware developers to focus on innovation and product development, rather than the complexities of testing.
The $2 million pre-seed round saw participation from a consortium of investors, including Fortive, Pioneer Square Labs’ venture arm, and the AIStudio Fund, a newly established partnership between PSL and Silicon Valley venture capital firm Mayfield. This diverse group of investors brings a wealth of experience and resources to support Glue’s growth. The involvement of both established industrial players and venture capital firms signals a strong belief in Glue’s potential to disrupt the hardware testing market. This funding will provide Glue with the necessary resources to continue developing its platform and expand its market reach. The backing of seasoned investors, coupled with the expertise of its leadership team, positions Glue for continued success and innovation in the rapidly evolving field of hardware testing.
