Taylor Soper to Lead Seattle’s AI House After GeekWire Run

After more than a decade reporting on the tech scene in the Pacific Northwest, Taylor Soper is preparing for a new chapter in his career. The longtime journalist is leaving GeekWire to take on a leadership role at the AI2 Incubator, where he will serve as director of the growing AI startup hub known as AI House.

Soper spent more than 13 years at GeekWire as both a reporter and editor. During that time, he became one of the most recognized voices covering technology and startups in the Pacific Northwest. In his new position, he will focus on helping build and support the next generation of artificial intelligence startups in Seattle.

AI House has quickly emerged as a meeting point for AI founders, researchers, and practitioners. The hub aims to connect innovators, support collaboration, and accelerate the development of new AI-driven companies in the region.

According to Yifan Zhang, Soper’s background makes him an ideal fit for the role. Zhang noted that Soper brings a rare mix of deep connections within the Seattle tech ecosystem, curiosity about emerging technologies, and an ability to ask the right questions.

Soper’s journey with GeekWire dates back to 2012, when he became the outlet’s first editorial hire. Fresh out of the University of Washington, he joined the publication when it was still operating out of a tiny office near Seattle’s Ballard Bridge.

Over the years, Soper built a reputation for breaking important tech stories and building strong relationships across the industry. His reporting ranged from early-stage startups to major tech giants such as Microsoft and Amazon. He regularly covered funding rounds, acquisitions, and emerging tech trends.

More recently, as editor at GeekWire, Soper helped lead the newsroom and coordinated coverage on a wide range of topics. That included civic technology, startup culture, and the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence.

Reflecting on his time at GeekWire, Soper expressed gratitude for the opportunity to grow alongside the publication and its team. He said he is excited to work directly with founders and help accelerate the growth of startups during what many see as a defining moment for AI innovation.

GeekWire, meanwhile, plans to continue expanding its coverage of startups and the regional tech ecosystem. Co-founder Todd Bishop will step back into the role of editor while continuing his reporting duties. He will work alongside staff reporters Lisa Stiffler and Kurt Schlosser, as well as co-founder and publisher John Cook. Contributors including Alan Boyle and Thomas Wilde will also continue supporting the newsroom.

Soper’s final day at GeekWire is scheduled for March 25. Until then, he’s expected to keep doing what he’s done for more than a decade — reporting on the stories shaping the region’s tech community.

As he transitions from journalist to startup ecosystem builder, many in Seattle’s tech world will be watching closely to see how his next chapter unfolds.

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