Washington Technology Industry Association, a nonprofit made up of tech company members, has acquired Seattle-based tech industry nonprofit Sea.citi in a move announced Friday.
Sea.citi will keep its brand following the acquisition. According to the organizations, a WTIA steering committee will govern Sea.citi and the committee will initially consist of Sea.citi's current board members. A WTIA spokesperson said WTIA is adding resources to grow Sea.citi's programs.
“Sea.citi has made a significant impact in the region, driving widespread community engagement within the tech sector and serving as an influential voice on key civic issues,” Michael Schutzler, CEO of WTIA, said in a news release. “We are proud to carry forward Sea.citi initiatives that build civic engagement and productive working relationships among technology companies, government agencies and community-based organizations.”
The organizations didn't disclose the terms of the deal.
Sea.citi, founded in 2018, works to connect tech workers with one another and their communities, according to the organization's website. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Sea.citi launched the Family Tech Support Center, in part helped by a donation from Amazon.com Inc., to help students continue their education during the pandemic. Sea.citi also operates what it calls the Greenlight Fund to help students and families with needs like child care and healthy food.
According to the release, Sea.citi represents more than 150,000 workers and has helped distribute almost $500,000 to local education programs.
WTIA, meanwhile, has more than 1,000 member organizations and over 80 full- and part-time staff members. The nonprofit offers affinity groups, events and a talent sourcing.
“Joining WTIA provides Sea.citi a tremendous opportunity to continue to build stronger community ties with the tech workforce,” Eileen Sullivan, Sea.citi's board president said the release. “Our region is at an inflection point as we recover from the pandemic. After four successful years of tapping into the expertise and energy of tech and innovation workers, we think WTIA has the leadership and resources to take Sea.citi to the next level."
