Seattle AI founder looks to leave as taxes rise, ‘Everybody that I know… is in the process of leaving’
Seattle AI founder Jesse Proudman is considering relocating his company Venice.ai due to rising taxes in Washington state. He claims that recent tax policies, including the new 'millionaires tax,' are driving entrepreneurs away from the state. Proudman cites Texas, Nevada, Florida, and Tennessee as potential destinations with more business-friendly environments.
- ▪Jesse Proudman is the president and CTO of Venice.ai, a privacy-focused generative AI platform.
- ▪Washington state implemented its first income tax in 2026, known as the 'millionaires tax,' signed into law by Governor Bob Ferguson.
- ▪Proudman stated that the entrepreneurial culture in Seattle has shifted negatively over the past four to five years.
- ▪He is considering relocating to states like Texas, Nevada, Florida, or Tennessee, which he views as more supportive of business.
- ▪Proudman has lived in Washington for 28 years and founded three startups, starting his first at age 13.
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Media Seattle AI founder looks to leave as taxes rise, ‘Everybody that I know… is in the process of leaving’ Jesse Proudman says Venice.ai is looking at Texas, Nevada, Florida and Tennessee as alternatives to Seattle's tax climate By Rachel del Guidice Fox News Published May 2, 2026 9:30am EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Tech founder blames Washington's millionaire tax for state's exodus Jesse Proudman, founder and CTO of Venice.AI, warns that recent tax policy developments in the Evergreen State have affected companies moving out of the area.
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