Venture Dallas honors 2 DFW startups addressing power-grid and supply-chain challenges. Rockwall-based Resolute Grid won the Early Stage Award, and Dallas-based Auger picked up the Growth Stage Award at last month's Venture Dallas 2026 conference. Venture Dallas 2026 included awards for two North Texas startups. Auger, left, won the Growth Stage Award. Resolute Grid won the Early Stage Award. [Photos: Venture Dallas] Two North Texas startups - Rockwall-based Resolute Grid, a provider of power transformers, and Dallas-based Auger, a provider of supply-chain software - recently received awards at the Venture Dallas 2026 conference. On Oct. 22 at the Venture Dallas conference, Resolute Grid won the Early Stage Award, and Auger received the Growth Stage Award. "Resolute Grid and Auger embody the innovation and entrepreneurial ambition that are shaping the future of North Texas," Bryan Chambers, co-founder of Venture Dallas and co-founder and president of Capital Factory, said in a statement. "Whether strengthening America's energy infrastructure or transforming global supply chains through AI, these companies are solving complex challenges with solutions that have far-reaching impact." Venture Dallas connects emerging technology startups with early-stage investors and venture capital firms. Austin-based Capital Factory comprises a VC fund, startup accelerator and coworking hub. Supporting a stronger power grid Founded in 2025 by Marcus Ownby and John Erford, Resolute Grid makes advanced power transformers. The startup aims to reduce production time for transformers from years to weeks while providing protection against cyberthreats and electromagnetic pulses, which are short, sudden bursts of electromagnetic energy. In its first year, Resolute Grid completed its first large-scale power transformer, raised $25.4 million in outside funding and signed deals worth $327 million. On its website, Resolute Grid said its U.S.-made transformers are designed to help lower the cost of power. "Faster American-made transformers mean a stronger grid and more affordable power for homes, hospitals, schools and industry," the company said. Fostering a supply-chain 'revolution' Auger, founded in 2024 by former Amazon executive Dave Clark and his wife, Leigh Anne Clark, develops software that connects business systems. The AI-enhanced platform helps businesses manage supply chains. In August, Auger relocated from Seattle to Dallas to take advantage of "the region's supply-chain talent, proximity to customers and central location," Venture Dallas said. Auger has already raised $150 million in outside funding. Customers include Irving-based Kimberly-Clark and Houston-based Owens & Minor, as well as Meta Reality Labs and Fanatics. In a LinkedIn post, Leigh Anne Clark said the World Economic Forum recently invited Auger to join its Unicorn Community. The World Economic Forum said startups in the community are privately held "hyper-growth companies at the forefront of disruption and innovation in their industries valued at more than $1 billion." "Global supply chains move the world's economy, yet too many still run on spreadsheets, status meetings and people stitching systems together by hand," the post said. "That's overdue for a revolution. We built Auger to change it." Highlighting innovators Venture Dallas said Resolute Grid and Auger earned the highest scores in their respective categories based on leadership teams, technology, growth potential, business performance and funding. "Resolute Grid and Auger are addressing distinct business challenges, from energy infrastructure to supply-chain operations, and represent the kind of innovation we aim to highlight through Venture Dallas," Aaron Pierce, co-founder of Venture Dallas, said in a statement. About 450 company founders, investors and community leaders gathered last month for the sixth annual Venture Dallas conference at Old Parkland.

Auger raises $50M Series B. Auger raises $50M Series B led by Eclipse to expand its AI-driven supply chain automation platform for enterprise customers. Updated July 09, 2026 Auger, a supply chain technology startup based in Bellevue, Washington, has raised $50 million in Series B funding. The round brings the company's total funding to $150 million to support its platform, which uses AI agents and optimization models to automate complex supply chain operations. Investors. The round was led by Eclipse, with participation from existing investor Oak HC/FT. Auger use of funds. Auger plans to use the new capital to support its ongoing growth and customer onboarding initiatives as it scales operations. About Auger. Founded in 2024 by former Amazon operations executive Dave Clark and co-founder Leigh Anne Clark, Auger provides a supply chain technology platform that integrates with existing ERP, warehouse, and transportation management systems. The company uses AI agents to autonomously make operational decisions, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce waste for large-scale enterprise customers. Funding details. Company: Auger Raised: $50M Round: Series B Funding Date: July 2026 Lead Investor: Eclipse Additional Investors: Oak HC/FT Software Category: Supply Chain Software Source: https://www.geekwire.com/2026/supply-chain-startup-auger-led-by-ex-amazon-operations-chief-raises-50m-and-lands-big-customers/ Updated July 09, 2026