A communications startup in Coeur d'Alene geared toward detecting harmful language is getting a big boost from local investors and notable people in the tech world. 

HardTarget Inc. launched 15 months ago to prepare affluent families against the threat of cybercrime through gamified learning activities. 

Early-stage funding for founders of startups in the Pacific Northwest, including the Spokane area, is expected to improve this year following a stubborn downturn in funding activity in 2023 and 2024.