Hello, GeekWire readers! Read on for a rundown of the latest tech news we’re tracking, and be sure to subscribe to our daily email newsletter to get this in your inbox each day at 11 a.m. PT.
As more companies move to the cloud and adopt AI tools, Seattle startup Pulumi is looking to capitalize. The company announced a $41 million Series C round led by Madrona Venture Group as it looks to boost its leadership position in the infrastructure as code market and invest in new AI-fueled products. Read more.
Seattle sustainability startup funding news:
- Muir AI, which helps companies with their carbon accounting and emissions reduction, raised $3.25 million.
- Electric Era, an electric vehicle charging startup, raised cash from Chevron’s venture capital arm.
Valve and Picnik vets Hatch new startup idea: Longtime Seattle software developers and entrepreneurs Darrin Massena and Mike Harrington have built a no-code web development platform for creative thinkers who don’t possess programming expertise. Read more.
Ag-tech startup kept digging for the right idea: Richland, Wash.-based Lisi Global replaces chemical pesticides with devices that zap soil pests such as weeds and worms with a jolt akin to a controlled lightning strike. Read more.
Calling all Uncommon Thinkers! GeekWire is launching a new awards program, in partnership with Greater Seattle Partners, that seeks to showcase the region’s boldest creators and builders. Community nominations will be accepted through Oct. 20, and we’ll recognize up to six amazing big thinkers live on stage at the GeekWire Gala on Dec. 6. Learn more and make a nomination.
Startup wins contract to inspect space debris: NASA awarded Tukwila, Wash.-based Starfish Space with a study contract to prove out its system for making contact with other spacecraft in orbit — and either servicing them or guiding them to their demise. Read more.
“Great American companies, large and small, are essential to our country’s success, and maybe even our survival. … We have to have a narrative that shows that we deliver economic gains, but we also deliver economic good.” — T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert. Read his full answer to one audience question at the Microsoft Alumni Network conference in Redmond.
Hot Links:
- The reviews are in for the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2. It’s more powerful than its predecessor, but the price tag and battery life may give pause to some. (Tom’s Hardware; ZDNet; The Verge)
- Microsoft-owned LinkedIn released new AI tools that use OpenAI technology in an effort to boost recruiting, marketing, and sales products. (TechCrunch)
- Amazon is working on a secretive plan to rethink the shopping search experience on its website. (Insider, subscription required)
- A deep dive into Dave Clark’s final days as CEO of Flexport raises more questions about the former Amazon exec’s departure. (CNBC)
- Tablet toss: New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll took out his frustration on a Microsoft Surface during the Seahawks’ dominating win on Monday Night Football. (CBS Sports)
- A new fiction movie based on the OceanGate submersible tragedy is in the works. (Deadline)
- Alert: FEMA and the FCC will conduct a national test of a public alert and warning system to cell phones, radios, and TVs across the country tomorrow at around 11:20 a.m. PT. (FEMA)
