Latest from Geek Wire
Geek Wire
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Wire
William Shatner and Neil deGrasse Tyson banter about human follies and the final frontier
'Star Trek' captain William Shatner and astronomer Neil deGrasse Tyson sit down for a photo op after their rollicking fireside chat in Seattle, titled 'The Universe Is Absurd.' (GeekWire Photo / Alan Boyle) William Shatner set a record as the oldest human to go into space at the age of 90 — but at the age of 94, he's not that interested in taking a second space trip to break his own record. 'You know, I had such a meaningful experience,' he told GeekWire. 'Maybe I tend to think of it like a love affair. You want to go back to that love affair? Maybe not. It was such a great moment.' The original captain from 'Star Trek' revisited that emotional moment from his Blue Origin suborbital spaceflight on Wednesday night during a rollicking chat with celebrity astronomer Neil deGrasse Tyson at McCaw Hall in Seattle. This week's performance grew out of a meetup that the astronomer and the actor had last year during a space-themed Antarctic cruise. The two had such a good time that they worked with producers to organize an onstage follow-up. Tyson said Seattle was chosen as a promising venue for what was billed as a 'one night only' event. 'I knew I have a very loyal, large fan base here in the Pacific Northwest, centered on Seattle,' he said during a pre-show press availability. 'I think Bill does, too. Is that right?' 'I don't follow that as closely,' Shatner deadpanned. The banter went full-tilt during the evening's onstage chat. Shatner recalled his origins as a struggling actor in Canada, 'moving from city to city, and fetid bed from fetid bed.' 'Am I the only one who doesn't know what 'fetid' means?' Tyson joked. 'That means it didn't smell good, and it wasn't me,' Shatner replied. Then Tyson took his turn, recounting his rise from a dog-walker to astrophysicist to cultural icon. 'Do you know I have six cameo appearances in feature-length movies?' Tyson asked Shatner. He proceeded to reel off his credits, including a cameo in 'The Last Sharknado: It's About Time' and a role as as 'astrofishicist' Neil DeBass Tyson alongside SpongeBob SquarePants. 'Can you believe that this highly educated Ph.D. has spent 15 minutes telling you about his bit parts in these incredibly bad movies,' Shatner shot back. The two continued to thrust and parry over topics ranging from quantum physics to penguin poop. But Shatner took center stage with the recollection of his real-life space trip in 2021, aboard a New Shepard suborbital rocket ship built by Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin space venture. Shatner said the space odyssey had its origins in a conversation that he had with Bezos years previously. 'I want to Blue Origin, met with Jeff Bezos and suggested, because he hadn't flown his rocket yet, maybe I should go,' he recalled. 'So we left the building … he's got a model of the Starship Enterprise under a dome in his lobby … I went home under the impression that might work, and COVID hit.' That put the topic on hold for a year. When Blue Origin scheduled the first crewed New Shepard flight, the crew list included Bezos — but not Shatner. 'So he went up first, and was noted, and then came back and he sent me a message: 'Would you like to go up second?'' Shatner said. 'I'm not gonna go up second. That's the vice president. For God's sake, I want the president.' Then Shatner thought about it again. 'You know, the feeling of space, the final frontier. Why not go, out of a sense of curiosity, what it's like? So, I said yes,' he said. Shatner recalled that he was brought to the launch site a day before the rest of the crew, and taken on a tour that involved a climb up 11 flights of stairs to get to the top of the launch tower. 'And then we walked back down and went back to the headquarters,' he said. 'I thought, they must have brought me here to see if I could walk up 11 flights of stairs.' 'It would be embarrassing if you died halfway up,' Tyson said with a smile. Shatner has often remarked that his trip reminded him of the fragility of life on Earth, and he returned to that theme on Wednesday night. 'I see how vulnerable the Earth looks,' he said. 'It's a moat of dust in the sky. It's got 12,500 feet of oxygen, and then you're dead. … It's a vulnerable, precious piece of rock that supplies us with life, and we have destroyed it.' When he touched down and left the spaceship, Shatner began to weep. 'I couldn't understand why I was crying,' he said. 'I went someplace to sit down and try and understand what had happened to me. And I realized I was in grief for our Earth.' During the pre-show interview, Shatner said that feeling has stayed with him over the past four years. 'In that time, the United States has canceled its position in global warming. It's outlandish. It's like, with a knife at your chest, saying, 'Well, you're not going to kill me,'' he said. ' And what's sad is, we have the ability. I mean, there are companies now that are working on the teetering edge of reality to fix what we've got, and we're not financing and going at it like the Manhattan Project.'
Geek Wire
16 hours ago
- Business
- Geek Wire
How AI is transforming Seattle-area startups: Insights from GeekWire 200 CEOs
Nearly all of the respondents to a recent GeekWire 200 survey said the are seeing productivity increases from AI. AI is reshaping operations at Seattle's top startups — but there's no one-size-fits-all strategy, according to a new survey of CEOs leading companies on the GeekWire 200. More than half of respondents are seeing a 'moderate increase' from AI on productivity and efficiency, while another 37% cited a 'major increase.' Only 11% see 'no noticeable change.' The survey responses reflect trends across the tech industry. According to McKinsey's 2024 State of AI report, 72% of companies have adopted at least one AI use case, up from 50% the year prior. CEOs of GeekWire 200 startups described a range of AI use cases: boosting internal productivity, embedding AI into their products, and experimenting across departments such as software engineering, marketing, design, customer support, and research. One CEO estimated a 30% increase in overall productivity from AI. Leaders of two companies specifically cited significant progress with internal agents — 'everything agentic,' one of them said. But while some companies are fully integrated with AI, others are still experimenting — leaders are looking beyond incremental gains as they try new tools. A company mentioned hurdles due to resistance from engineers. A survey from Deloitte found that reliability, accuracy, and trustworthiness will need to improve for broader adoption of generative AI. AI may also impact hiring decisions. Some startups on the GeekWire 200 say AI is helping them do more with fewer resources — and they're taking a cautious approach to headcount growth. Earlier this week, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy sent a memo to corporate employees detailing how generative AI and agents will fundamentally reshape how work gets done at the Seattle-based tech giant — and shrink its workforce in the coming years. There may also be pressure on startups to adopt AI from the board room as investors bet big on AI. More than 30% of new U.S. venture capital deals in Q1 went to AI and machine learning startups, according to PitchBook. Nearly 40 respondents participated in GeekWire's Q2 survey, all of them top executives at some of the Pacific Northwest's leading technology companies. The GeekWire 200, presented by JPMorganChase, provides a snapshot of the region's startup landscape, and highlights companies that are gaining traction. The ranking is grounded in both publicly available data — including LinkedIn employee counts, Facebook followers, and Moz domain authority — as well as editorial judgment from the GeekWire news team, based on factors including recent fundings and layoffs, and our own insights from covering the region's technology startups. Stay tuned for an upcoming update of the GeekWire 200 list. Previously: GeekWire 200 survey: CEOs cautious about hiring as AI boosts productivity for Seattle startups
Geek Wire
a day ago
- Business
- Geek Wire
Microsoft isn't done cutting jobs yet: Report says sales roles are next on the chopping block
The Microsoft sign outside the company's visitor center in Redmond, Wash. (GeekWire Photo / Todd Bishop) Microsoft often restructures its operations and makes strategic cuts around the end of its fiscal year — and this year looks to be no exception, despite laying off nearly 3% of its workforce in May, or about 6,000 people. The company is is preparing thousands more layoffs, this time focused on areas including sales, Bloomberg reported Wednesday, citing unnamed sources who say the job cuts are expected to be announced early next month. Microsoft's 2025 fiscal year ends June 30. A Microsoft spokesperson said the company had nothing to confirm regarding any additional workforce changes. Employee Growth by Department (2010-2024)
Geek Wire
a day ago
- Business
- Geek Wire
Tech Moves: Wizards of the Coast VP departs; Seeq hires CFO; nLight adds board member; and more
Jess Lanzillo. (LinkedIn Photo) — Magical minds from the Renton, Wash., tabletop gaming company Wizards of the Coast are casting new career paths. Jess Lanzillo, who was promoted last year to vice president of the D&D franchise, shared news this week that she was resigning in a perfectly on-brand post. 'Wizards turns imaginary worlds into real communities, which sounds fake but is actually the most satisfying work in the world. To everyone who let me champion this mission while constantly asking 'can you add more glowies?' — you are perfect and I love you,' Lanzillo wrote on LinkedIn. She did not indicate the nature of her next campaign. Todd Kenreck, a senior marketing strategist for the company's video content on social media channels, was laid off after more than four years. In a post on X, Kenreck thanked 'the entire D&D team for being some of the kindest, most talented and passionate people I've ever known. This was my dream job. The tabletop community has given me everything.' Former Dungeons & Dragons directors Christopher Perkins, who left the company this spring after nearly three decades, and Jeremy Crawford, who marked an 18-year tenure, have joined Darrington Press, the publishing arm of the gaming company Critical Role. Perkins is creative director, and Crawford is game director. 'I've always believed that great games invite everyone to the table, and that's exactly what excites me about joining Darrington Press,' Crawford said in a statement. 'This team is passionate, wildly creative, and committed to building welcoming, connected, amazing story-driven experiences — I can't wait to expand on what Critical Role has already created to develop some really fun and unique games.' Ray Scheppach. (Photo via PR Newswire) — Seeq, an industrial analytics startup, named Ray Scheppach as its chief financial officer. Sheppach joins the Seattle company from iManage, where he was CFO for a decade. He is based in Chicago. Seeq CEO Lisa Graham said Sheppach's 'deep experience in scaling SaaS businesses and leading through high-growth phases will be instrumental.' Last August Seeq announced $50 million to support its development of analytics, artificial intelligence and monitoring technology that aids industrial businesses in optimizing their operations. — Vancouver, Wash.,-based nLight announced that Mark Hartman is joining its board of directors. The publicly traded company manufacturers high-powered lasers used in aerospace, defense and manufacturing. Hartman was previously chief financial officer for Woodward. Hartman is taking the place of Menlo Ventures managing director Doug Carlisle, who resigned after 24 years on the nLight board. — Joanna Lord, a former marketing leader at Moz, BigDoor and Porch Group, is resigning from Spring Health. She has not taken a new full-time role and in the meantime will offer consulting and advising services. — Jon Gettinger, former chief marketer for Seattle-area's Spoken Communications, left his role as CMO at e-commerce operations startup Pipe17 and is now an exec of a stealth AI startup. Maddie Heyman. (LinkedIn Photo) — Political PR firm Monument Advocacy named Maddie Heyman as its vice president. Heyman will join the company's public affairs team at its Seattle office. Heyman was previously at Microsoft for more than a decade, leaving the role of senior manager of external relations for the tech giant's president, Brad Smith. — Seattle marketing tech company Banzai International announced Michael Kurtzman as chief revenue officer. He was previously CEO of Violett, a startup that developed high-tech air purification devices. Prior to that role, he was CRO at at Zype, which was acquired by Backlight. News broke this week that Banzai's $53.2 million acquisition of Portland's Act-On Software fell through after Banzai was unable to secure funding. Damon Fletcher. (LinkedIn Photo) — Former Tableau CFO Damon Fletcher is the first venture partner with Paper Crane Factory, a Seattle-based creative branding agency that works exclusively with startups. Fletcher is also CEO and founder of Caliper, a data infrastructure and analytics startup. Other past employers include DataRobot and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Paper Crane Factory offers reduced fees for its services in exchange for equity and is run by former leaders of the ad agency Wexley School for Girls. 'What initially attracted me to Paper Crane Factory was their distinctive approach to incubating and collaborating with early-stage startups, guiding them to solve critical business challenges and build sustainable growth,' Fletcher said in a statement. — Andrew Johnson joined Seattle's Allen Institute for Cell Science as an associate scientific program manager. Past roles include positions at The Access to Advanced Health Institute and Fred Hutch Cancer Center. — Healthcare tech company MacroHealth named B.J. Boyle as its chief product officer. The Kirkland, Wash., business recently announced the acquisition of Foundational Pharmacy Solutions. Boyle will oversee the product integration of the company as well as future commercialization efforts. He was previously at PointClickCare for nearly a decade. — The former head of communications for clean tech startup Tidal Vision is stepping down from her role. Meghna Rao said on LinkedIn that she is now co-leading a networking group for sustainability professionals, volunteering with Ecology Project International, and taking yoga and dance teacher trainings. — The Fred Hutch Cancer Center celebrated award-winning researchers.
Geek Wire
a day ago
- Business
- Geek Wire
‘Purpose over profit': Seattle tech leader urges UW CSE grads to create a better future for everyone
Trish Millines Dziko delivers her commencement speech to the graduating class at the University of Washington's Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering last weekend. (UW Photo / Matt Hagen) When she left her career in the tech industry to start the Seattle-based Technology Access Foundation, executive director Trish Millines Dziko did so with the intention of lifting up and providing greater opportunity to traditionally underserved students. In a commencement speech to the 2025 graduating class of the University of Washington's Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, Millines Dziko urged the future entrepreneurs and tech workers to reflect upon the haves and have nots, the economic disparity in the U.S., and what the grads will do to combat society's most pressing problems. 'I believe you all instinctively know the world doesn't need more billionaires who just continue to build wealth,' Millines Dziko said. 'Our country, our world, needs more builders, more healers, more people who care enough to fix what's broken.' 'You can use your critical thinking, problem solving, ideation, creation and leadership skills to build solutions to some of the most pressing problems like homelessness, generational poverty, public education, the environment and healthcare,' Trish Millines Dziko said. (UW Photo / Matt Hagen) A former Microsoft program manager and senior diversity administrator, Millines Dziko has served for nearly 29 years as head of TAF, which offers an equity-driven STEM education program focused on critical thinking and project-based learning. In her speech (below), Millines Dziko told graduates that millions of people possess the same skills they do, and millions more will follow. Prioritizing relationships and building social capital will be a key to future success, especially if the students demonstrate the ability to be capable, reliable, honest, empathetic, and accountable in those relationships. 'I want you to understand that true impact doesn't come from what you accumulate, but from what you contribute,' she said. 'I hope you pursue purpose over profit, and let your values lead your vision.' Watch the speech (starting at 5:15 mark) and read the transcript in full: 'Over the last nearly seven decades of my life, the United States has been pushing the envelope on technology and engineering and for the most part leading the world. However, with the evolution of technology came the devolution of how we as humans carry ourselves – I'm speaking of how we view each other's value, and how we communicate. While we've developed some of the most amazing technologies and patted ourselves on the back for creating them, we seemed to ignore two pivotal outcomes that have changed us as a society: The gaps between the haves and the have nots has widened. And we no longer know how to effectively communicate face to face, with empathy and understanding. The top 10% of households control 60-70% of the nation's wealth, while the top 1% alone hold approximately 30-35%. And conversely, the bottom 50% of households hold less than 5% of the total wealth. And when I think about that, what that says to me is at least half of our citizens in this country are three bad months away from being homeless, and the trend doesn't seem to be changing for the better. When I look at our communication, we are so busy using technology as a proxy for engagement that we no longer listen — and I mean really listen to each other. Now obviously technology and our pursuit of it is not the sole cause of the ills of our society, but it's a major contributor. And when I look back, I believe that we could have and should have done better. We either didn't know to take the time to reflect, or we just didn't think it was important enough. So here we are. Graduates, you've studied through some interesting and challenging times, and you've seen firsthand the impact of our economic disparities. You see it every day just walking down the Ave or walking in the community around this university. With all the wealth we have in this nation, we could be better, but it seems we don't have the collective will. But I believe you all instinctively know the world doesn't need more billionaires who just continue to build wealth. Our country, our world, needs more builders, more healers, more people who care enough to fix what's broken. You can use your critical thinking, problem solving, ideation, creation and leadership skills to build solutions to some of the most pressing problems like homelessness, generational poverty, public education, the environment and healthcare. In the words of the late great writer, James Baldwin, 'Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.' Now to be clear, no matter what avenue you pursue, you must put in some serious work. As someone who has managed people and built and led three companies, I can confidently tell you that your technical skills are only going to take you but so far. There are literally millions of people with the same skills you have today, and there will be millions more to follow. All that hard work you put in to getting good grades and to be seen by prospective employers is just the beginning. Whether you pursue entrepreneurship or decide to work in a corporation, you need to prioritize relationships if you're going to grow. In other words, build social capital. You can use technology, engineering and social capital as the vehicle to creating a better future for everyone. I'm not talking about transactional relationships. I'm talking about relationships where there is a mutual benefit. Relationships where you are capable, reliable, honest, empathetic, and accountable: Show you are capable and knowledgeable in your field. Build trust by demonstrating your ability to handle situations and deliver results. and knowledgeable in your field. Build trust by demonstrating your ability to handle situations and deliver results. Prove your reliability by being consistent and dependable in your actions and words. Keep promises, follow through on commitments, and be trustworthy. by being consistent and dependable in your actions and words. Keep promises, follow through on commitments, and be trustworthy. Be truthful and transparent in your dealings. This includes being upfront about your capabilities, mistakes, and intentions. in your dealings. This includes being upfront about your capabilities, mistakes, and intentions. Show empathy by understanding and sharing the feelings of others. Connect with people on a deeper level and build stronger relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. by understanding and sharing the feelings of others. Connect with people on a deeper level and build stronger relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. Be accountable by taking responsibility for your actions, both successes and failures. Show that you have integrity and are willing to learn from mistakes. As my friend Bill Spruill says, consider social capital like your credit score. You can't buy much with a sub-600 score, but when you raise it up through positive actions and interactions, you can get the things you need to build your future. But one late payment, or in the case of social capital, one damaged relationship, you likely will have to start over because bad actions spread faster than the good ones do. Personally, I have found that keeping healthy, working and growing social capital is easy if you take the time to know who you really are and stay true to your authentic self no matter what environment you find yourself in. Graduates, I want you to understand that true impact doesn't come from what you accumulate, but from what you contribute. I hope you pursue purpose over profit, and let your values lead your vision. Please, please create solutions that lift people up and improve communities. Because in the end, changing the world isn't about being remembered — it's about doing things worth remembering. Congratulations, Class of 2025. Go out and build a life that matters. Thank you.' — Trish Millines Dziko
