The latest technology and startup news from the past week includes a pair of reports by the National Transportation Safety Board that found imperfections in the carbon-fiber hull of OceanGate’s Titan submersible. Additionally, OctoAI, a Seattle software startup that focuses on generative AI models, was acquired by chip giant Nvidia. Karl Stanley, known for building his own submersibles, was invited by OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush for a test dive in the Bahamas. Tricia Duryee, a respected technology journalist in Seattle, passed away in August. Alaska Airlines experienced an IT outage that caused flight delays and a ground stop at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Microsoft shared new details about its security initiatives, making security a top priority.
Smartsheet, a popular software company, agreed to be acquired by private equity firms Blackstone and Vista Equity Partners in a deal valued at $8.4 billion. Meanwhile, F5 announced layoffs for employees in the company’s marketing-related content production team. Amazon employees are unhappy with the company’s mandate to return to the office five days a week, with many considering a job search as a result. Seattle-based Zin Boats is working on creating electric boats that are faster, more powerful, and have a longer range than existing models.
Sign up for the GeekWire Weekly email newsletter to stay updated on the latest technology and startup news. National Transportation Safety Board reports found imperfections in OceanGate’s Titan submersible hull, while OctoAI, a Seattle software startup specializing in generative AI models, was acquired by Nvidia. Karl Stanley, a submersible builder, tested OceanGate’s Titan sub in the Bahamas. Tricia Duryee, a respected technology journalist, passed away in August. Alaska Airlines faced an IT outage causing flight delays and a ground stop at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Microsoft emphasized security initiatives as a top priority.
Private equity firms Blackstone and Vista Equity Partners acquired Smartsheet for $8.4 billion, while F5 announced layoffs for its marketing-related content production team. Amazon employees are unhappy with the return-to-office mandate, with many considering new job opportunities. Zin Boats in Seattle is developing electric boats that promise to surpass existing models in speed, power, range, and more. Get the latest technology and startup news by subscribing to the GeekWire Weekly email newsletter. Stay informed about acquisitions, layoffs, employee sentiments, and innovative projects in the tech industry.
