Last week in technology and startup news, there were several key developments that caught the attention of readers. Reports of diversity and inclusion at Microsoft were found to be exaggerated, with the company making strides in this area. In New York City, delivery drivers saw their wages increase by more than $7 per hour following the implementation of a new minimum wage law for platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats. Seattle startup Momento secured a $15 million Series A round to support its infrastructure tools for software development processes. The India Visa Application Center opened in Seattle, further strengthening the connection between the city and India. Virtual reality entertainment startup Mirra announced plans to open its first location in Bellevue, Washington.
In addition, there was a call for more founders in Seattle to aim for success and “hit home runs” in their ventures. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, life in Seattle seemed to be returning to normal, with the lunchtime rush around Amazon’s headquarters resembling business as usual. However, Microsoft faced reputational damage after a defective CrowdStrike update led to widespread issues with Windows machines worldwide. Journalists also used artificial intelligence to verify the authenticity of images from the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania, showcasing the potential and limitations of AI in combating misinformation online.
The fusion industry continued to attract significant funding, with over $900 million of private and public investment pouring into the field in an effort to produce power through nuclear fusion. These developments highlight the ongoing advancements and challenges in the technology and startup sectors. Readers were encouraged to stay updated on the latest news through the GeekWire Weekly email newsletter, which delivers updates every Sunday. With important stories ranging from diversity efforts at major tech companies to funding announcements for startups, the tech and startup landscape continues to evolve and shape the future of innovation.
