Last week on GeekWire, users reported a widespread outage of the Amazon.com checkout system, causing frustration for customers. The Washington State Department of Transportation also issued a warning about using Seattle-based bill payment company Doxo to pay Good to Go! tolls. Additionally, Sea-Tac Airport experienced disruptions due to a suspected cyberattack on the Port of Seattle, impacting operations for several days.
Amidst the cyberattack at the Port of Seattle and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, concerns were raised about hackers targeting critical infrastructure. In a related development, Amazon hired three founders from Covariant, a Bay Area startup that specializes in AI for advanced warehouse robotics systems. Shopify also announced the hiring of a former Microsoft engineering leader as its new chief technology officer.
Supio, a Seattle startup founded by former Microsoft engineers, secured a $25 million Series A investment to enhance its software platform designed for lawyers to efficiently manage case-related data. Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos’ space venture, provided a spaceflight opportunity to six individuals, including the first researcher to conduct an experiment in suborbital space with NASA support. The ongoing construction along Seattle’s waterfront is aimed at enhancing public access to the natural beauty of Puget Sound.
On a personal note, Krista Cortese, along with her husband and toddler, relied on a 2003 Mazda hatchback that they received from a neighbor. The vehicle served their needs but the family was ready for an upgrade. Overall, last week showcased various developments in technology, startups, and infrastructure in the Seattle area, highlighting both challenges and opportunities in the region. Stay updated on the latest news by subscribing to GeekWire’s weekly email newsletter.
