The week of September 1, 2024, was filled with exciting developments in the world of technology and startups. One of the most significant stories was the unveiling of the reMarkable Paper Pro, a next-generation writing tablet featuring a color display and an adjustable embedded front-light. Based in Oslo, Norway, reMarkable has been facing increased competition from Amazon’s Kindle Scribe, which was introduced two years prior.
A major topic of discussion in the tech industry was Founder Mode, sparked by a talk at Y Combinator from Airbnb founder and CEO Brian Chesky and a subsequent blog post from former YC leader Paul Graham. The debate centered around how startup founders can be most effective in growing their companies and achieving success.
NASA breathed a sigh of relief as the propulsion system on Boeing’s Starliner space capsule successfully completed an uncrewed descent from the International Space Station back to Earth. Despite some imperfections, the system performed as expected, demonstrating the capabilities of Boeing’s spacecraft technology.
Seattle-area residents gained a new option for grocery delivery from Metropolitan Market, providing added convenience for those looking to have their groceries brought directly to their door. Meanwhile, the talent pool for AI professionals was highlighted as being particularly strong in the western United States, signaling a potential hotbed of innovation and expertise in the field.
In education news, students at Robert Eagle Staff Middle School in Seattle were required to lock up their cellphones in fabric pouches during the school day, highlighting a growing trend in schools to minimize distractions and encourage focus on academic tasks. Additionally, Kara Sprague, formerly the chief product officer at F5, was appointed CEO of cybersecurity company HackerOne, showcasing the career advancements within the tech industry.
In the realm of mergers and acquisitions, Seattle-based enterprise software giant Smartsheet was reportedly in talks for acquisition by a consortium of private equity firms such as Vista Equity Partners and Blackstone. This potential deal could have significant implications for Smartsheet and the broader enterprise software market. Finally, RMS Titanic announced that its latest robotic survey of the Titanic shipwreck site revealed the deterioration of the iconic bow of the ship, as well as the discovery of a long-sought statuette, shedding new light on the famous historical site.
