Why Microsoft is increasing compensation | Seattle VC firm Flying Fish going national with $70M fund

Why is Microsoft boosting pay? Compensation experts say high inflation and an intense battle for talent are fueling Microsoft’s decision to increase merit-based raises and stock-based compensation for its employees and middle managers.

Related: Satya Nadella details Microsoft plan for ‘significant additional investment’ in employee compensation

Flying Fish raises $70M fund: The Seattle venture capital firm, which backs early stage machine learning and artificial intelligence startups, is casting its net beyond the Pacific Northwest for its second fund. Here’s why.

Zulily layoffs: The Seattle-based online retailer is slashing jobs to help trim expenses amid inflation, supply chain woes, and broader industry concerns related to e-commerce growth.

Real estate startup raises $25M: Arrived Homes, which uses crowdfunding to help anyone purchase shares of rental properties for as little as $100, is expanding to new markets. Read more. 

More fundings: Inflection.io, Xemelgo, Joule Case, and other startups raised more cash. Read about the companies. 

Elevator Pitch is back: GeekWire’s startup competition is returning to the iconic elevators of Seattle’s Smith Tower for an epic third season. We’re looking for a dozen fearless early stage entrepreneurs to participate — submit your application today. 

Startups land Pentagon contracts: Two Seattle companies will develop nuclear-powered prototypes for space applications. Read more.

Tableau updates: The company unveiled a new storytelling feature; revamped its online offering; and will further integrate Salesforce’s Einstein AI capabilities into its software. Read more.

Tech Moves: Vineet Taneja, a former leader at Microsoft, joined fintech giant Brex as vice president of product.