These high school rocket launchers are flying high | Microsoft adjusts cloud practices in Europe

Microsoft adjusts cloud practices in Europe: The changes follow criticism of the company’s practice of tying Windows and Office to Azure to fuel its cloud growth. Read more. 

Microsoft compensation news: In case you missed it this week, Microsoft announced plans to significantly boost merit-based raises and stock-based compensation for its employees and middle managers. We spoke with salary and recruiting experts to get their take Microsoft’s decision. 

Tech leaders invest in cricket league: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Madrona Managing Director Soma Somasegar are among the backers of Major League Cricket, which has secured $120 million to launch in the U.S.

Take note of this AI2 spinout: Flowdex, which was incubated at Seattle’s Allen Institute for AI, has built an app to help prolific note takers better organize and find what they jot down. Read more.

Unleash your company’s hidden power: Matt Hulett, a longtime Seattle-based entrepreneur and technology business leader, has a new book about turning businesses into high-market share, high-growth companies. Read an excerpt. 

Stitching the metaverse: A former Goldman Sachs investment banker is leading a new Seattle startup called Metastitch that wants to help brands manage Web3-related community engagement.

UW and Meta partner on AI mentorship program: The University of Washington’s Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering is teaming with the tech giant to allow PhD students to collaborate with company researchers.

Tips from startup founders: 

• Elizabeth Ruzzo, CEO of Adyn Health, shares advice on building an equitable, values-driven team.  
• And Sandi Lin, CEO of Skilljar, gives five tips to recent graduates.