Fintech startups compete in GeekWire’s Elevator Pitch

Amazon still experimenting on return to office: CEO Andy Jassy, in an interview at the Code conference, said the company’s post-pandemic strategy is a work in progress, and there is no plan right now to require engineers and corporate employees to come back. Read more.

Largest gift in Fred Hutch history: The $78 million gift pledged by Stuart and Molly Sloan will go toward establishing a new precision oncology institute at Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. Read more.

Startup helps teens learn about and invest in crypto: Seattle-based Stack has raised $2.7 million to boost its content production arm and compete against the stream of crypto-related videos on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.

BlackRock leads $100M round for Cap Hill Brands: The Seattle-based company, founded in 2020 by e-commerce veterans Jason LeeKeenan and Kevin Saliba, has acquired nearly 35 consumer brands and grown to more than 200 employees. Read more.

Ziply Fiber raises $450M: The Kirkland, Wash.-based fiber internet service provider is looking to expand its network across four states in the Pacific Northwest. Read more.

Real estate investment startup adds vacation properties: Seattle’s Arrived Homes began listing short-term vacation rentals to help investors get in on the wealth generated by homes that list on Airbnb and elsewhere. Read more.

An explosion of tweets about Mount Rainier: Washington state’s famed volcano did not blow on Wednesday, and it wasn’t venting steam. A simple cloud formation was enough to get numerous agencies tweeting to reassure the public — and Mariners fans.