Seattle VCs sound off on the economic conditions for startups

Venture capitalists are slowing investments as the economy cools. But they are also sitting on a record amount of cash, ready to be deployed into up-and-coming startups.

• To get a better sense of the current VC mentality, we spoke with several Seattle investors to get their take on this whirlwind market. Above, clockwise from top left: Chuck Stonecipher of Trilogy; Leslie Feinzaig of Graham & Walker; Ben Gilbert of PSL; Geoff Harris of Flying Fish; Martina Welkhoff of WXR Fund; and Chris DeVore of Founders’ Co-op.

Amazon's CEO says the company’s corporate and tech workforce reduction will continue into next year.

• Addressing “the most difficult decision” he’s made since taking over the tech giant’s top job, Andy Jassy said in a memo to employees on Thursday that “there will be more role reductions” as he confirmed cuts in specific departments.

• More coverage: Layoffs begin at Amazon | Employees share mixed emotions

• Lost a job? Need help finding work? GeekWire’s new recruiting service, GeekWork, can help. Reach out to GeekWork managing director Jason Greer to learn more on how we connect technical talent to amazing job opportunities. Contact: jason@geekwire.com.

Emerging technologies that have national security applications — particularly in space — were in the spotlight in Seattle this week when the Defense Innovation Unit came to town.

• "I really think that the best news story out of the Pacific Northwest is just how impactful this region is in the new space economy,” said Steve “Bucky” Butow, an Air Force brigadier general who is now director of the space portfolio at the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit. Read more. 

Check out this pet project: A startup is developing an animal collar that automatically administers topical medicine.

• Seattle-based JetMeds is developing a smart collar and app to address a pain point in treating our furry friends. Their device applies micro-doses of treatments directly onto an animal’s fur in a consistent manner. 

Feeling worn out? Need a fresh look for the holidays? It’s time for a Geek Style Reboot.

• Here’s your chance to get a day of pampering and a stylish new look ahead of the GeekWire Gala in Seattle on Dec. 7. Apply now!