Seattle CEO leads biotech startup ‘where curious scientists thrive’

Ivan Liachko didn’t plan on becoming a founder. But when the berry company called, the Ukrainian-born scientist knew it was time to launch a biotech startup. Liachko (above, laying down) now leads Phase Genomics, a Seattle-based company known for its culture of scientific discovery, giving back to the community, and sequencing the genome of some wacky creatures. Read more about Liachko, a finalist for Startup CEO of the Year at the 2023 GeekWire Awards.

The average U.S. adult will produce 128,000 pounds of trash in their lifetime. Sure, it sounds like a big number. But what does it really mean? Nick Huzar, co-founder and former CEO of used goods marketplace OfferUp, wants to provide some context with a new nonprofit he launched that produces videos to spark conversation about consumption. 

Vote for Sustainable Innovation of the Year. A growing legion of companies is hustling to develop technologies to preserve the planet and its inhabitants. See the GeekWire Awards finalists in this new category.

Sony is acquiring Firewalk Studios from Bellevue, Wash.-based ProbablyMonsters, a gaming company led by Bungie's former CEO that raised a $200 million investment round in 2021. Read more.

Hot links: 

• Where the billionaires live: Seattle is seventh on a list of U.S. cities that are home to the uber-rich, with 10 such individuals. See the other homebases. (Insider)

• UW goes off-road: Go four-wheelin’ with the University of Washington — no driver required — in this desert test of a RACER Team autonomous vehicle. (LinkedIn) 

• Lyft layoffs: The ride-hailing giant is reportedly cutting 30% of its workforce. The company declined to comment to GeekWire’s inquiry about impact on its Seattle engineering center. (Wall Street Journal)

• Whole Foods layoffs: The Amazon-owned grocery chain is cutting several hundred corporate employees as part of a restructuring. (CNBC)
• Light show: The Lyrid meteor shower will peak over the weekend, so stargazers should plan to escape city lights and take in the annual event. (KING5)