Amazon CEO on making AI chips, shipping speeds, Prime Video spend

“I’m looking hard at the cost of every one of our businesses all the time. Good leadership teams do that." In a wide-ranging interview with CNBC, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy talked about building AI chips, speeding up shipping times, and reports about the company scrutinizing spending on Prime Video. Read more. 

Forced exits: As venture capital becomes scarce and investors put more weight on profitable startups, some cash-strapped early-stage founders are looking for buyers to avoid going out of business or raising cash on unfavorable terms. 

• Despite more early-stage founders considering M&A, acquisitions of VC-backed companies fell to the lowest quarterly level in a decade during the first quarter of this year as larger companies looked to cut costs. 

• GeekWire reporter Nate Bek spoke with Seattle-area founders and investors to learn more about the trends. Read the story. 

“Jump in, test a lot, don’t quit your day job.” That’s the advice to other entrepreneurs from Lalo founder Juan Medina, who recently made the tough call to shut down his Seattle startup. Read more. 

Hot links:

• Amazon’s proposed acquisition of Roomba maker iRobot is getting increased scrutiny in Europe. (TechCrunch)

• Wing walking: Here’s one way to “embrace the discomfort, and let it be the catalyst for your growth,” as described by Seattle tech leader Steven Maheshwary. (LinkedIn)