How the affirmative action ruling could impact hiring at tech companies

The Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action could impact how tech companies hire employees. We talked to CEOs and professors to learn more about how the ruling striking down affirmative action in college admissions may have ripple effects beyond education and into the corporate workplace. Here’s what they said. 

A high-profile cybersecurity incident, in which a Chinese hacking group accessed U.S. government email accounts via Microsoft Exchange Online, is raising questions not just about the security of Microsoft’s online platform, but also about the ways the company generates revenue from security features. Read more.

Tech Moves: SoundCommerce vet launches startup; Microsoft Federal leader departs; and more key personnel changes across the PNW tech industry. 

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell is expanding the reach of CiviForm, a tech tool built by the City and Google to help streamline the process for residents applying to benefit and discount programs. Harrell directed more City departments to adopt CiviForm by the end of 2024. Read more.

Startup fundings:

• Tangibly lands $6.5M: Madrona led a seed round for the Seattle startup that helps companies protect their trade secrets. 

• EchoNaus raises $7M: A new filing reveals additional funding for the maker of an AI-powered portable ultrasound system. 

• Jirav nabs $20M: The Seattle-based company sells financial planning, reporting, and forecasting software.

More cuts at Rad Power Bikes: The electric bike maker is shutting down operations in Europe and laying off more employees, marking its fifth round of job cuts since April 2021. Read more. 

Hot links:

• The FTC has opened an investigation into OpenAI, makers of ChatGPT, over concerns about whether the chatbot is harmful to consumers. (The New York Times)

• A who’s who of billionaires, tech CEOs and media elite arrived at Sun Valley Lodge in Idaho for the Allen & Company conference this week. See the photos of Bill Gates, Satya Nadella, Tim Cook and many more. (Getty Images)

• WeWork co-founder Miguel McKelvey has a new social club startup called Nayah for people over 55 years old. (Portland Inno)