Zulily ditching HQ space in Seattle | Inrix lands $70M

Americans are divided on AI. A new survey by Seattle venture capital firm Maveron measured consumer sentiment when it comes to use and trust of artificial intelligence and generative AI. Divisions are found around respondents’ income, age, education level and more. Read more.

Amazon satellite launch delayed again. The company’s plans to launch the first prototype satellites for its Project Kuiper broadband internet constellation have been pushed back by further snags in rocket development. Read more.

Startup fundings:

• Dropzone AI, a Seattle startup developing AI security agents to handle repetitive tasks and investigate alerts, raised $3.5 million.

• Inrix, the Kirkland, Wash.-based transportation data and software provider, raised $70 million to fuel strategic growth and refinance debt. 

• Windup Minds, makers of “virtual creatures” for virtual and mixed reality experiences, raised $1.6 million.

• Wrench, the Seattle mobile car repair startup, raised $40 million in debt and $14 million in equity, according to new SEC filings.

• Starfish Space, a Kent, Wash.-based startup, has been awarded $1.8 million by AFWERX, the Air Force’s innovation arm, for continued satellite technology. 

Hot links:

• AI-generated travel guidebooks: There’s a new travel scam in the form of guides written with the help of generative AI, being sold on Amazon. (New York Times) 

• “Dry powder” misconception: Just because venture capital firms are sitting on huge swaths of cash doesn’t mean the money will flow to startups. (The Information; Bill Gurley)

• T-Mobile CEO flies with Blue Angels: Mike Sievert had an “experience of a lifetime” up in the air last week. (Facebook)

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