Tech job market remains in flux as experienced workers struggle to get hired

The state of tech hiring: Layoffs are still happening, companies are taking a cautious approach to headcount growth, and many longtime technology leaders are struggling to find new roles. It all adds up to a tough tech job market for workers — and a far cry from just a few years ago when companies went on hiring sprees and jobs were plentiful. Read more. 

Seattle-based startup SingleFile, which helps companies file compliance reports with government agencies, raised $6.5 million in a new funding round. SingleFile is seeing tailwinds from companies needing to adhere to the new Corporate Transparency Act. Read more.

MacKenzie Scott is giving $640 million in new grants to 361 organizations through her Yield Giving philanthropic initiative. Scott has given away $17.3 billion through her charitable efforts over the past few years. Read more. 

Isaac Kato, a longtime entrepreneur and investor who previously led the Techstars Seattle accelerator, is behind a new venture firm called Two Ravens that wants to support early stage tech startup founders who may be overlooked by other investors. Read more.

A growing pet project: Offleash’d, an app designed to connect pet friendly people looking for a date, friendship, or like-minded activities, is raising fresh cash and releasing new AI-powered features. Above: Offleash’d CEO Terry James with his dogs, Solo and Bean. Read more.  

Blue Origin will test technology for its Blue Ring orbital platform in an upcoming mission sponsored by the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit. Blue Ring is a multi-mission, multi-orbit vehicle that’s being developed to facilitate logistical services in orbit. Read more.

Hot Links:

• Microsoft hiring the CEO of Inflection is seen as another strategic move to boost the company's AI cred, but regulatory scrutiny remains a potential concern. (The New York Times; Financial Times)

• Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle have developed a new blood test that detects colon cancer. (The Seattle Times)

• Amazon’s “Alexa, Thank My Driver” initiative for customers to show appreciation to delivery drivers earned the company’s most-thanked drivers $25,000 each and $25,000 more to donate to charity. (Amazon)