How can Washington state create a skilled and adaptable workforce?

Docusign’s agreement to acquire Seattle-based AI startup Lexion for $165 million is the latest success story to emerge from the Allen Institute for AI and the now-independent AI2 Incubator, with a financial boost from Madrona and others. It’s also a sign of the significance of AI in the market for tech M&A and dealmaking. Read more.

A new startup from the co-founders of sales software giant Outreach uses AI to automate initial customer interactions and provide personalized product demos for B2B companies. FullContext unveiled its “buyer copilot” tool, designed to boost efficiency for software sales teams. Read more.

Months after Starfish Space had to abandon plans to test its satellite docking system in orbit, the Tukwila, Wash.-based startup pulled off one last rendezvous. The company also scored a $37.5 million contract from the U.S. Space Force for further work on its technology. (Above: An artist's rendering of Starfish's Otter Pup satellite.) Read more.

• Boeing postponed the first crewed flight of its Starliner space taxi on Monday, the latest in a years-long string of delays. Read more. 

NVIDIA is investing in Carbon Robotics, a Seattle ag-tech startup whose AI-powered “LaserWeeder” is used by farmers to detect and zap unwanted plants. Read more.  

Tech Moves: NanoString CEO and CFO depart; Temporal founders swap roles; Gradial adds exec; and more personnel changes in PNW tech.

Hot Links:

• Microsoft is shutting down three Bethesda Softworks studios. (Windows Central)

• A judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by University of Washington computer science professor Stuart Reges, who protested land acknowledgment statements. (The Seattle Times)

• Microsoft and OpenAI launched a $2 million fund to boost AI education among voters and vulnerable communities. (Microsoft)

• Seattle VC firm Graham & Walker announced 16 companies participating in its latest Catalyst program. (LinkedIn)

• Shipium CEO Jason Murray is intrigued by AI use cases for demand planning, based on his observations at a Gartner supply chain conference. (LinkedIn)