Bill Gates and the myth of the self-made billionaire

Who is the real Bill Gates? New York Times journalist Anupreeta Das (above, right) focuses on that question in her new book, “Billionaire, Nerd, Savior, King: Bill Gates and His Quest to Shape Our World.” She speaks about Gates’ influence on Microsoft, philanthropy, and the broader world on a new episode of the GeekWire Podcast, with guest host Ross Reynolds. 

🎙️Read more and listen here, and subscribe to GeekWire in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

The Port of Seattle revealed new details about a recent cyberattack. It refused to pay a ransom demanded by a criminal organization responsible for the breach. As a result, some data that was allegedly obtained may be posted online, according to the Port. Read more.

“Balance the timeless with the timely.” That was the insight from Ana Mari Cauce, the University of Washington president, about maintaining traditions while adapting to AI and other innovations. Cauce spoke Thursday at the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce annual meeting. Read more.

A win for downtown Seattle in the era of hybrid work: Grocery store PCC's return to a high-profile skyscraper could provide a boost to downtown Seattle, which has struggled to return to pre-pandemic levels of activity as companies settle into hybrid work policies. Read more. 

Tech Moves: SheerID has a new revenue chief; Sana’s CFO is stepping down; and a Seattle HR vet launches her own firm. Read more.

Apple Cup, AI style: We put together some fun AI-generated images ahead of today’s college football rivalry game. Check them out, and send us yours at tips@geekwire.com.

📆 Upcoming events: Tech and startup community gatherings on our radar next week in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.

• Sept. 17: WordCamp US 2024

• Sept. 17: Live Chat with Reggie Fils-Aimé with Guest Host iJustine

• Sept. 18: WebDev Day

• Sept. 18: Grant Writing Bootcamp: Essentials for SBIR/STTR Proposals

• Sept. 19: Black Tech Night

Check out the GeekWire Calendar for more.

Hot Links

• Oprah spoke with Bill Gates and Sam Altman for a special show about AI. (TechCrunch)

• Boeing’s new CEO Kelly Ortberg bought a home in Seattle. The company is also dealing with a strike. (Seattle Times; Axios)