Microsoft puts up $4 million for AI and cloud bugs | WTIA CEO retiring 

$4 million for AI and cloud bugs: Microsoft's Ignite conference for IT pros started in Chicago this morning with security — a new bounty program for finding AI and cloud vulnerabilities. The company is under immense pressure to better protect its systems from cyberattacks. We talked with key execs about what’s happening behind the scenes. Read more.

• Microsoft unveiled its own device for Windows 365, its streaming operating system for Cloud PCs. Here’s what it looks like, and how it works.

• There were a series of Microsoft 365 Copilot announcements, seeking to show the value of the AI service for businesses amid recent skepticism. Check out this rundown from journalist Mary Jo Foley of research firm Directions on Microsoft.

• Microsoft and Atom Computing announced a new milestone showing the advantages of quantum computers over classical computers. Read more.

WTIA CEO retiring: After more than a decade at the helm of the Washington Technology Industry Association, Michael Schutzler is stepping down. Here’s who is taking over.

New funding rounds:

• In an increasingly volatile world, companies are using Factal to help identify threats that may affect operations and employees. The Seattle startup just raised $1 million and inked a key partnership.

• Have you been influenced by an influencer while shopping online? Levanta, a Seattle startup that connects Amazon sellers with popular social media creators, raised $20 million. 

• See all recent Pacific Northwest startup fundings.

Leaders from the energy industry addressed the AI boom at the Tech Alliance’s Policy Matters conference in Seattle. And their message about surging energy use was grim. Read more.

A popular TikTok food critic’s swing through Seattle ended with the closure of a sushi restaurant after a worm was allegedly spotted in a piece of fish he ate on video. FOB Sushi Bar closed locations in Belltown and Bellevue to investigate the incident. Read more.

Hot Links:

• Amazon is facing more setbacks with its AI-based successor to Alexa, according to an internal memo. (Fortune, subscription required)

• Seattle’s tax on big businesses is sparking controversy because it’s working so well. (Seattle Times, subscription required) 

• Zillow’s BuyAbility tool combines mortgage rates with a buyer’s financial profile. (Zillow Group)

• Nintex, a Bellevue, Wash-based workflow automation software maker, revealed a rebrand. (LinkedIn)

Thanks for subscribing to the GeekWire newsletter, and have a great week. — GeekWire editor Taylor Soper, taylor@geekwire.com; GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop, todd@geekwire.com; and GeekWire reporter Kurt Schlosser, kurt@geekwire.com.