It’s a great moment for startups — with one caveat | Microsoft retiring Skype

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TODAY'S TOP STORIES

There’s no better time to build a startup — but be ready for some fierce competition. That was one takeaway from a panel discussion GeekWire editor Taylor Soper moderated this week with four Seattle-area venture capitalists. So how can founders build a moat, stay ahead of competitors, and land cash from investors? Read more.

Meet the new leader of Alliance of Angels: Angie Parker said she wants to hit “refresh” on the Seattle investment group. We caught up with the University of Washington grad and Air Force veteran for her views on the role, the startup scene and more. Read the Q&A.


Microsoft is retiring Skype
, the video calling service it acquired 14 years ago for $8.5 billion. Skype was synonymous with video calling at the time of the deal, but technical struggles and a flurry of competitors led to its downfall under Microsoft’s ownership. Read more.

Amazon is giving $100 million to support affordable housing efforts in Bellevue, Wash., where it has grown considerably and plans to employ 25,000 people in the coming years. Read more.

Nautilus Biotechnology announced layoffs this week and recently decided on a course correction in its approach. But CEO Sujal Patel is confident that the company’s revised roadmap will help reach its mission of something “incredibly ambitious in the proteomics space.” Read more.

Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman addressed “an especially painful” restructuring during his call with analysts following the company’s Q4 earnings report. Shares of the real estate company were down more than 12% Friday. Read more.

Tech Moves: University of Washington professor wins prestigious honor; T-Mobile board shuffle; and more personnel changes.

Today is the last day to secure early bird pricing for Microsoft@50. The GeekWire event in Seattle on March 20 will feature discussions with key leaders of the tech giant’s past and present — including former CEO Steve Ballmer. Learn more and get tickets.

Hot Links:

  • Amazon is trying to curb the use of AI tools during interviews. (Business Insider)

  • Microsoft launched a new AI site with company news, job openings, and more. (Microsoft; LinkedIn)

  • A tense standoff between shareholders was part of the downfall of electric plane startup Eviation. (Seattle Times)

  • Shares of Athira Pharma were down 5% after the biotech company released its Q4 earnings report. (Athira Pharma)

Thanks for subscribing to the GeekWire newsletter, and have a great weekend. — GeekWire editor Taylor Soper, taylor@geekwire.com; and GeekWire reporter Kurt Schlosser, kurt@geekwire.com.
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A new independent study reveals that the UW’s economic impact has grown to $20.9 billion — making it responsible for $1 of every $32 in the statewide economy. By providing expert medical care, fostering cutting-edge research and educating tomorrow’s leaders, the UW offers one of the best public investments Washington can make for its economy, its people and its future.

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