Fred Hutch spinout lands $175M to treat solid tumors | Al Michaels headed to Amazon?

Treating tumors: Affini-T Therapeutics, a cell therapy company spun out of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center that aims to treat solid tumors, just raised $175 million in initial financing. Fred Hutch invested in the startup, the first time the Seattle institution has directly backed a company. (Above from left: Affini-T scientific co-founders and Fred Hutch investigators Philip Greenberg, Aude Chapuis, and Thomas Schmitt.) Read about the company’s ambitions. 

MacKenzie Scott’s largest gift yet: A $436 million donation to Habitat for Humanity, including $15 million for groups in Washington state, is the latest publicly disclosed philanthropic move by the billionaire Seattleite. Read more.

Likewise launches new streaming aid: The Seattle-area startup backed by Bill Gates unveiled Likewise TV, a personalized entertainment hub that allows users to access all of their streaming television services in one place. Read more.

FTC seeks more info on Microsoft-Activision Blizzard deal: In a customary step, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission asked the companies “for additional information and documentary material” for its review of Microsoft’s proposed $68.7 billion acquisition of the game developer. Read more.

Blue Origin replaces ‘SNL’ comic on flight: Gary Lai, the chief architect for the New Shepard launch system, will blast off in place of Pete Davidson next week.

Al Michaels headed to Amazon? The veteran sports broadcaster is reportedly Amazon's pick to call its streaming coverage of “Thursday Night Football.” 

Tech Moves: Athira Pharma and Absci add new board members; WestRiver Group managing director departs; and more personnel changes. 

Leadership advice: Linda Lian, CEO of Seattle startup Common Room, shared learnings from her journey going from an individual contributor to leading a tech company. Some tips: “Facilitate communication, don’t dominate the conversation,” and “find fulfillment and purpose in architecting and unblocking.”