Todd Bishop
Todd Bishop is Editor and Co-Founder at GeekWire, a media company he co-founded in 2009 and where he remains active. He is a business and technology journalist with expertise in in-depth reporting, podcast hosting, and live event moderation.
Microsoft's Early Focus on Software and Key 1980 Investment Meeting Shaped Its Rise to Tech Giant
This article explores Microsoft's early history, focusing on how its choice to develop software rather than hardware led to its success, highlighting key moments like Bill Gates securing investment support from David Marquardt in 1980. It also commemorates Microsoft's upcoming 50th anniversary with a series reflecting on its past, present, and future.
Microsoft’s startup story: A new look, with insights for today
This special edition of the GeekWire Podcast is the first in a four-episode series that we’ll be publishing in the months ahead as part of our year-long Microsoft @ 50 project, recognizing the company’s 50th anniversary in April 2025. On this episode, we’ll take a fresh look at Microsoft’s startup story with tech historian and author Margaret O’Mara of the University of Washington, author of The Code: Silicon Valley and the Remaking of America; plus highlights from a recent conversation with David Marquardt, Microsoft’s first outside investor and a longtime board member. Register here for our Microsoft @ 50 event…
GemaTEG Inc. Develops Micro Heat-Pump to Cool Data Center Chips, Partners with Leonardo to Boost Davinci-1 Supercomputer
GemaTEG Inc., a Bellevue-based startup, has developed a micro heat-pump technology to precisely cool individual data center microprocessors, addressing growing performance and energy efficiency challenges amid the AI boom. The company recently partnered with Italian aerospace firm Leonardo to enhance its Davinci-1 supercomputer's performance.
GeekWire Podcast Discusses Uber's Possible Expedia Acquisition, Steve Ballmer Profile, and AI Future with Microsoft Research President
The GeekWire Podcast explores Uber's potential acquisition of Expedia, highlighting Dara Khosrowshahi's roles in both companies, features a '60 Minutes' profile of Steve Ballmer and Silicon Valley history, and discusses AI's future with Microsoft Research president Peter Lee.
Amazon puts AI in delivery vans; Ex-AMZN exec Dave Clark's new startup; AI vs. cancer
Artificial intelligence and automation are transforming the way companies get stuff to stores and doorsteps, changing the world of logistics, transportation and the supply chain, as demonstrated by a few Amazon-related stories we covered this week: Amazon's unveiling of a new "Vision-Assisted Package Retrieval (VAPR) system for the cargo hold of its electric Rivian vans; The announcement of Amazon’s next-generation fulfillment center, with updated and expanded versions of its robotics systems in Shreveport, La. Former Amazon executive Dave Clark's launch of a new supply chain technology startup, based in the Seattle area, with $100 million in funding out of the…
Wokelo Raises $4M Seed Funding to Expand AI-Powered Due Diligence for M&A and Investments
Seattle-based AI startup Wokelo raised $4 million in seed funding to advance its AI-driven platform that automates detailed due diligence reports for mergers, investments, and consulting. Founded in 2022 by former management consultants Siddhant Masson and Saswat Nanda, Wokelo now serves over 35 customers including private equity and venture capital firms.
Ex-Amazon CEO Dave Clark Launches AI-Powered Supply Chain Startup Auger with $100M Funding
Dave Clark, former Amazon and Flexport CEO, founded Auger, a supply chain technology startup with $100 million in Series A funding from Oak HC/FT. Auger offers an AI-powered platform aimed at improving decision-making for large companies with complex global supply chains.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy Mandates Full-Time Office Return to Foster Startup Culture Amid E-Commerce Challenges
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy plans to return employees to office full-time to revive startup agility amid e-commerce challenges, while GeekWire revisits driverless car experiences highlighting progress and controversy.
Amazon's quest to become a startup again; Driverless cars, 6 years later
Amazon's decision to bring its employees back to the office five days a week is a window into the challenges facing the e-commerce and technology giant, and CEO Andy Jassy's larger plan to get the company to operate like "the world's largest startup" again. Plus, GeekWire's John Cook gets into the back seat of a driverless car for the first time since 2018, and has a very different experience. Coverage of Amazon's announcement: Amazon ‘will return to being in the office the way we were’ before the pandemic, CEO tells employees ‘The way we were’: Amazon tries to rekindle its…
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy Mandates Full-Time Office Return and Reduces Managers by 15% by Early 2025
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy announced that starting January 2025, employees will be required to work from the office five days a week, reversing the work-from-home flexibility adopted during the pandemic. Additionally, Amazon plans to reduce the number of managers to increase individual contributors by 15% by the end of Q1 2025 to foster streamlined decision-making and collaboration.
Seattle Startup Replenium Sues Albertsons for Trade Secret Theft in Automated Grocery Replenishment Case
Seattle startup Replenium has sued Albertsons Companies for allegedly stealing trade secrets to develop its own automated grocery replenishment service after a three-year partnership. The lawsuit claims misappropriation of trade secrets and breach of contract, seeking financial damages.
Brinc Integrates Echodyne Radar into 911 Responder Drone to Enable FAA-Approved BVLOS Operations for Law Enforcement
Seattle-based Brinc is partnering with Echodyne to integrate advanced MESA radar technology into its 911 responder drones, enhancing safety and enabling beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations for law enforcement. The Responder drone features high-definition and thermal cameras to aid emergency responses, potentially resolving 25% of calls without dispatching officers.
Microsoft, Amazon, AI, the economy, and another bad tech ad
This week on the GeekWire Podcast, we take a closer look at the earnings reports from Microsoft and Amazon this week, as a litmus test for artificial intelligence demand and the state of the economy. We also consider the implications of Boeing's new CEO being based in the Seattle region, discuss a new AI tool that aims to streamline marketing tasks, and weigh in on the backlash to Google's Olympics ad for its Gemini AI chatbot Microsoft capital spending soars to $19B, betting big on AI, as Azure growth underwhelms Wall Street Amazon sales come up short, profits nearly double…
AI, VC, and the next big opportunity in tech, with 'Startup Project' host Nataraj Sindam
As the creator and host of the "Startup Project" podcast, Seattle-area tech senior product manager Nataraj Sindam talks with a wide range of investors and entrepreneurs, contributing to his broad perspective on the future of artificial intelligence, investing, startups, and business technology. He's also author of the Above Average email newsletter, and venture partner with Incisive Ventures. Our topics this week include: The opportunity to apply the power of large language models and generative AI to the larger world of business-to-business applications, including services tailored to workflows in specific industry verticals. How AI will drive a massive increase in data…
Collaborative Robotics Hires Former Amazon AI Leader Michael Vogelsong, Opens Seattle Office Following $100M Series B Round
Collaborative Robotics, after raising $100 million in Series B funding, has hired former Amazon AI leader Michael Vogelsong to lead its new Foundation Models AI team at a new Seattle office. This expansion highlights Seattle's growing prominence as an AI hub and advances in robotics technology.
Seattle Startup Sanctum Develops Private Pods for Solo Travelers to Work or Rest, Targeting Airports and 2026 FIFA World Cup
Seattle startup Sanctum is creating private, enclosed pods designed for solo travelers to work or rest in airports, with plans to expand to gyms, co-working spaces, and major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The pods offer amenities like ventilation and charging ports and are intended to be rented by the minute.
Acumatica Opens 12,000-Square-Foot HQ in Bellevue, Plans 20% Global Staff Growth in 2024
Acumatica opened a new 12,000-square-foot headquarters in Bellevue, Washington, as part of a plan to increase its global workforce by 20% in 2024. The cloud ERP company, led by CEO John Case and employing nearly 700 people globally, is expanding despite shrinking office demand in the Seattle region.
AI Company Xembly to End Services and Wind Down by June 1, 2024 Amid AI Platform Challenges
Enterprise AI company Xembly announced it will cease its customer-facing services and wind down operations due to challenges with underlying AI platforms, effective June 1, 2024. The Seattle-based firm, founded in 2020 and backed by $20 million in funding, plans to pursue a new direction in AI development.
Gaurav Oberoi’s Lexion Acquired by DocuSign for $165 Million, Marking Third Successful Exit for the Entrepreneur
Serial entrepreneur Gaurav Oberoi, co-founder of AI-based legal tech startup Lexion, will exit successfully as Lexion is acquired by DocuSign for $165 million. Oberoi, known for his customer-centric approach and expertise, has now had three startups acquired, earning strong respect in Seattle’s tech community.
GeekWire Awards Preview Highlights Next Tech Titan Winners and Workplace Trends Ahead of May 9 Seattle Event
The GeekWire Awards event will take place on May 9 at Showbox SoDo in Seattle, featuring a look back at past Next Tech Titan winners and discussions on workplace evolution and regional migration impacts.
Who will be the Next Tech Titan? Previewing the GeekWire Awards
This week on the show, we get a sneak preview of the GeekWire Awards, coming up at the Showbox SoDo in Seattle on Thursday, May 9. We look back at the past winners of the Next Tech Titan title in the awards, and consider the event's track record in predicting major companies to emerge from Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. We also contemplate the evolution of the "Workplace of the Year" category through the rise of remote and hybrid work. And finally, we consider the impact of migration on another part of state: Spokane, Wash., and the Inland Northwest. See…
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy Highlights 'Primitives' Strategy, Prime Video Growth, and Project Kuiper Revenue in 2024 Shareholder Letter
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy released his annual shareholder letter emphasizing Amazon's strategy centered on 'primitives'—basic building blocks like AWS services and fulfillment components—to drive innovation and growth. He highlighted Prime Video's profit potential and Project Kuiper's revenue opportunities as key areas of momentum.
Concur Founder Steve Singh Leads Acquisition of Direct Travel to Enhance Corporate Travel Experience
Steve Singh, former CEO of Concur, led a group of investors in acquiring Direct Travel, a corporate travel management firm with over $300 million in revenue, aiming to create a seamless travel experience. Christal Bemont has been appointed as the new CEO of Direct Travel, with Singh serving as executive chairman.
Veeam Software Moves HQ to Kirkland, WA, Hits $1.5B+ Annual Recurring Revenue Amid Microsoft AI Partnership
Veeam Software relocated its headquarters from Ohio to Kirkland, Washington, to leverage the local cloud ecosystem and technical talent, following its acquisition by Insight Partners. The company, a leader in data protection and ransomware recovery with over $1.5 billion in annual recurring revenue, also extended its strategic AI partnership with Microsoft.
Seattle Startup Point of View Launches Women's Workwear with Smartphone-Friendly Pockets to Address Inequality
Seattle startup Point of View, founded by former Amazon executives Aditi Sinha and Sakina Adeeb, creates women's workwear with pockets large enough to hold smartphones, addressing 'pockets inequality.' The debut collection has been well-received, aiming to inspire broader change in women's fashion.
Organizations
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GeekWire Editor and Co-Founder 2011–present · current
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GeekWire Co-Founder · current
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Seattle Children’s Therapeutics current
Education
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California State University, Chico B.A., Business Admin, Journalism · 1991–1996
