Voters reject AI data centers, Shield AI's $5.3B Echodyne deal, and a startup's rare double exit
This week: Shield AI, the defense tech company building its X-BAT autonomous fighter jet south of Seattle, agrees to acquire Kirkland-based radar maker Echodyne in a deal valued at up to $5.3 billion. We discuss what it means for the Seattle region’s rise as a defense tech hub, how the midterm results could affect the sector, and the Mercer Island roots of Shield AI co-founders Brandon and Ryan Tseng. Voters backed limits on data center development in 40 of 41 local ballot measures across the country, more than half of them in Ohio. We talk about the backlash, reports that foreign actors are amplifying it, and what it means for Amazon as it plans its first data centers in Washington state. Seattle startup Suplari is acquired by Docusign, nearly three years after Microsoft spun it back out to its founders. Along with the Echodyne deal and Agility Robotics’ public listing, it could be a sign that M&A is picking up. And in the GeekWire Trivia Challenge: how did Nobel Prize winner Mary Brunkow, one of this year’s GeekWire Uncommon Thinkers, find out she had won? Related stories and links Shield AI to buy Bill Gates-backed radar maker Echodyne in $5.3B deal, doubling down on Seattle area Amazon plans its first data centers in Washington state as residents raise concerns A rare second exit: AI startup Suplari acquired by Docusign nearly 3 years after Microsoft spinout Agility Robotics co-founder on its Nasdaq debut, lessons from Amazon, and the future of work Uncommon Thinkers: Curiosity led Mary Brunkow to an immune breakthrough — and a Nobel Prize GeekWire Gala, Dec. 10 With GeekWire co-founders Todd Bishop and John Cook. Edited by Curt Milton. Music by Daniel L.K. Caldwell. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.