FTC targets alleged Amazon pricing algorithm ‘Project Nessie’

Former Tableau execs launch Seattle startup | Zulily vendors say they’re not getting paid ADVERTISEMENT [GeekWire]( SPONSOR MESSAGE: The GeekWire Summit returns October 19th! We're assembling some of the top names in artificial intelligence for the half-day summit, taking place in downtown Seattle: [Get your tickets today!]( TODAY'S TOP STORIES Hello, GeekWire readers. We’re tracking a new startup led by former Tableau execs, Zulily vendors who say they’re not getting paid, and the use of mass timber in construction. First, there’s big Amazon-related news today out of Washington, D.C. The Federal Trade Commission and 17 states [filed a long-awaited lawsuit against Amazon]( on Tuesday, targeting the Seattle tech giant for “anticompetitive and unfair strategies.” - The lawsuit alleges, for the first time publicly, that [the company used a secret pricing algorithm]( known internally as “Project Nessie” to compete unfairly in the e-commerce market. - Amazon’s practices allegedly “stop rivals and sellers from lowering prices, degrade quality for shoppers, overcharge sellers, stifle innovation, and prevent rivals from fairly competing,” according to the FTC. - "Today’s lawsuit seeks to hold Amazon to account for these monopolistic practices and restore the lost promise of free and fair competition,” FTC Chair Lina Khan said. [Read more.]( Departing Amazon exec going back to work for Jeff Bezos: Dave Limp, the outgoing Devices & Services chief at Amazon, will be the new CEO at Blue Origin, replacing Bob Smith at the Kent, Wash.-based space venture started by Bezos. [Read more.]( Zulily vendors say they’re not getting paid: Following the Seattle e-commerce company’s sale to Los Angeles-based investment firm Regent, some vendors claim they are owed thousands of dollars in unpaid invoices. [Read more.]( Former Tableau execs launch Seattle startup: Damon Fletcher and Michael Arvold are co-founders of Millworks Analytics, a cost analysis platform that helps businesses better understand and manage their cloud expenses. [Read more.]( Mass timber on the rise as construction alternative: The Pacific Northwest is helping to lead a shift toward engineered wood that is fire resistant, earthquake safe and more environmentally friendly than steel and concrete. [Read more.]( Startup turns crab shells into useful industrial chemicals: Bellingham, Wash.-based Tidal Vision has raised more than $20 million for its technology that creates a versatile, biodegradable polymer called chitosan. [Read more.]( Hot Links: - A mysterious early Microsoft employee may be connected to a private fireworks show that surprised and startled Seattleites. ([The Seattle Times]( - Microsoft is rolling out one of the biggest updates to Windows 11. ([The Verge]( - Seattle biotech startup A-Alpha Bio expanded its partnership with industry giant Amgen. ([A-Alpha Bio]( Thanks for [subscribing]( to the GeekWire newsletter, and have a great day. — GeekWire managing editor Taylor Soper, taylor@geekwire.com; and GeekWire reporter Kurt Schlosser, kurt@geekwire.com. SPONSOR MESSAGE [IT Degrees—Certs Included]( Many IT jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree, plus multiple certifications. The cost of certification exams can be overwhelming if you’re paying for them out of pocket. At WGU, we include relevant industry-recognized certifications in our IT degree programs. 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LATEST HEADLINES [FTC targets alleged secret Amazon pricing algorithm ‘Project Nessie’ in antitrust complaint]( [T-Mobile’s corporate venture arm reveals second fund to invest AI, edge computing, and more]( [FTC and 17 states sue Amazon for maintaining alleged monopoly power that stifles competition]( [This startup turns discarded crab shells into useful industrial chemicals]( [Zulily vendors say they’re not getting paid following company’s acquisition to private equity firm]( [Former Tableau execs launch new Seattle startup that helps companies manage cloud costs]( [Uber inks first-in-the-nation deal with Washington state for driver appeal process]( [Departing Amazon exec Dave Limp will become CEO at Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin space venture]( [Fire resistant, quake safe, climate friendly: Mass timber is on the rise as a construction alternative]( GEEKWORK: TODAY'S TECH JOBS - [Submittable: Senior Machine Learning Scientist]( - [Submittable: Senior Software Engineering Manager]( - [Submittable: Senior Site Reliability Engineer]( - [City of Portland Water Bureau: Technology Manager]( - [Council for the Advancement of Science Writing: Communications Coordinator]( - [Submittable: Senior Software Engineer (Backend) – Employee Engagement]( - [City of Redlands: Network Engineer]( - [NTTA- North Texas Tollway Authority: Sr ETL & Data Modeling Developer]( - [Submittable: Senior Software Engineer (Back End) – Data]( - [INRIX: Product Marketing Manager, Public Sector]( [FIND MORE JOBS ON GEEKWORK]( [HIRING? 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