Entrepreneurs blast potential TikTok ban | Smartsheet CEO on new realities of tech spending

Jeff Bezos gives $50M gifts | Seattle mayor wants office-to-residential conversions ADVERTISEMENT [GeekWire]( SPONSOR MESSAGE: The GeekWire Awards return May 9, 2024: [Celebrate the Pacific Northwest's leading innovators, entrepreneurs and technologists at one of the most-anticipated tech events. Register today!]( TODAY'S TOP STORIES A vote by the U.S. House to potentially ban TikTok has set off a wave of reaction from those who use the popular social media app. - Entrepreneurs who have relied on TikTok to help build their businesses, including Seattle’s Tori Dunlap and Amin Shaykho, above, say Congress would be cutting small businesses and creators off at the knees by taking away a vital marketing tool. [Read more.]( - With the measure facing an uncertain reception in the Senate, Washington Sen. Maria Cantwell said the dilemma demands some sort of technological answer to protect the U.S., its military and citizens from ill-intentioned foreign actors. Meanwhile, two representatives from Washington state voted against the proposed law. [Read more.]( Business software giant Smartsheet reported its earnings Thursday, and we caught up with Smartsheet CEO Mark Mader about the latest changes in corporate technology buying patterns, and the impact of AI on purchasing and hiring. [Read more](. Textio layoffs: The Seattle startup, which develops augmented writing technology to help companies avoid bias with feedback and performance reviews, laid off 14 employees, or 16% of its workforce. [Read more](. In an attempt to boost downtown recovery — and tax revenue — amid a new era of hybrid work, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell proposed new legislation that makes it easier for property owners to convert their commercial buildings for residential use. [Read more](. The annual Jeff Bezos Courage and Civility Awards have been given to actor/activist Eva Longoria and retired Navy Adm. William McRaven. Each can use their $50 million prize on causes that they are passionate about. [Read more.]( Stealthy Seattle startup: Former Microsoft and Amazon exec Joseph Sirosh is behind a new generative AI company. [Read more](. Gates-backed nuclear company keeps momentum going: TerraPower is in a strong position to be the first to deploy the next generation nuclear power technology in America. [Read more](. Tech Moves: Seattle remote care software startup Optimize Health has a new CEO, and Kingston Marketing Group makes an acquisition. [Read more](. Hot Links: - Zillow Group shares sank more than 7% on Friday following a settlement that could shake-up broker compensation models. ([Real Estate News]( - Uber and Lyft are pulling out of Minneapolis after the city approved a new minimum wage law, similar to legislation passed in Seattle. ([The Verge]( - Seattle-area travel guru Rick Steves isn't reminiscing about some quaint cafe in Paris, or an off-the-beaten-path Irish pub that's worth a visit, but rather, what his website looked like when it launched in 1996. ([X]( Thanks for [subscribing]( to the GeekWire newsletter, and have a great weekend. — GeekWire managing editor Taylor Soper, taylor@geekwire.com; and GeekWire reporter Kurt Schlosser, kurt@geekwire.com. SPONSOR MESSAGE [Tell your story with GeekWire Studios.]( Looking to highlight a key customer, showcase your presence at an industry conference or spread the word about an important product launch? [GeekWire Studios]( the sponsored content arm of GeekWire, helps companies tell their stories. Learn how AWS, Smartsheet, BECU and other top brands tap into the power of GeekWire Studios [here]( or contact us at advertising@geekwire.com to learn more. LATEST HEADLINES [Tech Moves: Optimize Health names new CEO; Seattle-area marketing firm makes acquisition]( [Smartsheet CEO Mark Mader on AI, hiring, and the new realities of tech spending]( [Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez name latest recipients of $50M Courage and Civility Awards]( [Entrepreneurs who used TikTok to help build their businesses blast potential ban in U.S.]( [Seattle mayor proposes legislation to help convert commercial real estate for residential uses]( [TikTok ban faces uncertain fate in Senate; Washington state reps vote against House bill]( [Augmented writing startup Textio lays off 14 employees, or 16% of staff]( GEEKWORK: TODAY'S TECH JOBS - [INRIX: Finance Pricing Manager]( - [AdaptX: Vice President of Engineering]( - [INRIX: Sales Development Representative (SDR)]( - [GeekWork: ML Engineer]( - [City of Newport: Systems Administrator II]( [FIND MORE JOBS ON GEEKWORK]( [HIRING? BUY A FEATURED LISTING TO APPEAR HERE]( [About GeekWire]( [Contact Us]( [Advertise]( Copyright © 2024 GeekWire LLC, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted to receive emails from GeekWire LLC.  Our mailing address is: GeekWire LLC 123 NW 36th St, Suite 203 Seattle, WA 98107  [change email frequency or address]( | [unsubscribe](