New oral history project catches up with Microsoft alums

Even with 微软 's hard-driving culture, and its vision for a computer on every desk and in every home (running Microsoft software), the magnitude of its success took many of the company's early employees by surprise. That’s one of the themes that comes through in the first wave of interviews in a new Microsoft Alumni Network “Alumni Voices” oral history project in advance of the company’s 50th anniversary later this year. Read more.

Above, clockwise from upper left: Bill Neukom, former Microsoft general counsel; Steve Ballmer , former CEO; Bob O’Rear (MS-DOS, programming languages); Mark Zbikowski (MS-DOS, Windows NT, OS/2); and Scott Oki , who founded and led Microsoft’s International Division.

Another win for AI efficiency: In a new demonstration of the potential to improve AI without breaking the bank, researchers from the 美国华盛顿大学 , Seattle's Allen Institute for AI ( Ai2 ), and 美国斯坦福大学 have developed a technique that makes AI models "think" longer before answering, improving reasoning abilities while reducing training costs. Read more.

Startup fundings:

• Health-tech startup Dopl Technologies raised $1.5 million to help fund its mission of bringing diagnostic exams to underserved communities via telerobotics.
• Seattle startup DeltaGen raised $1.2 million for its software that helps companies apply generative AI tools to streamline M&A deals.

Digs + Dropbox : Digs, the Vancouver, Wash.-based AI-powered collaboration platform for builders and homeowners, announced a new partnership with Dropbox, integrating the cloud storage giant’s syncing and collaboration technologies into its platform.?

Submit your nominations for the 2025 GeekWire Awards. We’re looking for leading entrepreneurs, innovators, deal makers and non-profit leaders across more than a dozen categories. See all the details.

Hot Links:

• Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency workers are reportedly processing sensitive Education Department data with AI software accessed via Microsoft’s Azure cloud service. (The Washington Post)
• Eat your marketing heart out, Steve Ballmer. In a new video, Statsig marketing chief Skye Scofield borrows from the former Microsoft CEO’s cheeky 1986 pitch for Windows. (LinkedIn, YouTube)

SPONSOR MESSAGE: Microsoft@50, a special event marking Microsoft’s 50th anniversary. GeekWire is hosting a special community event on March 20, 2025, at Town Hall Seattle, bringing together key leaders from Microsoft’s past and present to examine the impact of the Redmond technology giant. Together, we’ll revisit defining moments, explore new challenges, and get a glimpse into what lies ahead for one of the world’s most influential companies. Early-bird tickets are on sale here.

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