Snowflake, Madrona and a giant IPO; Bill Gates Sr.; Apple, UW and COVID

Here’s what we’re talking about on the GeekWire Podcast this week:

Snowflake, the data warehousing company, came out with a bang this week in its public debut, raising $3.4 billion in the largest software IPO ever. It reignited a debate over the the IPO process and inequality in the allocation of shares when a company goes public.

Snowflake's IPO was also a successful outcome for Seattle's Madrona Venture Group, resulting from a departure from its normal investing strategy. We'll explain what happened, and what it could mean for the future.

When Bill Gates Sr. died this week at age 94, he was mourned in Seattle and around the globe, not just because he was the dad of the Microsoft co-founder, but because of his profound impact on his community. Microsoft, the Gates Foundation and many other institutions wouldn't be what they are without him. He always said the three most important things in his life were family, friends and public service ... in that order.

• Bill Gates Sr., 1925-2020: Microsoft co-founder’s father made his own mark on Seattle and the world
• Bill Gates Sr. at 90: A giant impact on technology, philanthropy and the Seattle region [2015 GeekWire profile]
• How Bill Gates Sr., late father of the Microsoft co-founder, helped Howard Schultz buy Starbucks

The new Apple Watch Series 6 will be able to check your blood oxygen level while you wear it. Apple and University of Washington researchers plan to launch a study later this year to determine if the device can detect early signs of acute respiratory infection such as the flu or COVID-19.

With GeekWire’s Todd Bishop and John Cook. Produced by Curt Milton. Theme music by Daniel L.K. Caldwell.

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