News

Global tech investors show confidence in London

London is at the centre of Europe’s burgeoning tech scene, with new research from Dealroom.co and London & Partners showing that London tech companies helped Europe to reach record levels of tech venture capital funding in 2020. International investors continue to look to London, with the findings revealing that the UK capital received more tech VC investment than any European city in 2020.

Reinventing traditional medicine with smart consumer health tech

“If we have learned anything in 2020, it’s that consumers play a pivotal role in their own health outcomes.” – CES 2021. Consumers are now expecting accessible, convenient solutions that allow them to jumpstart their care – from wellness to healthcare – at any moment.

Rise.ai: income from digital gift cards breaks a record in Q4

Initial income from digital gift cards in the US stores sampled by Rise.ai jumped by 299% in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to the third quarter of 2020, and by 135% compared to the fourth quarter of 2019. Initial income rose by 558% in December 2020, compared to November 2020. Overall, while for the full year initial income more than doubled by 114% in 2020 in comparison to the previous year.

Hong Kong’s hottest startups showcase tech breakthroughs at CES 2021

Hong Kong innovation and technology expertise will be on display at CES 2021, with 22 of the region’s leading entrepreneurs and innovators exhibiting at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s (HKTDC) 44th annual Hong Kong Pavilion at CES. Held virtually from 11th-14th, this year’s exhibits will showcase why Hong Kong is the ideal incubator and launchpad for tech innovation and global business success.

The UK’s regional startup hotspot revealed

New data has revealed that Birmingham has been crowned the UK’s regional startup capital for a seventh year running, defying challenges to business confidence posed by the Coronavirus pandemic.

UK cyber recieves post-lockdown funding boost

British cybersecurity startups raised £651m last year after the start of lockdown in March, but only £11.9m went to companies looking to raise investment for the first time, according to new research released today by Plexal and Beauhurst.

Freehand launches crowdfunding round to take its surgical robots global

Freehand, a UK-based medical technology company, today launched a crowdfunding round to support international expansion for its pioneering robotic surgical camera controllers. The company is seeking up to £1m in investment via Crowdcube to establish a global team of clinical training specialists and expand its distribution network across Europe, Asia and the Americas.

Maintenance software raises £150,000 in latest investment round

FaultFixers have successfully raised a joint investment deal of £100,000 out of a total £150,000 round through Suss Ventures, the new investor matching service at Sussex Innovation backed by the University of Sussex.

HIV social networking app raises £260K to drive growth

Positive Plus One, a social networking app, has announced that a total of £260,000 has been raised to add the next level of functionality into the specialist platform for the international HIV community.

Humn secures funding from Shell Ventures to accelerate expansion

Humn is delighted to announce an additional investment from Shell Ventures and existing investor Marbruck Investments. This funding will accelerate Humn’s domestic and international roll-out as they grow their presence as the leading innovator of fleet insurance in Europe.

Growing angel investment activity in Wales with high expectations for 2021

Investments in Welsh businesses by syndicates of angel investors in Wales has grown despite business uncertainty in 2020 according to the Development Bank of Wales.

The factors consider when buying fleet insurance

Managing a fleet of vehicles is a huge responsibility. Along with maintenance and driver management, fleet managers need to be responsible for the protection and safety of their assets. Fleet insurance is essential when it comes to managing and mitigating the risks that surround your fleet.

Huckletree launches ‘Entrepreneur in Residence’ programme to support UK founders

Creative workspace and accelerator, Huckletree is launching a new initiative to ensure some of the UK’s most innovative and promising startups have the space and mentoring they need to grow in 2021.

Women Only female tradesperson directory in the UK

Promoting a new way of thinking! Heather Thurlby launches a female only directory to support and promote female owned and run businesses in the construction and trades.

Cleantech startup announce partnership to bring sustainable transport refrigeration to Rwanda

British cleantech startup, Sunswap has announced a partnership with OX to develop solar powered mobile chilling capability for their zero-emission trucks in Rwanda. The collaboration comes as Sunswap launched their first public crowdfunding campaign on Crowdcube on 5th January 2021.

Traveltech startup lets travellers determine check-in and check-out hours to maximise savings

Israeli Traveltech startup, As You Stay, which lets travellers save money by eliminating fixed check-in and check-out times, has announced that its smartphone app now allows making holiday reservations at 400,000 hotels and properties around the world at prices that are substantially lower than pre-Covid-19 pandemic levels.

Female entrepreneurs powering economy and communities celebrated

Some of the UK’s most inspiring entrepreneurs have been recognised for their powerful contribution to society, the economy and communities.

80% of employees reluctant to return to the office post-pandemic

New research conducted by Accountancy and Finance, HR and Data Analytics recruiter, Wade Macdonald has found that 44% of employees are finding working from home much harder, physically, mentally and emotionally, than being in the office.

World’s First Multi-Point Motion Match Fitness Training System unveiled at CES 2021

Wondercise, the fitness technology pioneer, will unveil the world’s first Multi-Point Motion Match personal training system at CES 2021. Traditional smart wristbands and watches can’t tell the difference between a squat and lunge, let alone if it’s the right or left leg that leads.

Free SEO advice benefits 50 SMEs impacted by pandemic

A Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) consultant, who offered free website audits to UK SMEs struggling to make ends meet due to the pandemic, has recently successfully supported his 50th client.