News

WEG acquires AI and machine vision startup, Mvisiais

As part of its increasing investment in digital technologies, global motor and industrial equipment manufacturer, WEG has acquired control of a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) business. Mvisiais a Brazil-based machine vision startup that specialises in applying AI tools in industry.

Cyber security becomes the fastest growing startup sector

Funding has increased by a staggering 940% for UK cyber security startups since the beginning of lockdown – with £496m being raised in the first half of 2020, almost outstripping the 2019 total of £521m. Investors have been quick to put their money towards startups specialising in cyber risk management, as the pandemic forced CEO’s to look beyond just financial or regulatory risk.

Tech entrepreneur pivots to support local businesses

A tech entrepreneur who created the world’s first truly wireless earbuds with live voice translation has pivoted during lockdown and used his global manufacturing connection to create a brand new organisation tasked with making and distributing high quality, certified PPE at affordable prices to the healthcare sector and local businesses.

How startups can benefit from working with charities

Collaboration between the third sector and startups can benefit both sides. For third sector organisations, tapping into startups’ innovative ideas and ways of working can lead to increased impact. For startups, it can make the difference between failing and scaling.

Startup creates unbreakable encryption using quantum technology

Launched in late 2018, Nu Quantum recently became an Associate Member of the EU-funded Graphene Flagship project. The startup, a spin off from the Cavendish Laboratory at Graphene Flagship partner the University of Cambridge, UK, specialises in single-photon quantum technology that is set to create unbreakable encryption keys.

Otter.ai launches virtual events collaboration service

Otter.ai announced today the launch of Otter for Events – a new collaboration service that completely changes the virtual and offline events experience for organisers and audiences alike. With Otter Live Notes’ AI technology fully capturing event conversations and turning them into highly accurate interactive, collaborative transcripts in real-time, this offering provides a wealth of previously untapped benefits and value. It is targeted at any organisation hosting a virtual, live, or in-person event – no matter the audience size.

Virtual festival in aid of World Mental Health Day

Two leading mental health organisations have banded together to host Good Mental Health 2020 which will take place on the eve of World Mental Health Day on Friday 9th October at 10am to 4pm.

Signs of recovery for data and marketing industry, but jobs still at risk

The Data & Marketing Association (DMA) has published the results of its fifth ‘Coronavirus – The Impact on Business’ survey revealing the first signs of recovery. about job retention. But despite these early indications, concerns about difficult staffing decisions in the coming months also see a significant increase.

Which areas of the UK are most at risk of a data breach?

A new interactive map reveals the percentage in which cyber crime is increasing in your area – an issue more important now than ever before with the world working from home and security flaws potentially being opened.

Sofant Technologies secures $3m in oversubscribed funding round

EMV Capital led a £2.3m pre-series A syndicated round with Edinburgh-based, 5G and Satcom antenna developer, Sofant Technologies, with participation by Kelvin Capital Ltd, Old College Capital, Wealth Club and Scottish Investment Bank.

Curve and Samsung partner to launch the Samsung Pay Card

Samsung Electronics has announced that the new Samsung Pay Card, powered by Curve, and in conjunction with global payments technology company, Mastercard will be available from 18th August. With ONE simple to use digital-first card, Samsung Pay Card gives users complete control over their spending, without the fuss of having to change banks.

Managers fear employees are at risk of burnout during COVID

Research has revealed that 47% of managers believe their employees may be at risk of burnout, following a change in work pattern or behaviour bought on by COVID-19. Over a third (36%) of British employees stated that their mental health and wellbeing has suffered as result of working longer hours during COVID-19.

Why now might be the best time to launch a startup

As the pandemic swept across the country earlier this year, crowdfunding campaigns were soaring on course to raise record amounts, according to new data. New findings show that for the period of January – July 2020, the average total of the amount raised by crowdfunding campaigns was up by 1,006% vs 2019, with the average number of supporters per campaign also up year-on-year by 769% over the seven months.

COVID-19 exposes 65,000 cyber security attacks on UK SME’s daily

According to a new report by global recruiter, Robert Walters and data provider, Vacancysoft – ‘Cybersecurity: Building Business Resilience’ – UK SME’s are at risk of 65,000 cyber security attacks daily – with around 4,500 of these being successful – and the figure could be much higher since the beginning of COVID-19.

Duo promote collaboration with UAE on desert agriculture

Arieli Capital, which operates innovation centres in Israel and around the world, and Ramat Hanegev Regional Council, are conducting discussions with officials in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) about advancing desert agriculture projects. Discussions began before Israel and the UAE announced a normalisation agreement between the two counties on 16th August.

Businesses offered free AI and automation software to cope with pandemic

Businesses are being given access to a fully-funded suite of AI and automation tools to help them cope with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Free to access at GoSmarter.ai, the project is funded by the UK Governments Research & Innovation department, Innovate UK, and has been developed by Artificial intelligence (AI) company Nightingale HQ.

AIWAYS starts pre-sale for all-electric U5 SUV in Germany

The AIWAYS U5 all-electric SUV will be available from €37,990 when European sales start in Germany this summer. With a 410km range (WLTP) from its DC fast-charging compatible 63kWh battery, according to the company, the AIWAYS U5 offers the best price-to-range ratio in the European all-electric SUV market.

Israeli startup exposes security vulnerabilities for banks

Israeli blockchain cyber startup, GK8, which provides a high security custody solution for safeguarding and managing digital assets, has identified inherent vulnerabilities in Multi-Party-Computation networks (MPC), which serve as the foundation for safeguarding blockchain assets such as Bitcoin and any cryptocurrencies by banks and exchanges.

Innovation celebration tackles post-Covid reality for BAME people

Black Tech Fest (BTF) is a first-of-its-kind digital conference and movement aiming to help Black professionals expand their network and influence while celebrating the boldest innovations created by the Black community.

The challenges SMEs face in getting their fleets back on the road

The fleet management software for small and medium-sized companies, Vimcar has announced its official launch into the UK market with new research into the challenges that businesses are facing to get on the road. As the latest figures from the Department for Transport reveal that light commercial vehicle traffic in the UK has returned to pre-lockdown levels, Vimcar’s survey of German SMEs provides a useful steer as to what these businesses can expect.