Why work would be much better if we all stopped waiting to speak

When was the last time you asked for directions? Perhaps you’re too proud. And now we have Google Maps, the need to plead with another human to show us the way is reassuringly rare. But I asked for directions last week and came completely unstuck. 

VC investment screening process creates more exits and fewer failures

A screening process that removes bias in VC investment decisions identifies more successful exits and fewer shut-downs than traditional methods, according to a new white paper that has analysed thousands of companies over 25 years.

Kickscale raises €2.1M seed to build European alternative in AI-powered sales intelligence race

Kickscale, an AI-powered sales and intelligence platform, has raised a €2.1 million Seed round to scale its business in Europe and later to the Middle East and Asia.

335K fewer employees on PAYE payroll since Autumn Budget

The latest research from The Global Payroll Alliance (GPA), reveals that since Labour’s Autumn Statement in October 2024, the number of PAYE staff in the UK has fallen by -334,748, equivalent to -67,000 people going off the books every month as businesses battle to reduce overheads under the strain of increased staffing costs.

Digital accessibility a priority for 84%, 40% plan to use AI to solve issues

Applause has released the results of its fifth annual State of Digital Quality in Accessibility survey, revealing growing awareness and adoption of inclusive design practices ahead of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) deadline in June, as well as interest in adopting AI’s accessibility-related capabilities.

Sylvester.ai: using AI to communicate with your cat
Sylvester.ai: using AI to communicate with your cat

Sylvester.ai is disrupting the global $300 billion+ pet care industry with its veterinarian-backed, AI-technology innovation in feline healthcare that helps cat caregivers assess whether their kitty is in distress and – most importantly – use that info to inform whether it’s time to get their beloved cat to the vet.

Fiverr’s 2025 Business Trends Index unveils how AI is reshaping future of work

Fiverr, the company that is changing how the world works together, has released the 11th edition of its Spring 2025 Business Trends Index.

Corporate Governance Institute urges SME owners to prioritise governance

99% of private sector businesses in the UK are classed as SMEs, but despite the scale of the activity that takes place within this segment, there’s often a lack of guidance for smaller companies seeking to comply with the significant regulatory barriers they must navigate.

Classiq raises $110M in largest quantum software funding round

Classiq has announced raising $110 million in Series C funding, the largest ever for a quantum software company.

Four day week set to take over by 2030

With almost half (48%) of UK companies now offering a four-day working week, new research from hybrid meeting technology leader Owl Labs reveals that UK workplaces are on the brink of a major shakeup in working patterns. Employees aren’t just embracing shorter weeks; they expect the four-day model to become standard in the next five years.

North American Software Testing Awards

In a digital first economy, the performance and security of any software is what hold a business together. Creating seamless user experiences involves curating a rigorous and well thought out software testing processes. Without a doubt, these processes require high level of collaboration and innovation from the software testing team and quality engineers.  

High-Velocity Startups and Fusion Flow sign strategic AI partnership

High-Velocity Startups has entered an ongoing strategic partnership with Fusion Flow Software to deliver automation and AI advisory services supporting international enterprise growth.

How to empower developer innovation? Webinar for leaders.

In today’s ever evolving digital landscape, innovation has become a necessity. However, the path to enabling fast, secure and scalable software delivery remains complex. Many engineering leaders continue to face the fundamental challenge of empowering developers and providing autonomy to facilitate autonomy. This also comes with the added challenge of maintaining governance, security, and compliance that the organisation demands. 

MarvelX raises $6M to transform operations with agentic AI for insurance

MarvelX is on a mission to build  the operational backbone for the financial industry – starting with insurance. It has announced the closing of a $6 million funding round led by EQT Ventures, and the launch of ClaimOS MaX.

Women in Oil & Gas: Driving Female Leadership with AUTOMA 2025

The Oil & Gas Automation and Digitalisation Congress (AUTOMA) 2025 convenes industry leaders to present their technological advancements and smart solutions for the oil and gas sector on 13-14 October in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The Congress gathers key companies such as TotalEnergies, Shell, and Fluor, known for their commitment to innovation and inclusion initiatives, to share their expertise and strategies driving progress in the industry.

Latitude59 Pitch Competition Winners Secured Over €20 Million in Investments

Over the past three years, Latitude59 Pitch Competition winners have collectively raised more than €20 million in investments, reinforcing Latitude59’s position as one of the most influential startup launch platforms in the Baltics and the New Nordics.

Microsoft highlights critical role of Agentic AI in shaping the future of cybersecurity at GISEC Global 2025

Microsoft spotlighted the future of cybersecurity with Agentic AI, autonomous, AI-powered agents purpose-built for defending against evolving cyber threats. At GISEC Global 2025, the Middle East and Africa’s largest cybersecurity event, Microsoft is spotlighting how Agentic AI is transforming cybersecurity, equipping organisations with intelligent agents capable of detecting, triaging, and responding to threats faster than ever before.

Driving DevOps forward by getting recognised

DevOps today is the engine behind agile transformation, and high-performing digital organisations. Teams are redefining how software is built, tested and deployed. However, in a world where success often happens behind the scenes, recognising hard work is vital. 

Why financial literacy is the real startup secret for Gen Z
Why financial literacy is the real startup secret for Gen Z

Gen Z, the digital natives driving a surge in startups, often prioritise innovation and marketing. However, financial literacy is a crucial, often overlooked element for sustainable success.

The new merged R&D scheme in practice: key considerations for early claimants

As we begin the second quarter of 2025, the first companies with 12-month accounting periods are preparing their latest research and development (R&D) tax relief claims under the new merged R&D Expenditure Credit (RDEC) – and the Enhanced R&D Intensive Support (ERIS) scheme. But what are the key considerations early claimants need to be aware of?