Why SMEs need a non-debt financing alternative

With a potential recession knocking at the door of the American economy, managing cash flow is moving to the centre of the plate for small business founders and CEOs. Recessions inevitably cause a business’s payables to balloon, and with business credit already running tight across the US, the lack of free-flowing capital can create a big problem. 

Fintech Week London reimagines flagship conference for fifth anniversary edition: introducing London Fintech Summit 2025

For its fifth anniversary, Fintech Week London (FTWL) has partnered with Trescon to reimagine the annual flagship conference by launching the new annual London Fintech Summit, a premier global platform bringing together financial leaders, investors, policymakers, and innovators to shape the future of fintech. The summit – taking place on October 6 and 7, 2025 – will be the focal point for driving cross-border collaboration and investment. While Fintech Week London continues as the umbrella for a week of finance-focused events in London, the summit will be the main stage for global fintech dialogue.

The impact of academic research funding policy on regional startup ecosystems

Innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum; it emerges in ecosystems where talent and exploration are nurtured and celebrated. This is why startup founders and investors should be paying attention to policy changes in global academic research.

Artificial Intelligence: GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything Examines Dominant Tech Driving €2.7 Billion Economic Windfall

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is swiftly redefining Europe’s digital landscape, transforming industrial productivity, scientific discovery, public services efficiency, and socio-economic development at scale. With McKinsey projecting AI could add €2.7 billion to European economic output by 2030 – translating to a potential 20% GDP increase – GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything is poised to magnify the exponential value accompanying this incomparable technology.

The winners of the InnoVEX Pitch Contest 2025

Attendees, judges, and startups all gathered together on the Thursday afternoon of InnoVEX 2025 to witness the annual InnoVEX Pitching Competition. Startups each had 10 minutes, split into a five minute presentation, and five minute Q&A from the judges.

Less than a third of travel operators have implemented mobile-first innovations across booking & payment platforms

 Latest survey from TravelTech Show spotlights priorities and concerns for travel operators and buyers around booking and payment solutions.

Sage 50 Evolves with AI Automation to Power the Future of UK SMBs

Sage, the leader in accounting, financial, HR, and payroll technology for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), today announced major enhancements that bring AI-driven insights, automation, and seamless connectivity to Sage 50 customers in the UK. Sage 50 has just become more powerful, connected, and secure while preserving the features SMBs know and trust.

Addleshaw Goddard launches AG Elevate accelerator programme for tech businesses

International law firm Addleshaw Goddard (AG) has announced the opening of applications for its AG Elevate accelerator programme for scaleup businesses.

Bibby Financial Services agrees £0.7bn facility to improve access to finance for UK SMEs

International SME financier, Bibby Financial Services (BFS), has renewed its securitisation arrangement for three years, boosting its funding capacity to improve access to finance for UK businesses. 

UK SMEs stand to gain £78Bn from AI, amid economic turbulence

UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) could unlock up to £78.1 billion in economic value by adopting artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, signalling a major opportunity to boost national productivity and business resilience.

Gresham House Ventures leads £3.9M round in digital pension provider Penfold

Gresham House Ventures has led a £3.9 million investment round in workplace pension provider, Penfold, alongside existing investors.

Angel investors will invest more in startups during 2025

Despite a complex global landscape, angel investors are planning to invest more in startups in 2025 than last year, with cautious optimism the prevailing mood. This is the key finding from the latest global survey of investors from Angel Investment Network (AIN), the global online angel investment network.

trawa Raises €24M to Power Europe’s Industrial Comeback
trawa Raises €24M to Power Europe’s Industrial Comeback

trawa, a Berlin-based electricity provider and AI-powered software company, has secured €24 million in Series A funding. The round was led by venture capital firm Headline, with participation from Norrsken VC, the impact fund of Klarna co-founder Niklas Adalberth, and existing investors Balderton Capital, Speedinvest, and AENU. Berlin-based VC Magnetic and Tiny VC from London are also among trawa’s shareholders.

Research reveals the true cost of female entrepreneurs

Whilst the ever-growing funding disparity affecting female entrepreneurs is well-documented, its impact and the true lived experience of women building businesses within this inequitable system are much less well known.

Latitude59 kicks off in Tallinn with a bold message for Europe

Estonia’s most international startup and technology conference, Latitude59, kicked off today in Tallinn and was officially opened by President Alar Karis. In his opening speech, he emphasised that digital innovation plays a vital role in shaping a stronger and more resilient Europe.

Inside the startup that’s quietly redefining how products succeed on Amazon

For most Amazon sellers, customer insight is more limited than they’d like. Data is scarce, direct interaction is not an option, and product decisions are often based on trial and error. But a startup called ProductPinion, co-founded by e-commerce entrepreneur Andri Sadlak, is working to change that by bringing real user feedback into product development and Amazon listing optimisation.

Flip secures $28M Series A extension to expand AI-powered capabilities for deskless workers

Europe’s software scale-up for the frontline, Flip, has announced a $28 million Series A extension. Led by existing investors including LEA Partners, HV Capital, Notion Capital, as well as Roland Berger. The funding will be used to drive targeted advancements in artificial intelligence and accelerate the company’s growth.

Penfold launches salary sacrifice guide to help employers offset NI hike

Penfold has launched a comprehensive guide to help employers and advisers understand how salary sacrifice pension contributions can reduce the impact of the recent increase in National Insurance Contributions (NICs).

Introducing SmartTax AI: Countingup’s bold step toward fully automated tax

Countingup, the smart app where money meets accounting and tax, announces the launch of SmartTax AI, a machine learning engine designed to transform accounting and tax for small businesses.

Sention Technologies raises £3.7M seed round

Sention Technologies has secured a £3.7 million seed round to commercialise its battery diagnostics technologies. The round was led by Twin Path Ventures and joined by Doral Energy-Tech Ventures, Endgame Capital, Energy Revolution Ventures, G.K. Goh Ventures, Green Angel Ventures, Third Sphere and UK Innovation, and Science Seed Fund.