UX consulting 101 for startups: definition, benefits, and top UX consulting firms

The user experience (UX) can make or break how people feel about your startup’s offerings. However, UX consulting professionals can reduce the chances of costly missteps and show that the startup has accurately anticipated the target audience’s expectations and catered to them.

Ayan Capital secures Shariah-compliant financing of up to £25M

Ayan Capital, a fast-growing provider of halal vehicle financing, has secured up to £25 million in Shariah-compliant financing facility from institutional debt provider Partners for Growth (PFG), a global private credit firm with a strong 20-year track record of backing high-growth technology and fintech companies in more than 20 countries.

ProFuse launches drug discovery platform for the prevention of muscle loss

Startup ProFuse Technology, which specialises in the cultivation of muscle tissue in laboratory conditions, has launched a new technology and programme for discovering drugs that prevent muscle mass loss caused by the growing use of GLP-1 weight-loss injections, aging, and cancer.

OpenAI valued at $300Bn after $40Bn funding round

OpenAI has closed a $40 billion funding round, breaking the record of the largest private tech funding round.

Deborah Meaden urges business leaders to prioritise mental fitness

Entrepreneurs and business leaders must prioritise their mental fitness just as athletes do, ensuring they are rested and ready to perform at their best, says Deborah Meaden.

UK risks losing Gen Z talent to higher-paying global competitors

Four-in-five (81%) Gen Z workers in the UK would consider working remotely for a company outside of the UK if that meant greater salary opportunities, according to new research commissioned by global HR and payroll firm Deel.

Over half of organisations cut expenses in light of rising government costs

Over half (52%) of organisations are cutting expenses in light of rising government costs. That’s according to a survey by AccountsIQ, a provider of advanced financial management software, and ExpenseIn, who joined the AccountsIQ Group earlier this year.

Isomorphic Labs secures $600M to develop next-gen AI drug engine

Isomorphic Labs, an AI-first drug design and development company, has raised $600 million in its first external funding round. The financing round is led by Thrive Capital, with participation from GV, and follow-on capital from existing investor, Alphabet.

One quarter of travel operators yet to implement AI

Travel industry set to increase investment in tech stacks in the year ahead with AI the priority for technology budgets.

WeeFin announces €25M financing round to accelerate international growth

WeeFin, the sustainable fintech that helps financial institutions manage their sustainability strategies, has announced a new round of financing totalling €25 million.

Breaking free from people-pleasing: a guide for female leaders

How often have you said yes to something that didn’t feel right just to avoid discomfort? And what has that cost you? Your wellbeing, your work, or the impact you set out to create?

5 ways VCs can stand out in a hyper-competitive market

In a market increasingly defined by a “rush to quality,” venture capital firms are finding it harder than ever to win the most competitive deals. With fewer standout startups raising money and those that do often commanding sky-high valuations, VCs are under pressure to evolve.

DEI progress and the work still to be done: insights from an IWD roundtable

Companies across the Technology Channel are tackling a complex landscape when it comes to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Recent political and social pressures, particularly in the USA, has meant that some companies are scaling back their efforts. It is promising to see, however, that over 75% of UK companies are doubling down on their DEI initiatives despite the ongoing pressures.

Money, Money, Money: ABBA star’s investment firm secures €1.2Bn

Pophouse, the global entertainment and music investment firm co-founded by ABBA star Bjorn Ulvaeus, has hit a high note with the closure of its debut fund, Pophouse Fund I, securing over €1 billion. This achievement saw the firm reach its hard cap, positioning it among the largest first-time private equity funds raised in Europe in the past decade.

What is a Chief of Staff and do you need one?

Scaling a startup and building out an executive team can be a daunting process. As a business grows, so does the complexity and pressure, and this is where a Chief of Staff can make a significant impact. So, what is a Chief of Staff? What do they do? And how do you know if your startup needs one?

PhotonDelta and Silicon Catalyst partner to drive innovation for photonic startups

Photonic chip accelerator PhotonDelta has established a strategic collaboration with Silicon Catalyst, the world’s only incubator and accelerator focused on the global semiconductor industry. Over the last five years, PhotonDelta has raised close to $1.5 billion to accelerate the commercialisation of the photonics industry.

Fiberdom secures €3.5M to drive plastic-free, circular material innovations

Fiberdom, a pioneer in wood fibre material innovation, has secured €3.5 million in funding to accelerate the development and scaling of its patented technology and its high-performance, 100% plastic-free material. Fiberdom’s mission is to replace non-essential plastics with scalable, circular solutions.

Return to office looms as CEO economic confidence declines

Vistage has released its quarterly CEO Confidence Index for Q1 2025, revealing a notable decline in economic confidence across the UK and Ireland.

6 steps for success when launching a new product or service

Launching a new product or service is the culmination of countless hours of work, research, and ambition. It’s a thrilling moment, one that entrepreneurs dream about, yet often fear in equal measure.

Q5D to debut wiring harness automation robot to take money off car costs

Q5D Technology, pioneers of hardware and software tools for robotic wiring harness manufacture, has taken delivery of the core structure of frame and drives for its latest and largest to date wire harness automation robot at its Bristol headquarters in the UK.