AI self-learning B2B sales messaging platform raises $600k pre-seed

Breakthrough, an AI self-learning B2B sales messaging startup that launched at the end of 2024, has already secured $600,000 in a pre-seed round, and secured customers including Fortune 500 companies.

UK graduates take off with $1.5M in funding and Etihad Airways as first client

A couple of Manchester-based graduates have successfully launched the B2B travel-tech platform Arcube, with Etihad Airways as its first customer. In conjunction with the launch, Arcube is announcing a $1.5 million seed round to further develop the platform and its services, co-led by Fuel Ventures and Oxford Capital.

AI skills gap reaches critical levels, UK businesses ask Government to address IR35 and National Insurance barriers

Gigged.AI, has released a 36-page report entitled ‘The AI Talent Crisis: How Skills-Powered Organisations Can Unlock the UK’s Potential’ which has raised concerns over the deepening AI skills gap in the workforce, with an overwhelming 92% of companies prioritising upskilling in Generative AI. However, the report which surveyed UK businesses, also highlights a major concern: Government policies, particularly IR35 and rising

72% of executives to embrace AI in 2025, a quarter targeting specialised tasks like translation

DeepL, a global Language AI company, has unveiled its latest whitepaper, “The language revolution: how AI improves the way businesses communicate.” Based on findings from a new DeepL survey of EMEA and US business leaders, as well as external sources, the report explores the intersection of language and AI in business, covering critical topics ranging from global corporate AI adoption trends, to the financial impact of poor communication on international businesses, and the real-world impact and value of Language AI tools.

Government should embrace creativity and ambition of high potential businesses to grow economy

The UK government should draw on the creativity and insights of Britain’s ambitious small business community if it is to achieve its “number one mission” to grow the economy, says a new report published by Goldman Sachs.

Leap Venture Studio launches cohort of accelerator for pet care startups

Leap Venture Studio & Academy, the pet care startup accelerator, has announced the launch of its ninth accelerator programme. The studio offers pet care startup founders a highly customised, hybrid programme tailored to support and provide resources to early-stage startups, in addition to $200,000 in funding. The newest cohort kicks off in Nashville on February 24, and will culminate with a Demo Day in London on May 16.

DSIT launches AI Playbook to drive public sector efficiency

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has launched a new AI playbook, guiding the ‘safe and effective’ use of AI in the public sector.

CUTISS reports positive Phase 2 trial results for denovoSkin in reconstructive and burn surgery

CUTISS AG, a life sciences company at the forefront of tissue engineering therapy and regenerative medicine, has announced positive long-term efficacy and safety readout in the Phase 2 clinical trials of denovoSkin in reconstructive surgery as well as in burns treatment.

Small businesses get future-ready with UK virtual phone services

With UK landlines (PSTN) being phased out by 2027, small businesses face a shift in how they communicate. Rinkel, the Dutch telecom provider for freelancers and SoHo, is expanding its virtual phone services to the UK, offering a reliable, future-proof alternative to traditional telephony.

Nina Capital launches €50M Fund III to drive healthtech innovation

Nina Capital, a venture capital firm dedicated to healthcare transformation through technology, has announced the first close of its €50 million Fund III. The new fund will propel Nina Capital’s total assets under management to over €100 million, reinforcing its position as a leading international investor driving impactful healthcare innovation.

Doshi and Lloyds empower students with gamified financial education

Doshi has teamed up with Lloyds to give students the financial confidence they need. This partnership is all about combining gamified learning experiences with rewards-based engagement to help students master essential financial skills and build a stronger connection with Lloyds.

MarketLeap raises $8M to facilitate “seller-obsessed” D2C ecommerce

MarketLeap, the fully integrated AI-driven platform to simplify and scale D2C ecommerce, has announced an $8 million Series A funding round led by Smedvig Ventures, with participation from Expon Capital, Motier Ventures, and prominent business angels including former executives from Amazon, SoftBank, and Unilever. This capital injection will allow the company to accelerate platform development and invest in top talent to support its rapid growth trajectory.

Free marketing school launches to boost small business growth

Marketing and brand visibility are the top priorities for small business owners aiming to grow this year, with new research revealing that 71% want to focus on these areas in 2025.

First look at robotic startup’s humanoid robot

UK-based AI and robotics startup Humanoid unveiled a new product video, offering a first look at its general-purpose humanoid robot HMND 01 in action.

Increased focus on workplace health and wellbeing in 2025

According to research from Towergate Employee Benefits, nearly two-thirds (62%) of employers will increase their focus on supporting the health and wellbeing of employees over the next 12 months. Furthermore, this will be targeted support.

Unilever, Marie Curie, WGSN, De Beers, THIS, and Pinterest Announced as Keynote Speakers for FUTR Europe 2025

FUTR Europe has revealed its lineup of speakers and agenda for the highly anticipated 2025 event, taking place at Convene, 155 Bishopsgate, London, on April 24. The exclusive one-day event brings together senior leaders and innovators to explore forward-thinking strategies shaping the future of retail, marketing, and commerce.

Elon Musk leads $97.4bn bid to take over OpenAI

A consortium of investors, led by billionaire Elon Musk, has put forward a $97.4bn bid to acquire OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT.

Philippines Leads Southeast Asia’s Tech Future: Data Centre & Cloud Innovation Summit 2025

The buzz is building! On March 12, 2025, the Philippines is stepping into the spotlight as Southeast Asia’s next big tech hub with the Data Centre & Cloud Innovation Summit 2025 at The Heritage Hotel Manila.

Six tips for spotting AI scams

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more accessible and cheaper, its use by scammers has increased.

INNOVATION ZERO WORLD CONGRESS RETURNS TO LONDON FOR THIRD YEAR

On 29th to 30th April, the UK’s largest Net Zero congress, Innovation Zero World Congress 2025, will take place for its third consecutive year at Olympia London, with its largest and most ambitious programme yet.