What every startup needs to understand about Cloud Native

When you’re in startup mode, your biggest enemy is usually time. Every day spent not learning from real customers is a day wasted. You need to test ideas quickly without burning through funding and you can’t afford long development cycles. Cloud Native could make a huge difference to your business.

Discovery Park welcomes 11 oncology startups for business growth programme

Eleven early-stage companies working in oncology have started ‘Discovery Spark’, a free seven week development programme hosted by leading science and innovation campus Discovery Park, in Sandwich, Kent.

How can AI agents fix the broken customer support experience

AI-powered voice solutions are revolutionising customer interactions, making businesses available 24/7 and redefining engagement. AI agents are no longer just answering calls; they are now handling everything from resolving inquiries to completing purchases with human-like efficiency. But as these virtual assistants grow smarter, the real question is – can they truly transform customer support and elevate the entire customer experience?

MedTech World Dubai: $2,854.00M Medical Devices Market Takes Centre Stage

As the medical devices market in the United Arab Emirates is projected to reach $2,854.00M in 2025, MedTech World is set to host its Dubai event, bringing the global and local MedTech communities together at the InterContinental Festival City Hotel on February 23 and 24, 2025.

Why SMBs should think big about AI investments in 2025

Securing talent, making strategic investments, and fostering long-term growth remain key hurdles for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), in part due to limited financial resources. With fewer long-term lending options available, many SMBs are left relying on short-term credit to manage essential expenses. A recent survey underscored this challenge, revealing that a third (33%) of UK small businesses had placed over 25% of their monthly expenses on credit cards over the past year.

How agentic AI is reshaping manufacturing operations

The progression of intelligent automation in manufacturing and supply chain management has been nothing short of groundbreaking. From the early days of the Industrial Revolution to today’s era of smart factories and agentic AI, the journey has been marked by continuous innovation and adaptation. This evolution has not only modernised production processes but has also redefined the role of human workers in these industries.

Heartfelt innovations: heart tech startups this Valentine’s Day
Heartfelt innovations: heart tech startups this Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is an occasion when hearts begin to race as we prepare for feelings of love – whether that’s with your Valentine or your Galentine! This year, we are shining a light on the startups on a mission to keep the beat steady by focusing on heart health – ensuring that it’ll be fluttering for years to come.

tozero achieves industrial-scale graphite recovery for lithium-ion batteries

tozero, a European startup in sustainable lithium-ion battery recycling, has achieved a major breakthrough by producing battery-grade recycled graphite at industrial scale. For the first time, this 100% recycled anode material has been successfully used in battery cell production, proving its viability for commercial applications.

MixRift’s rapid growth signals new era for mixed reality gaming

Mixed reality (MR) gaming startup MixRift has revealed significant growth milestones as the MR gaming market approaches an inflection point. With IDC forecasting global XR headset shipments to surge 44.2% to 9.7 million units in 2024, MixRift’s strategy to focus on accessible, casual gaming has put them ahead of the curve.

AI adoption hesitancy: 57% of businesses hold back despite growing regulatory pressures

A new industry report on compliance in the UK reveals a striking paradox: while 58% of businesses cite manual processes as their biggest challenge, 57% still haven’t adopted AI to ease the burden. As regulatory pressures mount, AI is positioned to play a transformative role in compliance practices – but many businesses remain hesitant.

Data protection undergoing landmark changes this year

Businesses will have to navigate increasingly complex requirements when handling people’s data and contend with technologies that make privacy violations easier and more widespread. According to Krete Paal, CEO of the Estonian data protection startup GDPR Register, regulatory oversight of data protection is becoming stricter, with higher penalties for non-compliance.

Enterprise Nation appoints SME supplier diversity champion ahead of Procurement Act

Enterprise Nation has appointed one of the UK’s most accomplished SME inclusive sourcing experts ahead of the Procurement Act coming into force later this month.

HowNow closes Series A with £7.5m to scale skills-first learning

HowNow – the AI-powered learning and skills platform, has announced the completion of its Series A funding having raised a total of £7.5 million. Following an initial £4 million Series A investment from Mercia Ventures and FTSE 100 education firm Pearson in February 2023, HowNow recently secured a further £3.5 million from the same two investors, along with Fuel Ventures.

Addleshaw Goddard launches Ethnic Business Growth Programme 2025

Addleshaw Goddard and HSBC have announced the return of the Ethnic Business Growth Programme, an initiative which seeks to empower and support UK businesses which are led by entrepreneurs from ethnically diverse backgrounds.

Deputy Prime Minister endorses Responsible Business Accreditation on 5th Anniversary

The Good Business Charter and its 1,000+ accredited organisations received a welcome boost as it celebrated five years of championing a clear commitment to responsible business practices towards people and planet.

The Future of Capitalism competition 2025

The second Future of Capitalism Competition, founded by The Leo Lion Company, took place on the 12th February at The Shard in London. The Startups Magazine team went along to the evening to learn more about the startup finalists of this year’s competition, and to celebrate with the finalists and winners.

Employees call for more wellbeing support from employers

Only 51% of part-time and full-time workers in the UK feel their employers provide support, resources or initiatives that improve their wellbeing, a new study from infinitSpace has revealed.

The UK is the unicorn hub of Europe

Global research group, the Hurun Research Institute, has released Hurun UK Unicorns and Future Unicorns Index 2024, showcasing 137 outstanding startups competing on the world stage and driving the UK economy to new levels.

The BIG Cornish Tech Showcase: powering innovation, inspiring the future

Tech Cornwall’s flagship event, the BIG Cornish Tech Showcase, is returning on February 27, 2025, at The Atlantic Hotel, Newquay, from 10am to 5pm. This free-to-attend event is the biggest opportunity of the year to connect with Cornwall’s thriving tech community, meet innovative suppliers, and gain insight from some of the most exciting names in technology.

Funding and support for silicon photonics research

Funding and support are now available for the next generation of great ideas to take silicon photonics from research to implementation.