Why venture studios are the future of the startup ecosystem

It’s hard to start an innovative business on your own. Notably, 90% of startups fail due to insufficient experience, poor market fit, or a lack of resources. That is why many founders and entrepreneurs go to investors and venture funds to secure at least one form of the future – financial. However, is it all the startup needs?

The role of the employer in supporting parents and families

Parent Mental Health Day served as a vital reminder of the importance of supporting the mental health and wellbeing of parents, guardians, and carers. Parents make up a significant proportion of those experiencing mental health challenges in the UK, 68% of women and 57% of men, highlighting the urgent need for tailored support. However, mental health doesn’t exist in isolation, when a parent is struggling, the impact is often felt across the entire family. In this article, Dr Glenn Mason, Head of Adult Psychological Therapies at Onebright, discusses the role of the employer in supporting parents and families.

80% of UK businesses eye AI-driven growth, but digital gaps hinder progress

SAP launches its ‘Supercharging Growth with AI in the UK – a Pathway for High-Growth Businesses’ report, which considers the scale-up opportunities and challenges facing UK businesses in 2025.

CIPD leads Government-funded research into responsible AI adoption

Efforts to boost AI use will be undermined if key people and organisational factors aren’t properly understood, the CIPD says as it begins a government-backed programme to help bridge the gap between AI innovation and responsible implementation.

How to cultivate stronger reputations and increase trust amongst consumers

In an age of distrust, it’s more important than ever for your business to cultivate a strong reputation for reliability, honesty and trustworthiness with consumers, as trust in particular impacts brand engagement. The latest research by Trustpilot found that over four-in-five (82%) agree that a strong Trustpilot score makes them more likely to trust your brand, and a further 83% say it increases their likelihood of making a purchase.

Cornwall’s Sellectronics named SME of the Year

Sellectronics, a manufacturing company based in Cornwall, has been crowned SME of the Year at the National Manufacturing Awards, in a ceremony held aboard the iconic Dixie Queen paddle steamer on the River Thames.

Northcote Equity announces £160M first and final close of maiden fund

Northcote Equity, a newly established private equity firm, has announced the first and final close of its maiden fund, ‘Northcote Fund I’, at its hard cap of £160 million, only 16 weeks after launching the fundraise.

Ai Everything Global 2025: Global AI breakthroughs take centre stage in Dubai as big tech and startups present powerful cross-industry use cases

The AI-driven winds of change transforming societies, industries, and digital economies globally were on full display at Ai Everything GLOBAL as Wednesday saw visitors exclusively experience the most hands-on AI applications ever created by world-leading AI changemakers.

MacroCycle raises $6.5M to solve plastic waste crisis with upcycling tech

MacroCycle Technologies – the startup using upcycling tech to cut the costs, energy, and carbon demands of the $700 billion plastic waste industry – has announced it has raised $6.5 million in seed funding.

The importance of personal branding for entrepreneurs in achieving long-term success

In today’s digital age, with over 8.2 billion people in the world, 5.8 billion mobile users, 5.5 billion internet users, and 5.2 billion social media users, standing out in an increasingly crowded marketplace is no small feat. Entrepreneurs are faced with the challenge of not only competing against established global brands but also cutting through the noise of millions of voices on social media platforms. Traditional advertising is becoming less effective, and trust in businesses has declined for 15 consecutive years. With nearly one billion consumers using ad blockers, it is clear that the way businesses connect with consumers has fundamentally changed.

World’s first cultivated meat dog treat goes on sale

Meatly, a UK cultivated meat firm, has become the first company in the world to supply cultivated meat for pet food on sale. Produced in collaboration with plant-based dog food brand THE PACK, a limited-release of “Chick Bites” is on sale at Pets at Home Brentford, London from Friday 7th February.

The emotional toll of UK business exits

‘Beyond the Balance Sheet’, a new report from private and commercial bank, Arbuthnot Latham, reveals that over 40% of UK entrepreneurs exit to prioritise wellbeing and family. Current market conditions also play a large role, with 65% selling up sooner than they had wanted due to the fear of tax rises. One in five entrepreneurs said they received offers they “couldn’t refuse”, often resulting in hasty decisions and heightened uncertainty.

Future Labs Live draws experts and leaders from science, academia, startups, FMGC, chemical, and agricultural industries to its conference floor in Basel, Switzerland

Leaders from across the region will meet to discuss the advancements in lab technology and the overarching industry, which has seen numerous developments over the past couple of years. With the conference setting its eyes on the evolution of the lab it will address 9 important and varying themes that encompass the breadth of this ever-growing field in Basel, May 27-28.

Niqolas Bassano launches Angel Investment Round to revolutionise fitness apparel

Niqolas Bassano, the fitness apparel technology startup, has launched its Angel Investment Round, which went live on 20th January 2025, offering investors the opportunity to join a brand that is redefining activewear through innovation, sustainability, and smart textiles.

London Lab Live 2025: The UK’s Premier Event for the Lab Community

London Lab Live 2025 is set to debut on 14–15 May 2025 at ExCeL London, bringing together professionals from across the lab sector to inspire collaboration and innovation. Representing industries such as chemical and material science, FMCG, food and beverage, agriculture, pharma, biotech, medical, real estate, academia, and beyond, the event promises to be the UK’s most dynamic gathering for the lab community.

Steven Bartlett steps down from Huel board
Steven Bartlett steps down from Huel board

Steven Bartlett, star of BBC’s Dragon’s Den, and host of Diary of a CEO podcast, has stepped down as a Director of Huel, the meal-replacement drink brand.

Ai Everything Global 2025: Insight-fuelled debates & thought-provoking discussions show AI’s divisive power on enthralling first day in UAE capital

After weeks of rising excitement across the international AI community, Ai Everything GLOBAL is officially underway in the UAE after a thrilling opening day kicked off the year’s largest public-private global AI gathering.

TAU Systems joins programme to develop radiation testing for space-bound electronics

TAU Systems, the producer of ultrafast, compact laser-plasma accelerators, has announced its participation in a DARPA-funded initiative to develop new radiation testing capabilities for space-bound electronics. This programme, a part of DARPA’s Advanced Sources for Single Event Effect Radiation Testing (ASSERT) initiative, seeks to enhance the resilience of electronics deployed in space environments where exposure to cosmic radiation poses significant risks to performance and longevity.

Why brand reputation is paramount when launching a startup

Forget the fancy logos, the killer website, and the perfect pitch deck. While those are all important, the most crucial element for any startup, particularly in today’s cutthroat environment, is something far less tangible: your reputation.

Migrant startups in Berlin: a win-win strategy for Europe’s economy and innovation

On 30 January, the final of the Polish startup accelerator Axios took place in Berlin. Twenty-one entrepreneurial teams presented their projects to the jury – ranging from AI platforms for pet care to apps for people with insulin resistance. Participants tested their ideas, received valuable market expert recommendations, and explored new growth opportunities. The programme was supported by key IT industry players, including SOFTSWISS international tech company.