FINTECH Circle and Started announce new strategic partnership

FINTECH Circle, a global network encompassing over 260,000 business leaders, investors, and innovators, is proud to announce its strategic partnership with Started PR, an agency for world-changing fintech brands and entrepreneurs, formerly part of SkyParlour.

Is it time for Fintechs to become more socially conscious?

In today’s world, there seems to be very little that people agree on. We live in divided times, but scratch beneath the surface, and areas of broad consensus do still exist.

Higher costs and slow growth: adapting to the Autumn Budget for Small Businesses

In the Autumn Budget of 2024, Chancellor Rachel Reeves introduced a series of reforms that have stirred both concern and cautious optimism among the UK’s small business community. Small businesses are widely understood to be the backbone of the UK economy; at the start of 2023 there were 5.6 million small businesses, SMEs had a combined turnover of £2.4 trillion, and SMEs account for nearly two-thirds (61%) of total employment.

Introverted founders: why vulnerability can be your startup strength

In the early days of my business, I found myself at a networking event surrounded by founders who seemed larger than life. They moved with purpose, voices carrying across the room as they swapped stories and promoted their businesses. As a natural introvert, I felt like a fish out of water and wondered if my quieter approach could ever make an impact. For years, I believed success meant being bold, loud, and unmistakably seen. But what if success didn’t require becoming someone I wasn’t?

Sustainable startups: a call for action

In today’s world, sustainability is no longer just a buzzword – it’s a critical necessity. As global environmental challenges intensify, businesses in every sector are being called upon to adopt eco-friendly practices. This shift is crucial, not only for reducing waste and carbon emissions but also for promoting a healthier future. For startups, this presents a golden opportunity to innovate, disrupt traditional industries and build sustainability into their core operations from the ground up.

B2B Stars hits milestone as platform boosts visibility for small businesses

B2B Stars, the platform for B2B search, ratings, and digital engagement, has attracted 80,000 visits in just two months since its launch, driving new digital visibility for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Designed to streamline how SMBs connect with prospects and suppliers, B2B Stars enables users to discover, evaluate, and engage with businesses seamlessly.

Over a third of international employers lack sufficient benefits, impacting recruitment and retention

According to Towergate Employee Benefits’ research, over a third (37%) of companies with employees based outside of the UK stated that they do not offer enough health and wellbeing support and that this impacts their ability to recruit and retain people.

Solivus paired with Modulaire Group as part of Better Futures Net Zero Innovation Challenge

Lightweight solar company Solivus has announced it has been paired with modular services and infrastructure giant Modulaire Group as part of the Mayor of London’s Better Futures Net Zero Innovation Challenge.

UK’s tech supercluster to include world-first technology in pre-accelerator programme

SuperTech, the UK’s only Tech supercluster, welcomes world-first investment technology, AI Simulator, to play a pivotal role in supporting early-stage founders in the SuperTech Seeds programme. The platform provides crucial assistance to entrepreneur at the ‘idea stage’ as they work to develop their business models and navigate the complexities of the startup investment market.

Glint Solar closes $8M Series A to accelerate global solar power adoption

Solar developer software, Glint Solar, has announced an $8 million Series A funding round led by Smedvig Ventures with participation from Momentum, Futurum Ventures, Antler’s Nordic fund, and later stage fund, Elevate.

Why every business needs a Sustainability Manager

These days, sustainability is no longer just a buzzword – it’s a necessity. Companies are increasingly recognising the importance of sustainable practices not only for the environment but also for long-term business success. But here’s the question every business owner should ask themselves – do I need a sustainability manager? I firmly believe the answer is yes, and here’s why.

86% of CFOs say financial strategy lacks adequate data

An overwhelming majority (86%) of CFOs and finance leaders feel that decisions about their organisation’s financial strategy are made without sufficient data or insight, according to a new survey by AccountsIQ, a provider of cloud-native accounting software for mid-sized businesses.

How to build a mission-driven startup with long-term goals in the evolving Web3 and blockchain space

Web3 and blockchain are among the fastest-growing sectors within the technology space today. Trends shift constantly, and new technologies with their different applications emerge as quickly as the next – what’s new today could be outdated tomorrow. Many founders in the space often find themselves juggling a difficult balancing act: having to keep their eyes on long-term goals while navigating a market that is moving at an incredible speed.

One week on: what the Autumn Budget means for UK startups and SMEs

It has been a week since the Autumn Budget was delivered by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, and the dust has started to settle.

Osmo brings scent teleportation and AI-fragrances to life

Technology continues to redefine our senses, and AI startup Osmo has recently hit a groundbreaking milestone: the first demonstration of ‘scent teleportation’.

Growing with purpose: a founders workshop for business success

Founders and business leaders seeking sustainable growth are invited to join Growing with Purpose: A Founder’s Workshop for Business Success, taking place on Thursday 21st November 2024. The workshop, hosted at Bingham Riverhouse, is designed to help entrepreneurs, founders, and business owners break through structural barriers and master the art of cash flow, as well as learning how to build a business that balances profit and purpose.

AllFocal Optics raises $5.3M for lenses that recreate human vision for ultimate virtual experience

AllFocal Optics, the deeptech startup pioneering nanophotonic lens technology for always-in-focus images, has announced fresh $5.3 million funding, comprised of a $3.6 million (£2.8 million) equity raise, led by SpeedInvest, and Innovate UK grants.

Miros raises €6M to reimagine visual search technology

Miros, the visual AI e-commerce search solution, has raised a €6 million pre-Series A investment led by EBRD Venture Capital and Tera Ventures. Former Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves also participated in the round as an Angel Investor. Miros will use the funding to enhance R&D, further develop the technology, and expand market reach. To date, the company has raised €8 million.

Ampd Energy raises $27.3M in Series B to boost global clean battery storage

Ampd Energy, a global energy industry innovator and manufacturer of the Enertainer and Ampd Silo battery energy storage systems (ESS) for heavy industries, has announced that it has raised $27.3 million in an oversubscribed Series B funding round.

Workplace wellbeing crisis: 83% of professionals report poor mental health at work

83% of professionals state they’ve experienced mental ill health at work in the past 12 months – with more than a quarter encountering it ‘regularly’.