A Q&A with Romanie Thomas, CEO of Chatsie

Romanie Thomas is the CEO of Chatsie. Chatsie was founded by ex-Tide founder George Bevis and led by CEO Romanie Thomas. The company offers premium smartphones and mobile network services designed specifically for seniors. Chatsie aims to enhance the quality of life for seniors while strengthening intergenerational connections in an increasingly digital world.

AI investment trapped by regulatory uncertainty

Business leaders forecast massive gains from AI but are delaying implementation due to the ‘ambiguity trap’ created by a changing and fragmented legal and regulatory landscape.

1,300% increase in demand for remote GenAI talent

The demand for specialised tech talent is rising sharply, with the International Data Corporation predicting that over 90% of companies will face IT skills shortages by 2026.

Nokia Bell Labs and Cambridge Future Tech launch first ear-worn AI/ML health monitor

Cambridge Future Tech has entered into a relationship with Nokia Bell Labs and Nokia Ventures & Partnerships, to establish OmniBuds, for the commercialisation of Nokia Bell Labs OmniBuds platform, the world’s first ear-worn AI/ML computing platform designed to monitor vital signs, including heart and respiration rates, as well as users’ physical activities and audio experiences. This device is poised to revolutionise the health and wellness industry by providing continuous, real-time insights to care providers and enhancing patient care. 

Microsoft and NVIDIA unveil GenAI Accelerator to propel UK startups

Microsoft has launched its new GenAI Accelerator programme, aimed at advancing AI-driven startups in the UK and positioning them for long-term success.

BE100 startup winners at Blue Earth Summit 2024

Blue Earth Summit arrived in London in October 2024,  located within a former machinery, manufacturing, and innovation quarter at Woolwich Works.

Neustark and Aggregate Industries bring onshore carbon removal technology to the UK

Neustark, a Switzerland-based, carbon removal specialist and one of the fastest growing companies in Europe, and UK-based building materials supplier, Aggregate Industries, are introducing a new technology that permanently removes carbon from the atmosphere and locks it into recycled concrete.

Virgin Media O2 launches new partnerships with Virgin StartUp, Go Daddy, and egg to benefit SMEs

Virgin Media O2 has launched an all-new Small Business Partnerships initiative with leading brands Virgin StartUp, GoDaddy, and egg, to bring exclusive offers to small business customers. This initiative aims to equip entrepreneurs across the UK with the technology, resources, and networks to succeed.

The Finnish formula: Helsinki’s deeptech ecosystem

Helsinki is currently one of the most prominent hotspots for deeptech innovation. Whether it’s deeptech startups operating in the city or the innovative developments happening within larger organisations, Helsinki has become synonymous with deeptech expertise.

Lloyd’s Lab: the heart of innovation for insurance

Lloyd’s Lab, situated in the heart of London, represents a pioneering initiative by Lloyd’s of London to champion innovation within the global insurance sector. Established in 2018, this hub is designed to incubate and accelerate the development of cutting-edge technologies that can potentially transform the traditional insurance models and practices.

How AR has become more accessible, affordable, and open to all

There’s no doubt that Augmented Reality (AR) is one of the most exciting developments in digital advertising for a long time. Clever, catchy, shareable lenses and AR filters can propel brands into people’s consciousness as users engage with fun creatives and then share their creations with friends and family. 

Autumn Budget puts financial strain on SMEs

Novuna Business Cash Flow, a provider of financial solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), has reviewed the UK’s latest budget announcement, which introduces significant changes expected to impact businesses across the country.

Kuberno closes £9.5M series A co-led by Barclays and Nasdaq Ventures

Kuberno, the global legal entity management SaaS provider, has closed on an additional £6 million of financing from Nasdaq Ventures and Barclays, concluding its Series A round with £9.5 million of total capital raised.

Aquark Technologies and the Royal Navy successfully test quantum sensing at sea

UK quantum technology company Aquark Technologies, in partnership with the Office of the Chief of Technology Officer (OCTO) for the Royal Navy, successfully demonstrated the capabilities of its novel cold atom technology on the Royal Navy’s HMS Pursuer vessel.

Female-founded Augment Aero wins “Innovative Tech of the Year”

Augment Aero, a female-led aerospace technology company, has been awarded “Innovative Tech of the Year” at the South Coast Tech and Innovation Awards 2024, held at the Hilton Southampton on October 3 and hosted by The Business Magazine.

Enifer seeks Novel Food approval for PEKILO

Finnish biotech scaleup Enifer has filed for Novel Food authorisation from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for its mycoprotein PEKILO – marking a major milestone in the company’s mission to bring an innovative and eco-friendly protein to the European food market.

Causal becomes part of the Lucanet Group

Lucanet, a global provider of end-to-end CFO software solutions, is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of Causal, a key innovator in the financial planning and analysis (FP&A) market. This acquisition strengthens Lucanet’s market position by expanding the range of core solutions in its CFO Solution Platform to include Extended Planning and Analysis (xP&A).

UK world leading for creating quantum companies and attracting investment

The UK National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP) is marking its tenth anniversary at the UK National Quantum Technologies Showcase 2024 on 8th November in London.

Neara raises €28m Series C to accelerate international energy resilience

Neara, the AI-powered predictive modelling platform for critical infrastructure, has announced a €28 million Series C funding round. The round was anchored by a consortium led by EQT (a global investment organisation), with participation from Partners Group (one of the largest firms in the global private markets industry), and Square Peg Capital (one of the company’s earliest investors), with additional support from existing investors Skip Capital and Prosus Ventures.

Beyond human touch: AI’s emerging role in ad content creation

Far from being a distant dream, AI’s growing influence is a palpable reality, weaving its way through the fabric of content creation and management. From the nuts and bolts of research and editorial planning to the intricacies of creative composition, AI is increasingly playing the role of both the assistant and the innovator.