How instant payments are driving a new era of short-term lending

In today’s fast-paced economy, managing cash flow can be a balancing act. For many, the timing between income and expenses isn’t always perfect. A sudden, unexpected cost or a planned purchase can create a temporary need for a financial boost.

Startup founder joins UK review tackling barriers to entrepreneurship

Finance lecturer, author, and award-winning entrepreneur, Tara Askham, has been appointed to the Steering Committee for the Maple Review, a government-backed independent review led by Small Business Britain and supported by Xero, focused on tackling the barriers that economic deprivation creates for UK entrepreneurs.

Half of UK small businesses need funding to power growth into 2026
Half of UK small businesses need funding to power growth into 2026

Ahead of the Autumn Budget, with small business owners already worried about the prospect of tax hikes, 53% of UK small business owners say they need to secure funding or finance in order to invest in growth plans for 2026.

Making the numbers add up in outreach strategy

Outreach is a network problem. Stop the scattergun strategy; data-driven networks are the smarter way to solve it, explains Luke Ibbotson, Manager at commercial data solutions provider JMAN Group.

59% of UK SME founders abandon loan applications midway

A new report released at Web Summit, Lisbon, by one of the UK’s fastest growing fintech lenders, Juice, uncovers the hidden behavioural forces driving the UK’s £65 billion SME funding gap, and how lenders, fintech’s, and policymakers must act to close it.

How virtual events can help startups build credibility

For most startups, building credibility takes a lot of hard work, as they must demonstrate consistency and competence to build trust. They may have a great product or service, but until people trust the brand, growth stalls.

Gen Alpha: flexibility and tech to revolutionise the workplace by 2040
Gen Alpha: flexibility and tech to revolutionise the workplace by 2040

New research has revealed that Generation Alpha expect their jobs to be dramatically different to those of their parents, from the death of the daily commute and email to working regularly with robots at work. 

Partnership allows companies access to Chinese innovation

Companies can now access China’s fast-growing innovation ecosystem via a new partnership between UK innovation scaleup Wazoku and InnoMatch, the Chinese open innovation platform.

OptAI wins CES 2026 Innovation Award

OptAI has announced that it has been named a CES 2026 ‘Innovation Award Honouree’ for its proprietary platform, OptHancer. The award recognises OptAI’s technological achievements ahead of CES 2026, the world’s largest consumer electronics and IT exhibition, taking place this January in Las Vegas.

AI RAMS software
AI RAMS software: a smarter way for startups to manage health and safety

For many startup businesses in the UK, managing health and safety can be one of the most time-consuming and complex parts of running operations. Between writing detailed risk assessments, preparing method statements, and keeping up with HSE compliance, it’s easy for small teams to feel overwhelmed. That’s where RAMS software can make a real difference.

Ada Ventures launches AI “Deck Genius” to help founders fine-tune their pitch
Ada Ventures launches AI “Deck Genius” to help founders fine-tune their pitch

Ada Ventures, the pre-seed investment firm backing inclusive alpha founders across the UK and Europe, has launched an AI-powered pitch deck review tool for founders that allows them to access VC-grade feedback before they share their materials with prospective investors.

How to start a mobile app development business: a practical UK guide
How to start a mobile app development business: a practical UK guide

If you’re looking to launch a mobile app development business, now is a great time. With millions of mobile devices in use across the UK, demand for innovative mobile applications continues to rise. Whether you’re interested in building native apps, hybrid apps, or cross platform apps, this guide will help you get started. For expert insight and inspiration, you can explore how UK app designers approach the process from concept to launch.

Small Business Britain and Starling partner to boost female entrepreneurship

Starling has teamed up with Small Business Britain for a campaign to empower women across the UK to start and grow their businesses.

AI is taking centre stage in investor decisions
AI is taking centre stage in investor decisions

PitchBook has released findings from its latest investor survey, conducted in partnership with Web Summit. The 10th annual survey captures investor sentiment and trends shaping technology investment and AI adoption.

FALKIN raises $2M to protect bank customers from AI-powered scams
FALKIN raises $2M to protect bank customers from AI-powered scams

FALKIN, a digital safety company that helps people stop scams before payments happen, has announced it has secured $2 million in pre-seed funding. The round was led by TriplePoint Ventures, with participation from Notion Capital, BackFuture Ventures, Aviva/Founders Factory, Haatch, Found Capital, and Founders Capital.

CGT shake-up could net Treasury £100Bn while supporting UK entrepreneurs

A reformed Capital Gains Tax (CGT) regime could be a powerful tool to incentivise wealth creation while boosting long-term productivity, according to research commissioned by Ryan Howsam, CEO of Howsam Ventures and founder of travel insurer, Staysure.     

Barriers to youth workforce entry: a call to action for employers

The UK’s Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden has revealed that nearly one million 16–24-year-olds are currently not in work or education, marking the highest numbers in over a decade. This lost generation risks deepening divisions in the labour market, impairing industry innovation, and stalling economic growth.

October in European tech venture: scaling trends, emerging patterns

Every month, Zubr Capital publishes a report on the European venture capital industry, examining everything from surface-level developments to emerging trends and maturing signals.

Catalyst and Ulster University partner to empower Northern Ireland innovators

Catalyst, Northern Ireland’s science and technology hub, has announced a new partnership with Ulster University that will embed entrepreneurial thinking and innovation into the academic experience of more than 450 second and final-year students across the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment.

Gen Z leads Britain’s entrepreneurial boom
Gen Z leads Britain’s entrepreneurial boom, but lacks support to succeed

Entrepreneurship is at the heart of Britain’s ambitions for the future, but a lack of support could threaten the next generation of business leaders. That is according to new research from Young Enterprise, released today ahead of Global Entrepreneurship Week.