One in three Gen Z professionals now ask AI before their manager

AI is increasingly becoming the workplace’s first line of support, with a third (33%) of Gen Z professionals now using AI tools for work-related questions before asking their manager or colleagues, according to new findings from global talent solutions partner Robert Walters.

Scintil Photonics raises $58M to scale integrated photonics for AI factories

Scintil Photonics has completed a $58 million (€50 million) Series B funding round led by Yotta Capital Partners and NGP Capital, with participation from NVIDIA. The round includes new participation from BNP Paribas Développement, alongside existing investors including Supernova Invest, Bpifrance Digital Venture, Innovacom, Bosch Ventures, Applied Ventures ITIC Innovation Fund (AVITIC), underscoring continued confidence in the company’s technology platform and market opportunity.

Building confidence early: why employers must invest in the next generation

Recent research – conducted by social research agency Hark – has revealed a troubling trend: one in 10 children report feeling a complete lack of confidence about their ability to build a future career by the time they reach Year 9. Meanwhile, employers are witnessing a growing number of Gen Z professionals struggling to adapt in the workplace, grappling with confidence issues, uncertainty, and a lack of direction that can ultimately derail early careers.

Job hugging: a new workplace reality we must address

Another season, another HR buzzword, welcome to the age of ‘Job Hugging’. Between mass redundancies, a tough job market, and low pay growth, employee behaviour has fundamentally shifted away from the apathy of quiet quitting and into fear mode. Today’s workforce is holding tight to their current roles out of a desire for stability amid uncertainty.

Age ain’t nothing but a number … or is it?
This article is part 1 of 6 in the series Diversity Disrupted: challenging outdated narratives

When we talk about workplace discrimination, most people immediately jump to gender, race, or disability. While those are urgent, undeniable issues, there’s one bias that every single one of us, no matter who you are, will face if we’re lucky enough to live long enough. It’s ageism.

The personal touch: how creativity wins attention today

Advertising is getting more and more invisible with 86% of internet users ignoring display ads because of “banner blindness”. People see between 1,700 and 2,000 online banners every month, but most of them go unnoticed. On top of that, 63% of millennials actively use ad blockers. No wonder so many ads can not break through: 54% of users never click on banners at all.

The first 90 days: why most startups fail and how to beat the odds

Launching a startup in the UK has never been more attractive. In 2024, founders raised over $17 billion, making the UK Europe’s leading hub for early-stage ventures and home to 30+ unicorns. But behind the buzz lies a stark reality: up to 90% of startups can fail – and for many, the first 90 days can determine the trajectory.

Mistral AI raises Series C, ASML becomes top shareholder

ASML has invested €1.3 billion in Mistral’s Series C funding round as the lead investor. This has resulted in ASML holding an approximate 11% share on a fully diluted basis in Mistral AI. The total funding for the Series C round totals €1.7 billion, at a €11.7 billion post-money valuation.

Plum launches AI tool to shake up personal money management

Plum, the smart money app trusted by millions, has unveiled its AI-powered tool built on Google Cloud and enabled by Google’s Gemini models.

AI talent crunch threatens UK firms’ scaling ambitions

New research from Kore.ai reveals that a shortage of specialised AI talent is slowing UK enterprises’ ability to scale and realise return on investment on AI pilots. Despite overall optimism into AI implementation across enterprises, over a third of UK businesses (36%) are faced with a lack of AI expertise when implementing a new AI solution, acting as a handbrake on progress.

Fyxer AI secures $30M to expand AI executive assistant platform

Fyxer AI, creator of the AI-powered executive assistant designed for everyday professionals, today announced a $30 million Series B funding round led by Madrona, with participation from Lakestar Capital.

UK businesses struggle to balance growth with sustainability and inclusion

A new survey from The Open University reveals a growing dilemma for UK businesses: almost all leaders (96%) see growth as central to their strategy, particularly in the context of the UK Government’s priority mission in achieving strong, secure, and sustainable economic growth by 2035. Yet nearly three in four admit it often comes at the expense of workforce diversity and inclusion goals (72%) and sustainability and net zero efforts (71%).

Workplace absence levels soar to two working weeks per employee

UK employees were off sick for nearly two full working weeks (9.4 days) on average in the last 12 months. This is a significant jump compared to pre-pandemic levels (5.8 days), and 7.8 days in 2023 when this survey was last carried out.

Naq raises €6M to secure NHS digital transformation

UK and Netherlands-based cybersecurity and compliance company Naq has successfully closed a €6 million Series A funding round to accelerate its mission to help health technology companies meet essential NHS standards amid rising cyber threats and regulatory delays.

WomenIN Festival 2025 – Limitless: No Labels, No Limits, No Apologies

This November, women from every walk of life will gather for a one-of-a-kind event that redefines what empowerment truly means. The WomenIN Festival 2025, happening on 13–14 November at Cape Town’s iconic Newlands Cricket Ground, is more than a celebration – it’s a catalyst for connection, change, and collective power.

How startups can get ad-ready for the biggest sales quarter

For e-commerce businesses, the last quarter (Q4) is often the busiest and most lucrative time of the year with Prime Day, Halloween, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and end-of-year sales.

Your next hire won’t need a paycheck – but will need a teammate

Microsoft laid off 9,000 workers, citing artificial intelligence (AI) developments. Goldman Sachs announced it is deploying digital co-workers to enhance human performance and drive productivity. One story grabs headlines. The other reveals the future.

UK businesses are suffering from the tariff turmoil

The short- and medium-term investment plans of UK small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) have been hit hard by the recent changes to international trade tariffs.

Runna launches in 7 languages to localise platform to runners worldwide

Runna, the running coaching app, has launched the start of internationalisation on the platform. The app is now available in seven new languages, unlocking access to personalised running training plans for millions of new runners worldwide.

Skylark Lasers targets growth in China

Skylark Lasers, a diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser specialist, has appointed international business development consultancy Intralink to accelerate its growth in China.