Anna Wood

Anna Wood is the Editor of Startups Magazine. She joined the team in June 2023 as Deputy Editor, and has since been promoted to Editor of the publication. When it comes to the startup sector, Anna has a keen interest in spacetech, biotech, medtech, anything that flies, and shining a light on the gender and diversity funding gap. Outside of work hours, you can find Anna tucking into a book, a nice meal, and playing her Switch!

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SMBs race ahead in AI uptake, but 95% say they still need AI training

Small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are embracing AI rapidly, but their adoption maturity still lags behind. According to a global TeamViewer survey of 1,400 business leaders (427 of them from SMBs), 95% of SMB decision makers say they need more training to use AI effectively, even though 72% describe themselves as AI experts.

Magdrive launches first flight of next-gen plasma thruster

On 21 June, British satellite propulsion startup Magdrive will launch its Rogue thruster into space for its first in-orbit demonstration, marking a major step forward for the UK’s space industry.

Angel Academe launches UK’s first female founder EIS fund

Angel Academe, the angel network that has been investing in women leaders for over ten years, has launched the UK’s first female founder focused EIS fund in partnership with fund manager, SyndicateRoom.

Storra isn’t just another wishlist app – and that’s the point

Anastasia Kalashnikova is an expert in strategic product development expertise and hands-on digital product experience – a combination that ultimately led to the founding of Storra, and set her on the path to bring the idea to life.

Banks working to support access to finance for disabled entrepreneurs

UK Finance has released a new report on the progress made by banks following the introduction of the Disability Finance Code for Entrepreneurship (DFCE) in December 2024, which aims to improve the entrepreneurial landscape for disabled individuals.

Biotope Ventures secures first close of second fund to back biotech founders

biotope by VIB has secured €5 million in the first close of its second fund, marking a major step toward its €9 million target over the next 18 months. The fund will enable biotope to invest €250,000 in up to 30 international early-stage biotech startups.

AI falls short at work: 62% say it’s overhyped, 86% don’t use it fully

GoTo has released a new research report: The Pulse of Work in 2025: Trends, Truths, and the Practicality of AI. The report summarises the findings of a survey of 2,500 global employees and IT leaders on AI use and sentiment, conducted in partnership with research firm Workplace Intelligence.

Female leaders love tech, but US and UK representation fails to match

Eighty nine percent of female tech leaders are thriving, but opportunities are still limited with women still making a tiny fraction of tech leadership with just 5% in the UK and 11% in the US according to a new report from AND Digital.

Start Up Loans ambassador stories

British Business Bank’s Start Up Loan is a government-backed personal loan for business purposes that is available to individuals looking to start or grow a business in the UK. It has provided support to aspiring entrepreneurs across the UK. In addition to the finance, successful applicants also receive 12 months of free mentoring and exclusive business offers which can help them succeed in their journey.

One in three UK small businesses stuck in “survival mode”

A new report from global HR, payroll, and employment platform Employment Hero is calling for an urgent rethink of how the UK defines and measures productivity, as new data reveals a striking disconnect between how productivity is understood by SMEs and their employees.

Embedl raises €5.5M to boost AI efficiency in embedded defence, automotive, and robotics

Swedish deeptech company Embedl has raised €5.5 million in a pre-series A funding round from Chalmers Ventures, Fairpoint Capital, SEB Greentech, Spintop Ventures,  and STOAF.

Skills vital to propelling UK’s ambitious spending review AI growth plan

As Keir Starmer announced ambitious plans for UK AI growth at London Tech Week, and Rachel Reeves outlined £86 billion in the Spending Review for tech funding, skills investment must accompany infrastructure investment. This comes as the UK ranks 13th globally for AI readiness, according to Coursera’s inaugural AI Maturity Index.

Coralogix raises $115M Series E and hits unicorn status

Coralogix, a full-stack observability platform provider, has announced a $115 million Series E funding round.

The ‘Doorbell of Dreams’ is coming to a town near you

Are you one of the third of Brits who would love to own their own business one day? Would you jump at the chance to get your business idea in front of a global audience of up to 100 million and get feedback from some of the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs? Now’s your chance…

LGBTQ-friendly firms significantly more innovative

LGBTQ-friendly policies can have a significant impact on innovation in major US firms, according to new research from Aalto University and the University of Vaasa. Existing studies have found a link between profitability and workplace diversity more generally, yet this is the first to specifically examine sexuality and gender-inclusivity as it relates to innovation.

Forest riders clock 24M km in 2024, saving London 1,104 tonnes of CO₂e
Forest riders clock 24M km in 2024, saving London 1,104 tonnes of CO₂e

Forest, one of London’s e-bike operators, has launched its latest Sustainability Report, highlighting how the company is supporting the capital’s shift to more sustainable and affordable forms of travel.

Deadline extended for everywoman Entrepreneur Awards

The nominations deadline for this year’s everywoman Entrepreneur Awards, in association with BGF, has been extended.

London’s SME job growth slumps to 0.7% as capital trails behind

London’s small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are struggling to keep pace with the rest of the UK’s employment recovery, with the capital recording the weakest job growth in May, a new report from HR, payroll, and employment platform Employment Hero shows.

Emma Jones CBE appointed as new Small Business Commissioner

Emma Jones CBE, Founder of Enterprise Nation, has just been announced as the new Small Business Commissioner, supporting the Government’s mission to support small businesses in the UK.

Renow raises €1.8M to reshape Europe’s €150Bn returns and resale market with AI platform

Renow, the Nordic startup modernising how returned and second-hand goods are handled and resold, has raised €1.8 million in seed funding to expand its AI-powered recommerce platform across Northern Europe, opening new hubs in Sweden and Norway, and aiming to launch in the Danish and Beneluxian markets.