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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Eco startup makes waves to give sailing waste a second life

Waste textiles from sailing boats could soon find a new purpose, thanks to a research initiative that upcycles plastic fibres from sails into valuable chemicals, including vanillin – a compound commonly used in cosmetics and food for its vanilla flavour and scent.

Rent2Cash closes €3 million pre-Seed round to launch rental advance platform

Rent2Cash, the Italian startup offering “rental advance” services, has secured €3 million in a pre-seed round and officially launched its operations in Italy.

Pearl Raises Largest-Ever Investment in Dental AI with $58 Million Round

Pearl, a figure in dental AI, has announced securing $58 million in Series B funding to advance its mission of improving patient care in dentistry. The funding round, led by Left Lane Capital with participation from Smash Capital, Alpha Partners, Craft Ventures, and Neotribe Ventures, represents the largest investment ever in dental AI.

AI could enhance two-thirds of UK jobs

According to recent research from Google, 61% of jobs in the UK could undergo significant changes due to the integration of AI, with only a minimal number facing complete elimination.

Cowbell secures $60M from Zurich Insurance to scale SME cyber operations

Cowbell, a provider of cyber insurance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), announced the completion of a $60 million Series C equity investment from Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich), a prominent global multi-line insurer.

Belfast tech: the startups leading the way

The Belfast tech startup scene is flourishing, showcasing a dynamic blend of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Why we need to rethink the role of freelancers in the future of work

Workplaces around the world are experiencing major shifts. Skills and upskilling are in the spotlight, new roles are emerging across sectors, and innovative technologies like AI are creating both new challenges and new solutions for businesses.

Hiya acquires deepfake voice detection company Loccus.ai

Hiya, a provider of global voice security services, has acquired Loccus.ai, an innovator in deepfake detection technology. Loccus.ai’s real-time identification of AI-generated voices sets a new industry standard for detection accuracy.

DeepL expands language offering with Traditional Chinese

DeepL has expanded its platform by adding Traditional Chinese, increasing its total language offerings to 33. This addition enhances AI-driven, precise translations, specifically benefiting businesses and enterprises. Traditional Chinese, used by over 33 million people worldwide, marks a significant milestone for DeepL in its mission to enhance global communication.

MintNeuro launches EXPLORE to extend advanced neural implant applications

Mint Neurotechnologies (MintNeuro) has unveiled the “EXPLORE” project, funded by a £100,000 grant from Innovate UK through the Biomedical Catalyst Feasibility Competition 2023.

Fundamental issues like a shortage of high-quality data threaten the AI boom

The ODI’s latest white paper, “Building a Better Future with Data and AI,” based on research conducted in early 2024, highlights critical flaws in the UK’s tech infrastructure that could hinder the expected benefits of the AI boom for society, the economy, and individuals. The paper also provides recommendations for fostering diverse and equitable data-centric AI.

Over one-third of young workers report hiring discrimination

New research has uncovered that more than one-third of younger workers believe they have encountered discrimination during the hiring process.

New Native Inc platform lablab.ai partners with AI71 to launch an AI-focused event

New Native Inc’s platform, lablab.ai, dedicated to promoting AI innovation, has announced its support for AI71, an AI company launched by Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) and VentureOne. Together, they are organising a hackathon featuring the Falcon Large Language Models.

Fractile raises $15m to develop radical AI chip for performance improvements

Fractile, a UK-based company in the AI hardware industry, has emerged from stealth mode and revealed it has secured $15 million (£12 million) in seed funding.

Weavr secures E-money licence to transform embedded finance for B2B SaaS across Europe

Weavr has announced the acquisition of a European e-money licence, marking a significant milestone for both the company and the embedded finance industry. This licence, granted by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) after an extensive review of Weavr’s unique operating model, is set to boost the adoption of embedded finance by B2B SaaS businesses.

Mental health greatest employee concern for employers

A study by Towergate Health & Protection revealed that 57% of employers identified mental health as their top concern for employees in the era of hybrid working.

Employees’ appreciation of employee benefits is well below what employers believe

A recent survey by GRiD, the industry body for the group risk sector, revealed that 81% of employers assess how much employees value their benefits. Despite this, there is a stark disparity in perceptions: two-thirds (66%) of employers believe their staff highly appreciate these benefits, whereas only 21% of employees share this sentiment.

Expo Agritech 2024 is looking for innovative tech startups for the agricultural field

The Feria del Campo 4.0 – Expo Agritech 2024 will debut in Malaga, Spain, from 26th to 28th November, introducing the inaugural AgriTech Startup Forum, a competition for entrepreneurs.

Pension fintech Jarvis secures £1.8M to revolutionise retirement planning

Jarvis, a fintech company dedicated to empowering employees with active retirement planning, has successfully secured £1.8 million in seed funding.

Heriot-Watt accelerates development of innovative comfortable prosthetics

David Yeudall, a former principal mechanical engineer at a UK prosthetics company, has made notable advancements in developing upper limb prosthetics that are more comfortable, functional, and affordable. His work has been supported by Heriot-Watt University’s DeepTech LaunchPad programme.