A team of experts with over 15 years of experience in funding businesses has launched Aneli Capital, a fund to support early-stage startups in the Baltics, Poland, and other Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. The €35 million fund will primarily focus on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as well as robotics, space, photonics, and energy startups, with the goal of helping them grow and become ready for follow-on investors.

Quantum Dice has secured a €2 million grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator programme, with the project now officially underway following its October kick-off.

The Invest in Women Taskforce, which was established to support female entrepreneurs in the UK, has announced Nationwide and the British Business Bank as new partners in the UK’s first female-led Fund of Funds that targets first close of £130 million, subject to final terms, relevant approvals, and signing.

Orbital Marine Power, the Scotland-based operator of one of the world’s most powerful tidal turbines, has secured a multi-million pound investment to advance its international commercial projects and contribute to the wider decarbonisation of energy.

Melt&Marble has raised €7.3 million in Series A funding to scale production and bring its first ingredients to market. Designed to deliver enhanced functionality, taste and even health outcomes, the company’s ingredients offer sustainable, high-performance alternatives to conventional oils and fats for use in personal care and food applications.

The world's most iconic startup event 4YFN26 will return to the halls of Fira de Barcelona’s iconic Gran Via during MWC26 Barcelona next year for a groundbreaking showcase of 2026’s most exciting startups. Selected from hundreds of submissions, 2026’s Top 20 startups showcase the brightest ideas and leading minds from across five key industry categories. 

Small businesses have always been quick to adapt, and in 2025, that adaptability has been tested more than ever. Between rising costs, staffing shortages and customers who expect instant replies and 24-hour availability, many owners are stretched thin.

New NEBOSH-funded programme offers vital support to self-employed women, freelancers, and micro-business employees navigating menopause and mental health challenges.

From quiet cracking to bare minimum Mondays, 2025 gave workers plenty of food for thought with a new wave of workplace trends. While some of these trends encouraged workers to prioritise work/life balance and to strive within their role, others encouraged employees to simply turn up to work and do the bare minimum.

As many employed workers start to slow down for Christmas and meet up with friends and attend work Christmas events, a new YouGov survey has found that nearly half (44%) of smaller business owners in the UK say they have felt lonely or isolated while running their business. The research was carried out by YouGov on behalf of The Start Up Loans Company, part of the British Business Bank.

Latitude59 kicked off today in Nairobi. It was officially opened by Daniel Schaer, the Ambassador-at-Large for African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, Henriette Geigeris, European Union Ambassador to Kenya, and Hon. William Kabogo Gitau, Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy in Kenya.

It’s Saturday afternoon and you suddenly get a headache. Nothing dramatic, just enough to derail your plans. You rummage through the medicine cabinet, find expired paracetamol and realise the GP is closed. So, you do what most people do: you reach for your phone for a solution.

Swimming has always been a huge part of my life. As a teenager, I competed in butterfly at a high level, representing the British youth squad and the South African national team. Butterfly is not just physically tough; it is also one of the most mentally demanding strokes.

Before you say ‘we’re not ready for PR’ – read this!

Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, once said: “If I were down to my last two dollars, I’d spend one on PR.” That sentence reveals a truth many early-stage entrepreneurs need to realise. Communication doesn’t start when you become successful. It is a strategic instrument that helps you reach the pathway forward – not a reward for later.

Virgin Red has announced a new transfer partnership with Capital on Tap, enabling small business owners to convert their Capital on Tap Rewards Points into Virgin Points – unlocking access to flights, hotels, cruises, unique experiences, and more on Virgin Red and Flying Club.