Innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum; it emerges in ecosystems where talent and exploration are nurtured and celebrated. This is why startup founders and investors should be paying attention to policy changes in global academic research.

Despite a complex global landscape, angel investors are planning to invest more in startups in 2025 than last year, with cautious optimism the prevailing mood. This is the key finding from the latest global survey of investors from Angel Investment Network (AIN), the global online angel investment network.

Whilst the ever-growing funding disparity affecting female entrepreneurs is well-documented, its impact and the true lived experience of women building businesses within this inequitable system are much less well known.

Attendees, judges, and startups all gathered together on the Thursday afternoon of InnoVEX 2025 to witness the annual InnoVEX Pitching Competition. Startups each had 10 minutes, split into a five minute presentation, and five minute Q&A from the judges.

trawa, a Berlin-based electricity provider and AI-powered software company, has secured €24 million in Series A funding. The round was led by venture capital firm Headline, with participation from Norrsken VC, the impact fund of Klarna co-founder Niklas Adalberth, and existing investors Balderton Capital, Speedinvest, and AENU. Berlin-based VC Magnetic and Tiny VC from London are also among trawa’s shareholders.

Sage, the leader in accounting, financial, HR, and payroll technology for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), today announced major enhancements that bring AI-driven insights, automation, and seamless connectivity to Sage 50 customers in the UK. Sage 50 has just become more powerful, connected, and secure while preserving the features SMBs know and trust.

Venture Café Global Institute has officially launched in the UK, opening Venture Café London in partnership with the Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) on 15th May.

The latest research from Towergate Employee Benefits shows that only 39% of employers believe their employees have a good understanding of the full range of employee benefits provided.

A major new report from Fairwork reveals that most of the world’s leading online work platforms are failing to uphold even the most basic labour standards.

When Andy Flynn, Founder of sustainable design brand POTR, set up his stand at last year’s Chelsea Flower Show, he thought he was there to sell a few plant pots. What he didn’t realise was that he was pitching his entire company – and in doing so changing the trajectory of his business.

Business arrears to HMRC are running at an average of £28 billion per month, as companies grapple with rising National Insurance (NI) costs and economic shockwaves from US tariff increases.

Penfold has launched a comprehensive guide to help employers and advisers understand how salary sacrifice pension contributions can reduce the impact of the recent increase in National Insurance Contributions (NICs).

Legora has announced an $80 million funding round led by ICONIQ and General Catalyst, with continued support from existing investors Redpoint Ventures, Benchmark, and Y Combinator. This latest round is a strong endorsement of Legora’s product quality, velocity, and the remarkable traction it has achieved globally – underscored by its rapid progression from inception to Series B in under two years.

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New research from global hiring platform, Indeed, released at its flagship FutureWorks event, reveals that senior managers are leading the charge in adopting and integrating AI across UK workplaces.