When I first embarked on my career in AI, I wasn’t fully aware of the challenges or the triumphs that would come my way. What I did know was that I had a passion for data and a drive to solve problems that could make a real impact. As a co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Helios, an AI company that predicts agricultural disruptions and soft commodity prices, my journey has been a blend of relentless hard work, continuous learning, and a deep understanding of the unique value that women bring to the tech table.

Eleven years ago at a conference, I asked a woman founder about her biggest challenge in business. Her response – “getting capital” – came quickly, and set off something within me. As I looked into this further, I discovered just how widespread – and persistent – this issue is.

As traditional banks increasingly withdraw from small business lending, accountants and business advisers face mounting pressure to find viable funding options for their clients. In response to these challenges, Paddock Capital has emerged, offering a fresh, ethically-guided approach to finance.

Altery, a fintech startup based in the UK, has joined forces with Uzum Bank, a prominent digital bank in Uzbekistan, to deliver advanced and cost-efficient money transfer services tailored for the rapidly expanding Uzbek market

Workpay, a cloud-based platform designed to streamline HR, payroll, and employee benefits across Africa, has secured $5 million in Series A funding. The round was led by Norrsken22 and included investments from Visa, Y Combinator, Saviu Ventures, Axian, Plug n Play, Verod-Kepple Africa Ventures, and Acadian Ventures, a firm known for backing the next wave of work-related technologies. This new funding comes after Workpay’s successful pre-series A round, which raised $2.7 million earlier in 2023.

Virgin Bet is proud to announce its inaugural Personal Safety Partnership with WalkSafe, the UK’s top personal safety app.

IBASE Technology Inc., a provider of embedded computing solutions, has unveiled the MI1002 Mini-ITX motherboard, featuring Intel® Core™ Ultra processors Series 1 (Meteor Lake-PS platform) with LGA1851 socket support. The newly launched motherboard integrates advanced AI capabilities, superior graphics performance, and impressive energy efficiency, making it ideal for demanding applications in AI, edge computing, and IoT environments.

Finnish biotech company NADMED has secured €3.5 million in a Series A funding round to support its expansion into the US and other global markets with its innovative technology for measuring nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). This technology has the potential to enhance the precision of personalised treatments for a range of diseases.

Koa Health, a global provider of mental healthcare services, has announced the launch of Koa Care 360. Koa Care 360 is a comprehensive mental health platform designed to help employers offer personalised care to their employees, including preventative services, online therapy, and customised solutions tailored to each individual’s needs.

Optiml, a digital platform specialising in Net Zero real estate investment and renovation planning, has secured $4 million in Pre-Seed Extension funding. This funding round was spearheaded by BitStone Capital, an investor with a focus on real estate and construction technology, and received additional backing from KOMPAS VC, which is dedicated to early-stage ventures in the built environment.

According to recent research by Towergate Health & Protection, 58% of employers lack a clear understanding of their employees' health and wellbeing needs.

A significant 76% of UK professionals believe the traditional 40-hour workweek is no longer fit for purpose. According to fresh research by talent solutions company Robert Walters, half of those surveyed (51%) suggest that a four-day workweek, or greater overall flexibility (38%), could better align with contemporary needs, potentially boosting productivity and engagement.

The EMERGE International Tech Conference is set to return to Yerevan, bringing together trailblazers from emerging markets and seasoned venture capitalists eager to discover the next wave of IT talent.

Qubit Capital has transformed the landscape of startup investment, reshaping how entrepreneurs connect with investors through its innovative AI-powered matchmaking platform. In the second quarter of 2024 alone, Qubit facilitated over $9 million in funding for various startups, providing them with the financial backing needed to navigate the competitive market.

The global RegTech sector is on track for robust growth, with a projected annual CAGR of about 24%, likely pushing its valuation to $28 billion by 2028.