Artificial intelligence was the star of the European Digital Mindset Awards 2024, presented at the DES – Digital Enterprise Show, which recognise the best companies and professionals who are committed to integrating exponential technologies into their business model.

Sidekick, a modern wealth management platform that offers the financial benefits typically reserved for the ultra-wealthy, has raised £4.5 million in a seed round and £4 million through a debt facility, totalling £8.5 million. This funding will help the startup grow its team, expand its product offerings, and secure a European license.

The UK trails behind European counterparts when it comes to technology skills – despite lofty science and technology superpower aims.

Digital Enterprise Show (DES) closed its eighth edition with the attendance of 17,157 executives from 41 countries. During three days, DES 2024 analysed the impact of the application of artificial intelligence, along with other digital solutions such as blockchain, data analytics and cybersecurity, on business. What is already the largest European summit on exponential technologies confirms that DES2025 will be held from 10 to 12 June in Málaga, Spain.

Imagine the scene. It’s November 2023 and the UK government is hosting the inaugural AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park. The broad consensus is that the UK is strongly positioned to stake a claim for global AI leadership. As recently as February, things seemed to be on the same trajectory with the government proclaiming a “pro-innovation” approach to regulating AI.

At some point in time, all startup founders consider monetisation of their business. Personally, I believe that if there's an opportunity to monetise from day one, it should be pursued immediately. A startup that earns revenue from the start gains a significant advantage over competitors who are still striving for profitability.

Artificial intelligence was the star of the European Digital Mindset Awards 2024, the awards presented at the Digital Enterprise Show (DES), which recognise the best companies and professionals who are committed to integrating exponential technologies into their business model. The awards received more than 275 nominations of outstanding projects for their inspiring and innovative approach in areas such as customer experience, IT management or sustainability based on digital solutions.

Being able to access data and insights is a non-negotiable in today’s business world. Implementing an efficient, up-to-date IT system is no longer just a tactic to try and gain a competitive advantage; it's now a hygiene factor when it comes to ensuring day-to-day operations continue to run smoothly.

Insights from small business insurer Simply Business showed that SMEs would invest more in expansion plans – including increasing staff headcount, expanding stock, and innovating new products – if the government provided the right conditions.

Great British Entrepreneur of the Year, Dr Ben Maruthappu, has called for the next UK government to embrace the potential of preventative tech to save lives and solve the NHS crisis.

NGP Capital announced the results of its second, annual deep dive into the DACH startup ecosystem’s investment landscape.

Robin AI, the AI-powered legal assistant, announces a new product line, Robin AI Reports, which automates a key piece of due diligence and negotiations, providing a boost to the sluggish pace of M&A.

AccountsIQ has secured a €60M Series C investment from Axiom Equity, a specialist B2B SaaS growth equity fund.

NTT DATA has found that 80% of organisations agree that inadequate or outdated technology is holding back organisational progress and innovation efforts.

The session framed within the AI4Humanity by UN panels at Digital Enterprise Show (DES), led by Carme Artigas, co-chair of the United Nations High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, featured the participation of Zondwa Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela and president of the Mandela Legacy Foundation.

Reset Connect London, the leading sustainability, net-zero and decarbonisation event and flagship event of London Climate Action Week, returns to ExCeL London on 25-26 June 2024. Uniting business leaders, investors, policymakers and industry experts to drive forward the global sustainability agenda. This year’s event is their biggest event yet, expected to draw over 7,000+ visitors, 400 speakers and host more than 200 exhibitors, providing an unparalleled platform for networking, collaboration and connecting with businesses at the heart of the sustainability and net-zero ecosystem.

The potential of exponential technologies has opened the window to new business and development opportunities, although it has also led to the emergence of unprecedented risks, with cyber-attacks being the main protagonists. Thirty-two percent of cyberattacks recorded in 2023 targeted Europe, according to a market report. "Physical and cyber wars are no longer separate. Cyberspace has no borders, just a playing field where anyone with an Internet connection is a player," said Enrique Pérez de Tena, Head of IR and cooperation section of the Joint Cyberspace Command, during his participation at Digital Enterprise Show (DES).

Amadeus Capital Partners, the global technology investor, is delighted to welcome Dr. David Parker as a part time Venture Partner to its early stage, deep tech investing team. David has a longstanding relationship with Amadeus, having collaborated on projects for over twenty years. He will support the team in identifying and assessing promising investment opportunities and advise portfolio companies as they scale and commercialise.

Rendesco has raised £6m to rapidly expand its operations and further develop its solutions in the UK and European energy markets. 

Sidekick, a wealth management platform for the modern investor that unlocks the financial advantages of the ultra-wealthy, has raised £4.5 million in a seed round and £4 million via a debt facility.