Web3 and blockchain are among the fastest-growing sectors within the technology space today. Trends shift constantly, and new technologies with their different applications emerge as quickly as the next – what’s new today could be outdated tomorrow. Many founders in the space often find themselves juggling a difficult balancing act: having to keep their eyes on long-term goals while navigating a market that is moving at an incredible speed.

AllFocal Optics, the deeptech startup pioneering nanophotonic lens technology for always-in-focus images, has announced fresh $5.3 million funding, comprised of a $3.6 million (£2.8 million) equity raise, led by SpeedInvest, and Innovate UK grants.

For startups and entrepreneurs, understanding market dynamics is crucial to business growth and brand momentum. Market research provides invaluable insights that can steer your business in the right direction. Yet it’s often not considered a priority part of the planning process, despite its importance in brand building. Here are 10 essential tips to help you grasp the importance of market research for your startup’s success.

Miros, the visual AI e-commerce search solution, has raised a €6 million pre-Series A investment led by EBRD Venture Capital and Tera Ventures. Former Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves also participated in the round as an Angel Investor. Miros will use the funding to enhance R&D, further develop the technology, and expand market reach. To date, the company has raised €8 million.

83% of professionals state they’ve experienced mental ill health at work in the past 12 months – with more than a quarter encountering it ‘regularly’.

Over 100,000 aspiring entrepreneurs have now taken their first steps toward building a business with the support of Venture Planner, an AI-driven platform designed to simplify the journey from idea to actionable business plan. In just 11 months, the platform has gained traction among users across 22 countries and 74 industries, offering practical, tailored business planning tools that help turn dreams into reality.

Vuka Group and Africa’s Green Economy Summit are spearheading efforts to boost Africa's inclusive economic growth by connecting project owners with a global network of investors. This strategic initiative aims to accelerate vital projects, promoting sustainability and prosperity across the continent.

Employers are placing increasing importance on the Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) credentials of employee benefits providers when it comes to selecting a partner for their organisation, according to research conducted by GRiD, the industry body for the group risk sector.

Normative, a company in enterprise carbon accounting across the Nordics, EU, and UK, has announced its acquisition of Eivee, a carbon accounting solution provider serving some of Denmark's largest companies. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Attara has officially launched, a fintech startup poised to transform the landscape of commodity hedging for businesses across the UK. By combining cutting-edge technology with expert advisory services and customised hedging solutions, Attara aims to democratise access to hedging solutions that were previously only available to large corporations, providing much-needed financial security to SMEs.

New analysis of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) data by London & Partners shows that more AI companies (75 companies) from London have expanded internationally than from any other city globally post-pandemic. The UK capital has also welcomed the second-highest number of AI companies (94 companies) in the world, after Dubai (112 companies).

DUKE Distribution, a provider of specialist transport and trackway installation services, has secured a debt finance funding package from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II.

Mahdi Yahya, CEO and Founder of Ori, a UK-based provider of GPUs for AI compute, argues that the UK has all the ingredients necessary to build its own sovereign cloud computing infrastructure – but it’s being held back by a lack of imagination from senior tech players. 

Finnish technology company Quanscient, working in cloud-based multiphysics simulation technology and quantum algorithms, has announced its new growth funding of €5.2 million.

The demand for specialised tech talent is rising sharply, with the International Data Corporation predicting that over 90% of companies will face IT skills shortages by 2026.

Microsoft has launched its new GenAI Accelerator programme, aimed at advancing AI-driven startups in the UK and positioning them for long-term success.

Romanie Thomas is the CEO of Chatsie. Chatsie was founded by ex-Tide founder George Bevis and led by CEO Romanie Thomas. The company offers premium smartphones and mobile network services designed specifically for seniors. Chatsie aims to enhance the quality of life for seniors while strengthening intergenerational connections in an increasingly digital world.

Blue Earth Summit arrived in London in October 2024,  located within a former machinery, manufacturing, and innovation quarter at Woolwich Works.

Neustark, a Switzerland-based, carbon removal specialist and one of the fastest growing companies in Europe, and UK-based building materials supplier, Aggregate Industries, are introducing a new technology that permanently removes carbon from the atmosphere and locks it into recycled concrete.

Virgin Media O2 has launched an all-new Small Business Partnerships initiative with leading brands Virgin StartUp, GoDaddy, and egg, to bring exclusive offers to small business customers. This initiative aims to equip entrepreneurs across the UK with the technology, resources, and networks to succeed.