autone, the AI-powered platform helping retailers transform their business through optimal inventory management, has raised a $17 million Series A funding round led by General Catalyst.

UK-based spacecraft propulsion startup, Magdrive, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Orbit Fab, a specialist in spacecraft refuelling. The partnership, announced at the 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Milan, aims to develop satellite refuelling technologies that promise to reshape space sustainability.

eBay has announced the global expansion of its Circular Fashion Fund (CFF), aimed at helping fashion startups scale circular solutions across the entire lifecycle – from production to disposal, including rental and repair services. Applications for the fund are now open and will close on 15th November 2024. Eligible startups and small businesses can apply via eBay's website.

A San Francisco-based AI startup, has launched Tattoon, an innovative app that allows users to “fit” tattoos onto their own bodies with just a tap. The app’s mission is to bridge the gap between art, tattoo artists, and aspiring tattoo enthusiasts by enabling people to experiment with different tattoo designs on their body photos.

TravelPerk, a global business travel management platform, has released new findings on how UK professionals feel about the potential use of AI avatars in the workplace. Despite some reservations, 91% of respondents said they would be open to delegating meeting tasks to an AI avatar.

The duty on employers to make reasonable adjustments for disabled job applicants and employees was introduced by the Equality Act 2010. More commonly now termed as ‘workplace adjustments’, these refer to making changes to the way someone does their job to help remove the barriers they may experience.  

Zerve, a platform designed for data science and AI development, announced a seed round of $7.6 million, led by Paladin Capital Group. Other backers included existing investor Elkstone and notable angel investors like Rob Hickey, former Executive Vice President of Engineering at DataRobot.

Keep, a Y Combinator-backed open-source AIOps platform, has raised $2.7M in a Pre-Seed funding round led by Runa Capital, with additional support from key industry entrepreneurs and venture firms. Participants include Firestreak and Y Combinator, as well as prominent angel investors like Shay Baron (Elastic CTO and Founder), Andrew Miklas (PagerDuty Co-Founder), David Cramer (Sentry Co-Founder), Maxim Konovalov (NGINX Founder), and Nizam Shapira (Epsagon Founder).

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) announces Martin Lundstedt, President and CEO of Volvo Group, as a keynote speaker for CES 2025, along with several influential guests. Volvo Group will highlight its vision for a 100% safe, 100% fossil-free, and 100% more productive transportation and infrastructure.

Intuit’s September 2024 Small Business Index has revealed a slowdown in the UK job market, based on data from 25,000 small businesses with one to nine employees. The report shows a decline of around 1,400 jobs and fewer vacancies across the sector, indicating a cooling labour market.

Estonian startup Symmetrista has unveiled a bra specifically designed for women who have undergone breast reconstruction after breast cancer treatment.

Mollie, a rapidly expanding European financial services provider, has unveiled its new integration with HubSpot, the customer platform for growing businesses. This integration allows UK businesses to initiate and track payments directly within HubSpot, streamlining CRM payment processing and significantly reducing time spent on administrative tasks.

Fintech startups are a very hot topic among investors of any kind. Reports state that over the past nine years, they have been ranked as one of the top sectors for investing, especially for VCs. Numbers show that 12% of all VC investments go to fintech startups.

With the Autumn budget just days away, investors and entrepreneurs are waiting nervously for news on the “painful choices” that are being made to plug a £22 billion gap in public finances.

Where You At (WYA), a female-founded app that enhances nightlife safety using indoor mapping and offline mesh technology to help users stay connected in crowded venues, has raised significant funding which has helped it make a huge impact in a short space of time.

Qlik has released a new study involving 250 C-suite executives and AI decision makers across the UK. The research highlights key challenges slowing AI progress in the country and offers insights on how to overcome these obstacles.

Technology plays a key role today in optimizing the operations of tourism businesses and destinations and improving the customer experience. In this context, the new edition of Tourism Innovation Summit 2024 (TIS), to be held October 23-25 in Seville, Spain, will bring together CIOs and IT managers from companies such as AR Hotels, Vueling, Catalonia Hotels, Renfe, Ilunion Hotels, and Lopesan, among others, to discuss and learn about the latest trends and technological innovations for the tourism industry. Thus, the CIO’s Summit agenda will address how AI, big data and digitalization can redefine the future of tourism.

A common question that founders ask themselves is when their new company will start to make money. The answer is rarely straightforward, and every startup faces unique challenges based on its industry, market conditions and growth strategy. However, understanding the key stages of its life cycle can provide valuable insights and set realistic expectations for business success.

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA), owner and producer of CES, the world’s most powerful tech event, announces Accenture Chair and CEO Julie Sweet will share her insights on the keynote stage at CES 2025 on January 8 at 2 p.m. in the Palazzo Ballroom at the Venetian. Accenture is a long-standing CES exhibitor, showcasing how businesses can leverage emerging technologies, including AI, to enhance customer experiences and operational efficiency.

New Central Hall activation strengthens connections between storytellers and exhibitors, offering education, networking, and workspaces.