Vanta, the leading trust management platform, today announced new product features and key milestones aimed at automating GRC workflows and enhancing visibility across security and compliance programs. With the launch of the new Report Centre, improvements to Vendor Risk Management (VRM), and expanded integration capabilities, Vanta is empowering GRC and security teams to maintain a continuous, proactive approach to governance, risk, and compliance.

A groundbreaking new festival, Niyo Fest, is set to land in Birmingham from October 3-5, bringing together underrepresented communities and leading innovators in culture and technology. Anticipating over 10,000 attendees, the event aims to connect and inspire through a diverse lineup of global speakers, entrepreneurs, and performers.

buycycle, Europe’s leading marketplace for premium pre-owned bikes, marked its one-year anniversary in the US market with rapid growth, making it the company’s fastest-expanding region to date.

Almost every startup I’ve worked in has had a portfolio Finance Director. It’s a concept which has been around for a long time, and it makes perfect sense.

reMarkable has introduced the reMarkable Paper Pro, a paper tablet that redefines the digital writing experience. Boasting an 11.8-inch colour display, an adjustable reading light, and an unparalleled paper-like feel, the Paper Pro is designed to support professionals in capturing and refining their ideas in an increasingly distracting world.

Planes, a renowned digital product studio, proudly announced its pivotal role in developing Slice Mobile, the UK’s first eSIM-only mobile network. By crafting the Slice Mobile app, Planes has made eSIM technology more accessible, setting a new benchmark for a streamlined, user-friendly mobile experience.

Lineage, a global leader in temperature-controlled warehousing, recently unveiled more information about its Food Chain Innovation Challenge, revealing the judging panels and the grand prize.

Palm, a fintech startup based in Sweden and the Netherlands, has raised $6.1 million in seed funding to modernise cash management for enterprise treasury teams. The funding round was led by Speedinvest and Target Global, with participation from Upfin, Liquid2, and Greens. The round also included investments from notable angels like Job van der Voort, Founder & CEO of Remote, and Philippe Teixeira da Mota, former partner at Hedosophia.

Malcom Finance, formerly known as 4Trans, has appointed Michal Šmída, the founder of Twisto, as a Non-Executive Director to help shape its strategic direction. Šmída brings a wealth of experience in building and scaling fintech businesses, which will support Malcom Finance’s growth ambitions.

HM Treasury has officially confirmed the extension of the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) sunset clause to 2035, ensuring that EIS relief and Venture Capital Trusts relief will apply to shares issued before 6 April 2035.

The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) has announced the 20 startups selected for Cohort 05 of the Anjal Z Techstars Founder Catalyst Program, designed to drive innovation in early childhood development. Partnered with Techstars, the program supports startups focused on children aged 0-8 and their families, with a commitment to enhancing health and nutrition, early care and education, child protection, and family support.

South Summit Korea, co-organised by IE University, the Government of Gyeonggi and GBSA (Gyenggido Business & Science Accelerator), has announced the 30 finalist startups of its Startup Competition. The finalist projects come from 10 different countries and will compete to be crowned the best startup in the fields of Deep Tech and Artificial Intelligence. The first edition of South Summit Korea will be held from September 25 to 27 in the Korean province of Gyeonggi.

New research highlights a disconnect between UK managers' self-assessments and the experiences of those they manage, with over two-thirds (67%) of UK employees having left or considered leaving their job due to poor management.

Registration is now open for the South Summit Madrid 2025 startup Competition, co-organised by IE University to select the most innovative and disruptive projects in the market. Interested startups can submit their applications before January 31 through the following link:

New research from BrightHR reveals significant uncertainty among UK business owners regarding Labour’s proposed employment law reforms.

Digital Catapult has unveiled its first International Supply Chain Accelerator, aimed at revolutionising global supply chains through cutting-edge deeptech solutions. The programme introduces two key initiatives: Seamless Trade Across Borders and Product Carbon Footprint Measurement, both designed to enhance supply chain resilience and promote international industrial sustainability.

New research suggests a rise in small business confidence following the formation of the new Government. A study by Novuna Business Finance, surveying 1,000 small business owners and senior managers, found that 68% of companies are now considering new projects to drive growth, up from 66% earlier this year.

Herbert Smith Freehills has teamed up with Carbon13 to support the development of high-impact climatetech startups aimed at reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.

As we celebrate National Payroll Week, it’s important to recognise the vital role that payroll professionals and processes play in ensuring a business runs smoothly. For startup founders, navigating the complexities of payroll can be especially challenging amid the pressures of managing daily operations, growing the business, recruiting talent, and ensuring profitability.

Stylus, a startup aiming to transform teacher workloads through AI-powered marking and feedback, has raised £500,000 in a funding round led by Sure Valley Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on AI-driven innovation.