According to new research from Dext, the bookkeeping automation platform provider, the UK’s small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) surveyed could be losing a staggering average of £742 every month from incorrect invoicing stemming from poor tracking of rechargeable expenses. With the UK home to over 5.5 million SMBs, the figures indicate up to a £1.1 billion monthly shortfall in the economy, signalling the need for a massive overhaul of outdated expense management practices.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on December 9 that it will operate its largest-ever exhibition space for Seoul-based startups at CES 2025, the world's largest consumer electronics and ICT trade show. The event will run from January 7 to 10, 2025, in Las Vegas, showcasing cutting-edge technologies from emerging companies worldwide.

Keychron, a leading manufacturer of peripherals compatible with Mac, Windows, and Android, launched direct sales of the Keychron K2 HE Wireless Magnetic Custom Keyboard. This high-performance mechanical keyboard combines the best of traditional mechanical technology with the advanced benefits of magnetic switches in a minimalistic design accented by natural rosewood. Following a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised over $1M USD, the K2 HE is now available for direct purchase on Keychron's website, starting at $130 USD.

EntreReality, a digital human startup headquartered in South Korea, has launched Twinit AI Makeup to establish its footprint in the global beauty tech market. With cutting-edge technology that combines AI and 3D vision, Twinit aims to redefine the cosmetics experience for users worldwide.

AgrofoodBIC S.r.l. (Business Innovation Centre), a multi-company open innovation hub active nationally and internationally since 2019, partners with Eatable Adventures to identify and accelerate global startups that address the evolving needs of the Italian foodtech sector. This collaboration aims to foster innovation and build bridges between established companies and emerging ventures.

System7, a new AI consultancy co-founded by Nicolas Baxter designed to transform marketing and sales teams, has launched as the first co-founded company from cocreatd, the venture studio founded by Oliver Yonchev.

The United Kingdom is steadily emerging as a key player in the AI space, attracting the highest AI investment in Europe and ranking third globally, surpassed only by the United States and China. This success has been bolstered by the UK government’s commitment to fostering growth in the sector, however, it now stands at a critical juncture.

Raising your first round of funding is often painted as a rite of passage for a startup, the shiny trophy that signals you’re on your way to unicorn status. But here’s the truth that gets glossed over in all the LinkedIn celebration posts: not everyone raises when (or even if) they think they will.

A new global survey titled ‘AI Workplace Report’ from Freshworks, a business software provider, reveals that nearly half (45%) of UK employees would consider swapping their current jobs for roles that better harness AI, and 35% of UK workers say they have already received a salary bump or a promotion as a result of their AI usage. 

As we now know a second Trump presidency looms on the horizon, the American manufacturing sector finds itself at a critical juncture. The policies and priorities of a potential Trump administration could significantly reshape the landscape of US manufacturing, with far-reaching implications for the industry's competitiveness, workforce, and global positioning.

Elemind, founded by researchers from MIT, has developed a headband that uses acoustic stimulation to move people into a sleep state.

Italian startup Artinoise, known for reimagining traditional musical instruments, has unveiled its latest innovation: Zefiro.

As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on some of the standout moments from The Cereal Entrepreneur podcast. This year we have had the pleasure of talking to a wide array of figures in the startup ecosystem, from founders of early-stage startups, to angel investors and venture capitalists, to all of the winners of the 2024 Hustle Awards.

Over the course of 2024, the interest in gen AI has spread like wildfire. Data from McKinsey indicates that while AI adoption among organisations stayed at around the 50% mark for six years, the past year alone saw it jump to 72%.

Remember when the world shifted from paper to computers? Or from desktops to mobile devices? We're on the cusp of a similar revolution with AI. What once felt like a futuristic, magical tool is quietly weaving itself into our daily lives.

In recent months, allegations of sexual misconduct by high-profile figures have dominated the headlines in the UK. From the ongoing police investigation into historic claims of rape and sexual abuse against former Harrods owner, Mohamed Al-Fayed, to the litany of accusations of inappropriate behaviour against BBC Presenter Greg Wallace, it seems that some of the most powerful institutions in our country are still grappling with how to identify and prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.

With the phased shutdown of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) set to conclude in 2027, new research from Zen Internet has revealed that UK businesses are alarmingly unprepared for the transition.

AI will continue to dominate the European tech ecosystem in 2025, according to the Partners at Antler, the early-stage VC firm in Europe.

AI Simulator, a technology that uses AI to replicate the private investment market, is set to join the American Angel Capital Association as a consultant to develop a curriculum for their deeptech toolkit. This prestigious project, funded by the Nation Science Foundation, aims to educate early-stage investors.

Embeddable, an award-winning developer tool for building interactive customer-facing analytics directly within software applications, has announced the close of its oversubscribed €6 million seed funding round.