The Hustle Awards 2024 brought the startup industry together to celebrate some of the brightest talent within the ecosystem.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are more than just trending topics, they’ve been influencing our daily interactions for many years now. AI is already deeply embedded in our digital lives and these technologies are not about creating a futuristic world but enhancing our current one. When wielded correctly AI makes businesses more efficient, drives better decision making and creates more personalised customer experiences.

Nine trailblazing British startups are set to collaborate with Digital Catapult, the BBC, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) to drive innovation in the UK's creative industries. Each startup will receive £50,000 to develop AI-powered prototypes aimed at revolutionising creative production and addressing key industry challenges, ultimately boosting the UK's creative economy.

Anyone launching a startup knows, or at least certainly should know, the famous quote by Thomas Edison: “Genius is one percent inspiration and 99% perspiration.”

Weavr has announced the acquisition of a European e-money licence, marking a significant milestone for both the company and the embedded finance industry. This licence, granted by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) after an extensive review of Weavr’s unique operating model, is set to boost the adoption of embedded finance by B2B SaaS businesses.

A study by Towergate Health & Protection revealed that 57% of employers identified mental health as their top concern for employees in the era of hybrid working.

This article discusses 10 misplaced assumptions of using and registering Trade Marks in the UK.

Jarvis, a fintech company dedicated to empowering employees with active retirement planning, has successfully secured £1.8 million in seed funding.

deepc, the developer of an AI operating system for radiologists and enterprise clinical organisations, has announced the successful closure of its Series A with an additional $13 million round.

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the owner and producer of CES, the world’s most powerful tech event, is announcing a new partnership with the European Commission’s European Innovation Council (EIC) for this year’s CES Unveiled in Amsterdam. This partnership will help identify breakout technologies from across Europe to be showcased at the event taking place in the Beurs van Berlage on October 15, 2024. The Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy has also renewed its long-standing partnership with CES Unveiled in Amsterdam to demonstrate the groundbreaking innovations from the Netherlands.
 

Starting today, UK businesses can take advantage of Lightyear's new business accounts, enabling them to earn interest and invest their cash through the platform.

A recent SME insights report by Dojo, a specialist in card payments for independent and enterprise businesses, has highlighted a concerning trend: approximately 110,940 SMEs are at risk of insolvency due to depleted cash reserves.

Splight, an AI startup pioneering grid operations technologies, announced the successful completion of its seed funding round, securing $12M.

According to a recent market report, 68% of tourists value sustainability positively and want tools to make decisions about the environmental impact of their trips. This is just one sign that the travel industry is undergoing an unprecedented transformation with a focus on sustainability. This is reflected in hotels, which are integrating “green” technology in their rooms; the commitment to promoting the circular economy in travel; and an increase in travelers' awareness of the care and respect for the places they visit.

Wiz, a cybersecurity startup, has turned down a $23 billion (£18 billion) takeover offer from Google’s parent company, Alphabet, opting instead for a stock market flotation. This deal would have marked Alphabet's largest acquisition to date.

Marketing theory often highlights the inherent disadvantages faced by small brands. Firstly, customers' brains naturally gravitate towards familiar names, equating well-known brands with trustworthiness. Secondly, advertising tends to be more cost effective for brands with wider availability, further reinforcing the dominance of larger players.

Exoticca, a traveltech platform specialising in multi-day tour packages, has secured €60 million in a Series D funding round. The round was led by Quadrille Capital, with new investors All Iron and ICF, alongside existing backers 14W, Mangrove, Bonsai, Sabadell, and Aldea, also participating.

Global gaming and esports brand GIANTX (GX) has announced the acquisition of UK startup iTero Gaming, known for its AI coaching solutions for competitive gamers. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for the gaming and technology industries, emphasising the integration of AI in esports.

The UK's recent governmental shift has ushered in significant changes and pledges across various sectors. The Labour party has committed to embracing fintech, aiming to inject £330 billion into the UK economy over the next five years.

Despite progress, women’s representation in the global tech workforce remains low, even at leading tech firms. This highlights the need for ongoing efforts to boost gender diversity in the industry.