As the UK gears up for the Labour Government’s first Budget, research from innovation incentives specialist ForrestBrown reveals the key policy changes business leaders want from the new Government. 

Oriole Networks, the company pioneering the use of light to power Large Language Model (LLM) training with significantly reduced energy consumption, has secured an additional $22 million in funding from leading investors. The round, led by Plural, saw reinvestments from existing backers including UCL Technology Fund, XTX Ventures, Clean Growth Fund, and Dorilton Ventures.

shizl, a newly launched legaltech platform, is set to revolutionise how SMEs in the UK approach legal contract creation, negotiation, and execution. Designed to make legal processes simple, jargon-free, and affordable, shizl caters to businesses at every stage, from startups to larger enterprises.

British startup Auxtail has unveiled a new integrated bike rack designed especially for electric vehicles and, after eight years of development and patented technology, it’s targeting customers who love the outdoors and where sustainability is high on their list of priorities.

CitySwift has announced a significant new partnership with the Go-Ahead Group, a major provider of bus services in the UK. This collaboration will see CitySwift’s AI-powered platform, designed to enhance bus operational efficiency, rolled out across all Go-Ahead Group operating companies in the UK, bringing benefits to passengers, drivers, and cities alike.

As part of its mission to help companies build better products and digital experiences, Amplitude has announced it acquired Command AI, a startup that provides intuitive, AI-powered user assistance to make software easier to use.

CEOs face sleepwalking into reputational disaster through a concerning over-confidence which masks inadequate crisis planning to mitigate modern day risks, new research shows.

Armalytix, a fintech specialising in financial data solutions for compliance and affordability, has announced its strategic move into family law, aiming to streamline financial discovery processes for legal professionals. By offering bespoke tools and financial insights, Armalytix hopes to address key pain points in family law cases, making it easier and faster for lawyers to access the financial information they need.

The percentage of UK small business predicting growth for the final three-months of 2024 remains at the two-year high of last quarter (35%) – with significant upturns in growth forecasts across the North, the Midlands, and among younger businesses – according to new research from Novuna Business Finance.

Blecon has announced a $4.6M seed funding round, advancing its mission to unlock the full potential of Bluetooth Low Energy for IoT Connectivity.

Hiring international team members can help startups grow quickly and cost-effectively, but navigating international laws can be challenging and often leads to compliance mistakes. Many startups struggle with managing payments and onboarding, especially when using multiple tools, which increases the risk of errors. A lack of proper compliance processes can harm investor confidence and damage the startup's employer brand.

Research from Towergate Employee Benefits reveals that one in five employers (20%) anticipate a growing need for female-specific support, particularly for menopause-related issues. In light of World Menopause Day on 18th October, the organisation is urging businesses to assess how they can meet this rising demand and provide effective support for employees navigating menopause.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces warnings that the UK risks losing a significant number of owner-managed businesses if tax hikes are introduced in Labour’s upcoming Budget, according to new research commissioned by professional services firm Evelyn Partners.

Throughout my 20 years working in and around European startups, I've always looked to the UK market for inspiration, collaboration, and, of course, investment. At Ryte, we successfully raised funds from UK-based Octopus Ventures. Led by their partner Paul Davidson, we experienced firsthand the immense value that cross-border collaboration can bring.

Statistics show that first-time founders have an 18% success rate. To avoid failure, many new ventures focus heavily on customer feedback.

“Talent is the driving force behind tech.” Or so we are told. Yes, someone with the right skillset is critical when it comes to scaling up a startup. But, and I can’t stress this enough, so is their mindset. And that mindset is shaped by you. The leader. The co-founder or the CEO.

SKL.vc is set to debut its B2C Launch Camp, a programme designed to give aspiring entrepreneurs a risk-free environment to explore their business ideas without dipping into personal savings.

A mental health crisis is unfolding among young women. At wonderwork, an ethical marketing agency, we see the critical work that needs to be done within our industry to address the harmful narratives and unrealistic expectations that contribute to this crisis.

Heilbronn Slush'D, Germany's only official SLUSH offshoot, announces the first confirmed speakers and pitch competitions. Over 15 speakers from various industries are ready to share their insights. The event, taking place on October 24, 2024, offers an international platform for fostering and collaborating with startups, discovering innovative applications and business models, and networking within the ecosystem.

Canvas Offices, a leading provider of flexible workspaces in the UK, has announced its latest project in partnership with real estate powerhouse Hagag Group. Slated to open in spring 2025, this new development marks Canvas Offices’ largest undertaking yet, building on the success of their restored period property at 88 Kingsway, Holborn.