Julie Cunningham, Founder and CEO of Portend considers how investors can harness technology to keep on top of their portfolios.

Shuffle, a start-up hospitality investment platform, is committed to investing an initial £2.5 million into Manchester’s hospitality industry to fuel the continued growth of some of the city's most successful businesses.

New data released by the ONS has revealed, indicatively, that the total spend on research and development (R&D) across the UK reduced from 2.81% of GDP in 2021 to 2.77% of GDP in 2022. The level of investment dropped by 0.11%, an £80 million reduction in real terms between 2021 and 2022

British Business Bank has commited a record £2.3bn in smaller business finance to the market in 2023/24, but reports unrealised loss due to short-term fall in valuations.   2023 activities are expected to create close to 40,000 additional jobs and £8.4bn of gross value added.

Following a recent investment round of £1.5 million, Boundless has secured its position as the UK’s Number One Gut Health Bagged Snack. This successful raise comes from notable industry investors, including Graze co-founder Ben Jones and ex-Head of M&S Food. Despite the challenging landscape for female-led businesses in the UK, Boundless’ latest raise puts Founder & CEO Cathy Moseley in the top 10% of FMCG female founders.

LCR Angel Network, the prominent angel investment network operating in the Liverpool City Region, has rebranded to Gateway Angels.

The new name and brand identity reflect the organisation's vision to provide the gateway for angel investors seeking high-potential investment opportunities in the region's start-up ecosystem.

Founded in 2017 as the first network of Angel Investors in Liverpool City Region, Gateway Angels will continue to be supported by major regional eco-system player MSIF under its new brand, providing operational resources and strategic guidance to drive the network's growth and success.

Fundmypitch has announced the appointment of David Hall, Executive Chair of private equity group YFM, as their new Non-Executive Director.

New analysis from the O3 platform, an AI-powered venture classification platform developed by the University of Oxford and OpenOcean, has revealed surprising insights into the UK's AI startup funding landscape. 

Caerphilly-based SPORTTAPE is gearing-up for global growth following a £1 million investment by the Development Bank of Wales.

Deeptech Labs, a specialist in catalysing cutting-edge early stage deep tech companies and building regional ecosystems, has announced a partnership with British Business Investments' Regional Angels Programme. This collaboration will fuel strategic investment into the most promising UK deep tech startups, with a focus on commercialising breakthrough science for economic growth and social impact. The funding of £10m will be allocated to invest alongside Deeptech Labs’ existing and growing portfolio.

Sofia, Bulgaria: Nasekomo, the leading biotech innovator dedicated to advancing the insect industry, has announced an upgrade to its neonate delivery service for Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly, BSF) newborn larvae. This enhancement introduces a groundbreaking suspension technology, significantly improving the efficiency and reliability of insect-based protein production.

South East Angels, a prominent angel investment group, has been honoured with the ‘Most Active Investor in the Regions’ award at the UK Business Angel Association (UKBAA) awards ceremony. The event took place in early July at the Science Museum in London, recognising outstanding achievements in the angel investment community.