Poplar has closed a $2.1million investment, led by Fuel Ventures, to push its ambition to become the world’s leading augmented reality (AR) creative platform. This seed round, which sees Haatch Ventures, Ascension Ventures and Super Ventures also invest, will help Poplar deliver on-demand creation of premium AR and 3D experiences to accommodate the growing demand for branded AR campaigns. Since the pandemic lockdown in March, AR engagement has spiked by 19% as consumers turn to social, web and mobile for alternative ways to engage with retailers and brands.

Caerphilly based X4 Software Limited has secured follow-on investment of £175,000 from the Development Bank of Wales and the backing of business angel investors.  X4 Software trades as SourceMogul. Introduced by Angels Invest Wales, David James is the latest investor to support the business. He previously led Hudman Solutions, an award winning software development business, through two funding rounds as an investor and Managing Director before successfully selling to Advanced in 2017.

The Silicon Valley Bank’s Future of Robotics Report, which looks at emerging topics in the industry, including VC appetite for robotics, how automation affects the labour market and the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic might have on the next wave of automation, has been published.

The value of venture capital raised by UK companies rose to its highest first quarter total on record according to research from Refinitiv. UK companies raised £2.1bn from 137 deals in the first three months of 2020 – up from the £1.9bn in Q1 2019 from 135 deals. This represents a 13% rise in value and a 1% rise in volume year on year. Deal value was also slightly down from the last three months of 2019 which saw £2.4bn raised from 132 deals.

Fintech investment in the UK has exploded by 500% in the last three years, compared to 170% for the USA and 133% for Europe according to a new report released this week from global recruiter Robert Walters and market analysis experts Vacancy Soft – Fintech: Challenger to Competitor.

Red Rock Power Limited, a renewable and sustainable energy company, has selected Greenbyte’s smart data platform to enhance its monitoring capabilities 

Jenson Funding Partners have completed an investment in eTEU Technologies Ltd, which is a technology platform that aims to improve efficiency of supply chain management for SMEs as well as to decrease administrative expenses in the maritime logistics industry.

Prism Corporate Broking has advised the shareholders of Orion Future Technology Ltd (Orion FT) on its sale to the Milbank Group Ltd.

Guernsey, a leading global centre in green and sustainable finance, is hosting an array of international speakers for its first Sustainable Finance Week in June.

Sarissa Biomedical , a Coventry-based biotech business has raised £1.2m for a new hand-held device that allows paramedics and emergency doctors to quickly diagnose patients who are having a stroke.  Sarissa Biomedical has secured funds from a consortium of investors including the MEIF Proof of Concept & Early Stage Fund, which is managed by Mercia and part of the Midlands Engine Investment Fund, Mercia’s EIS funds, and private investors including Wren Capital and the Wood Family.

Blackfinch has invested c.£550k in Poole-based company Spotless Water, founded in 2016. The company offers the UK's first and only network of self-service, pure-water filling stations, available 24/7. It has nearly 40 stations situated across the UK. A key target is to increase this to 450 stations over the next three years as well as expanding into the US.  

New tech roles in banks has increased by a staggering +46% in the last three years – making traditional banks the most prominent recruiter for tech professionals.