Cambridge University’s spinout and technology founders have contributed significantly to the UK retaining the #1 tech sector spot in Europe.

EU: Opening a company to external investment can increase its value by 6.5%, new research from Vlerick Business School has found. 

pH3 Capital Ventures has launched its Beyond Blue Accelerator programme to drive the blue green economy. This is the UK’s first funded accelerator providing investment for startups in the wider ports and maritime sector.

Finalrentals, a Cardiff-based global online car rental web-application business has secured the backing of a syndicate of four business angels led by lead investor Eamon Tuhami and venture capital company Fuel Ventures. The six-figure investment has been matched by the Development Bank of Wales’ Wales Angel Co-Investment Fund.

Eco-friendly clothing care business, Clothes Doctor, has secured £1million of investment to fuel growth of its business, as consumer demand increases for ways to maintain a sustainable wardrobe and prolong the life of loved fashion items. The investment, led by the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Investment Fund (CIOSIF), also saw Joanna Jensen, founder of Child’s Farm, Founders Factory, FSE Angel Network and existing private investors join the funding round. 

Rising losses from extreme weather are driving a global surge in investment in climate risk digital solutions, a new report from leading independent research and advisory firm Verdantix says.

Blackford Analysis, one of the leading strategic imaging Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform and solutions provider, has announced its acquisition by Bayer, a global life science company.

Hike SEO, a Leicestershire-based start-up, has raised £675,000 of funding in an investment round led by DSW Ventures with co-investment from incumbent investor, Jenson Funding Partners.

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Nigeria: Releaf, a technology company that makes it easier for consumer goods manufacturers in Africa to access high-quality ingredients for their factories, has raised $3.3 million in an oversubscribed Pre-Series A funding round. The new funding will support the launch of two new technologies: Kraken II - a portable version of its award-winning palm nut de-sheller and SITE - a geospatial mapping application that informs the most profitable positioning of food processing assets.

Invest Europe, the association representing Europe’s private equity, venture capital and infrastructure sectors, today launched a new microsite, the first in a series of initiatives to recognise the association’s support for the industry over the last 40 years, as well as the contribution of private equity and venture capital to Europe’s economy and society.

New research published today reveals that the UK’s class of small, fast-growing entrepreneurial businesses are looking to raise an average of £1.9 million in equity finance over the coming two years to fund their growth plans.

The study, commissioned by the Venture Capital Trust Association (VCTA), among 240 senior decision makers in charge of recently launched small businesses less than seven years old and employing up to 250 employees, reveals a strong appetite for growth despite the economic challenges facing the country.  An overwhelming majority (92%) of respondents said they are likely to consider raising equity through a Venture Capital Trust.