The team behind Scotland’s flagship event for business founders and investors has launched a survey to try and establish clarity around the state of the investment landscape in Scotland.

Global digital video consumption grew 24% in the previous year, according to a recent report [1], and now accounts for 82% of all Internet traffic according to Cisco [3]. Meanwhile, investment in artificial intelligence also grew at an exponential rate, from 11% of VC funding dollars in 2022, to 26% in 2023 [2]. However, the majority of AI research continues to be confined to written inputs and outputs.

London startup, Koalaa, whose world-first soft prosthetic arms are aiding independence for individuals with limb differences around the world, has closed a funding round of $1.2 million (£925,000).  The round was initiated by existing investor British Design Fund and includes £200,000 secured from the Imperial College Enterprise Fund II (ICEF), which invests in startup companies that have a strong connection to the University.  Business angels also took part in the round. The funds raised in this round, which started in July 2022, are being used to expand Koalaa’s business internationally.

Clue Software, a provider of software for investigations and intelligence management, has raised £4 million led by Frog Capital, with £1 million coming from angel investors and employees, supported by investment advisor ScaleUp Group. Founded by Clare Elford (CEO), and Thomas Drohan (CCO), the tech for good platform has grown exponentially despite challenging UK market conditions for tech investment.

Algor Education has received investment from the Investors Club.

London-based startup AudioStack has raised a £2.5 million pre-Series A round led by Quadri Ventures to revolutionize large scale audio production for enterprises through Artificial Intelligence.

Manchester-based The Insights Family, a global leader in kids, parents, and family market intelligence, has announced a significant £5.6 million investment round led by BGF – one of the largest and most experienced growth capital investors in the UK and Ireland.

BGF has invested £5 million in the business, with additional participation from DSW Ventures, – the venture capital arm of Dow Schofield Watts, marking a pivotal step for The Insights Family.

SQCDP, a Newcastle-based SaaS startup, has successfully raised £200k to increase manufacturing efficiencies and support workforce engagement by removing problem paper systems in factories. The £200k funding is part of a wider pre-seed funding round which is still being raised.

Dorset Business Angels received 27 expressions of interest from investors at their most recent angel investing pitch event held at the Bournemouth Carlton Hotel on Monday evening.

PulmoBioMed  - a Northumbria University spin-out which has developed a new lung test that could lead to earlier diagnosis of asthma and other conditions - has raised £1.4m to help commercialise its technology and target the US market.  The investment round was led by the North East Venture Fund, supported by the European Regional Development Fund and managed by Mercia Ventures, and included Northumbria University, SFC Capital and private investors in the USA, EU and UK. The company has also secured a £700,000 grant from Innovate UK to help it demonstrate the benefits of its technology.

Northern Ireland science and technology hub Catalyst has appointed Pauline Timoney as its new Head of Entrepreneurship.

London-based angel syndicate, Veridian Ventures, completed a £150,000 investment in Maji, “a market leading financial wellbeing and open finance platform that educates and coaches employees to build their financial resilience, confidence and ability to save for the future”. This investment forms part of Maji’s £500,000 seed funding round, demonstrating Veridian Ventures’ commitment to supporting innovative ventures tackling challenges like financial stress and lack of financial literacy.