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• Lanistar CEO, Jeremy Baber, discusses the recruitment of Sir Gavin Williamson for his knowledge of Africa and future target regions.
• Lanistar is expanding into Latin America, specifically targeting Brazil, with plans to launch in Colombia and Argentina.
• The fintech is utilizing influencer marketing, with 1200 social media influencers promoting the brand, aiming to attract half a million customers.
• Lanistar aims to be eco-friendly, pledging to plant a tree for every new customer and offering virtual cards to align with customer values.

• Women in STEM are encouraged to apply for funding and mentoring through the ‘Call For Proposal’ launched by IHFC, Tech Innovation Hub of IIT Delhi, in collaboration with Google India and SheThePeople.
• The initiative aims to support women in STEM fields by providing them with opportunities to showcase their innovative ideas and receive necessary guidance and support for their projects.
• IHFC recognizes the importance of empowering women entrepreneurs in India’s startup ecosystem to contribute to economic advancement and success.

• VCs are hiring experts with investment banking expertise to help with exits as LPs seek returns
• Leading venture capital funds in India, such as Lightspeed, Accel, and Matrix Partners, have taken this approach
• Investors have expressed concerns about the lack of exit liquidity opportunities in India
• Professionals with investment banking backgrounds are being sought out over the past two years
• The move aims to address the challenge of exit liquidity in the Indian market

Understanding the Importance of VCs Exits Experts

Venture capital (VC) investments are crucial for the growth and success of startups. Read more

• Tech-first VCs like Nexus Venture Partners and Accel are investing in new-age consumer firms such as specialty coffee brand AbCoffee and fast fashion brand Newme
• Nexus Venture Partners is leading a $5 million funding round in AbCoffee and investing in lab-grown diamond maker Aukera
• Accel, known for investing in Flipkart, is closing a $12 million round in Newme
• The trend of tech-first VCs investing in new-age brands with affluent young customers is on the rise
• The appeal of these new-age consumer firms to tech-first VCs is driven by the potential for growth and the customer base they attract

Why Tech-first VCs are Flocking to New-age Consumer Brands

In a recent development in the venture capital landscape, tech-first VC Nexus Venture Partners is set to spearhead a $5 million funding round in AbCoffee, a specialty coffee brand. Read more

• UK tech funding roundup: This week’s deals from Monzo to Haiper
• Funding rounds for Monzo, Phagenesis, Haiper, and more in the UK tech industry
• Monzo offers digital banking services, Phagenesis focuses on treating swallowing dysfunction
• Haiper is a generative AI video startup, Wobble Genomics speeds up drug development
• Other startups like Fluent, Theia Insights, Cogna, and Gridcog receive funding in various sectors

Monzo Secures Late VC Funding

In the latest UK tech funding roundup, digital banking giant Monzo made headlines by securing late VC funding from top investors such as CapitalG, Google Ventures, Passion Capital, Tencent, and HongShan Capital. Read more

• Construction tech startup BRKZ raises USD8 million in Series A funding led by 9900 and BECO Capital
• Founded by Ibrahim Manna, BRKZ specializes in materials procurement for construction projects, aiming to digitize procurement processes
• BRKZ has facilitated over $170 million in quotations to date, addressing industry challenges such as fragmented supply chains
• The funding round brings BRKZ’s total raised capital to $13.55 million, with plans to enhance capabilities and expand across Saudi Arabia
• Investors express confidence in BRKZ’s potential to drive positive change within the MENA construction sector

Revolutionizing Construction Procurement: BRKZ Secures $8 Million in Series A Funding

In the realm of construction technology startups, one name is making waves with its innovative approach to materials procurement. Read more

• Saudi Tech funding is increasing with a recent $130 million fundraising by a Saudi technology company.
• The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is diversifying away from oil, focusing on technology and e-commerce sectors.
• Countries should support domestic talent and provide incentives for industries to grow and integrate globally.
• Pakistan should encourage IT firms to list on the stock exchange for visibility, tax benefits, and credibility.

• Treasury management’s tech-driven evolution is highlighted by funding rounds and partnerships, emphasizing the shift towards platforms and embedded solutions.
• Treasurers’ roles are evolving to include risk management and strategic decision-making, with technology playing a crucial enabling role.
• Recent funding rounds, such as Embat’s 14.7 million euros Series A and Treasury4’s $20 million Series A, showcase the focus on real-time treasury management and global cash management.

• Record funding in healthtech women-led startups sets agenda for founders
• African women-led healthtech companies saw significant increase in funding in 2023
• Maisha Meds, Kasha, Dawi Clinics, and Chefaa raised $52 million, leading to 2,000% funding growth
• Kasha’s $21 million Series B funding was the largest ever in a woman-led health tech company in Africa
• Women-led startups raised just above $200 million in 2023, marking a +7% growth from the previous year

Women-Led Healthtech Startups Making Strides in Funding Landscape

Record Funding for Women-Led Healthtech Startups

In a groundbreaking shift within the tech startup ecosystem, women-led healthtech companies have begun to emerge from the shadows of underfunding, setting a new agenda for founders in the industry. Read more

• Suas Aerospace seeks €5m funding for Irish spaceport development
• Aiming for operational spaceport by 2027, projecting €70m annual revenue
• Identified Ireland as suitable for spaceport based on feasibility study
• Plans for world-class facility capable of 48 launches annually
• Long-term vision includes aeronautical facility with launchpads and visitor center

Suas Aerospace Seeks €5m Funding to Build an Irish Spaceport

Suas Aerospace, a promising Irish start-up, has set its sights on constructing an Irish spaceport by 2027. Read more

• A new health tech fund, the Special Opportunities Fund, has been launched to invest in impactful innovations.
• The fund’s first investment is in Braingaze, a tool that uses eye tracking to diagnose ADHD quickly and enable drug-free treatment.
• The fund is a collaboration between charity Future Care Capital and investment fund manager RYSE Asset Management.
• The goal of the fund is to support early-stage companies that can address challenges in healthcare delivery systems and improve patient outcomes.

• MyCaptain, an ed-tech startup, secures INR 14 Crore funding from investors like Inflection Point Ventures, MyNavi, Piper Serica, Super Capital, and Ankur Capital.
• The funding will support MyCaptain’s strategic growth plans, including expanding hybrid programs into diverse cities and enriching course offerings to reach a milestone of 50+ beginner courses and 5+ placement readiness programs.
• MyCaptain aims to address the gap in modern professional skills education, offering courses in areas like Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics, and Digital Marketing.

• African tech future: A new R1bn VC fund, Conducive Capital, aims to shape the future of African tech by investing in South African and African tech start-ups.
• Diversity focus: The fund aims to increase diversity in the early and growth stage investment sector and develop the next generation of black woman venture capitalists.
• Founding partners: Clive Butkow, founder of Kalon Venture Partners, and Mitchan Adams, co-founder of Ozow, lead the fund with a track record of successful early-stage investments.

• Female founders face stark funding disparities, receiving notably less venture capital compared to male counterparts
• Gender bias influences funding decisions, with women often facing skepticism and higher scrutiny
• Access to influential networks is crucial for securing funding, but women encounter barriers in male-dominated networks
• Underrepresentation of women in venture capital firms contributes to the funding gap and perpetuates biases
• Investors perceive ventures led by women as riskier investments, hindering funding allocations

Unveiling the Funding Disparity: Female Founders in the Tech World

In the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, securing venture capital funding remains a pivotal milestone for startups striving to scale and succeed. Read more

• Industry leaders critique UK government’s £100m AI funding boost for lack of specifics
• Budget aims to position UK as AI innovation ecosystem but faces scrutiny for not addressing critical areas
• UK government commits to doubling investment in AI and data science to become global technology superpower
• Microsoft’s £2.5bn investment and PM’s AI Safety Summit show UK’s efforts to lead in AI development
• Concerns raised by tech sector about budget’s effectiveness in fostering AI growth, emphasizing need for infrastructure investment

Industry Leaders Critique UK’s £100m AI Funding Boost

In a recent development, the UK government’s allocation of a £100m funding boost for AI through the Alan Turing Institute over the next five years has come under scrutiny from industry leaders for its lack of specifics and detailed plans to propel the AI sector forward. Read more

• Strive EU Innovation Fund aims to help small businesses through digital tech
• Investment in Irish SMEs reached record levels but fell by 16% in the last quarter
• Strive EU Innovation Fund offers equity-free grants of up to €500,000 for digital solutions
• Projects eligible for the fund should focus on key areas like cybersecurity and AI integration
• Dalal emphasizes the importance of digital technology in empowering small businesses and narrowing economic divides

Unlocking Working Capital and Credit through Embedded Finance

In today’s fast-paced business world, access to working capital and credit is crucial for the growth and sustainability of small businesses. Read more

• Firewall secures first funding to reinvent blockchain security with innovative rollup technology
• Rollup technology and programmable transaction finalization rules to combat smart contract exploits
• Firewall’s cutting-edge firewall solution tailored for blockchain networks
• Introduction of “proof-of-exploit” consensus mechanism for enhanced security
• Significance of funding extends beyond technological advancement, emphasizing collective security priority

Reinventing Blockchain Security with Firewall’s Innovative Rollup Technology

Blockchain security has long been a concern in the realm of digital transactions, with smart contract exploits posing a significant threat to the integrity of these systems. Read more

• SeedBlink’s Andrei Dudoiu predicts a surge in tech startup funding in 2024 due to declining inflation and interest rates.
• 2023 saw a significant decline in tech startup funding, attributed to rising interest rates caused by geopolitical tensions.
• Dudoiu highlights the resilience of some startups in 2023, reaching break-even points and establishing stronger operational frameworks.
• Optimism for 2024 is based on global monetary policy adjustments, a return of venture capital investment, and positive stock market developments.

• Social media startup Hunch secures $23 million in funding from Alpha Wave and other investors
• Valuation of the funding round remains undisclosed
• Hunch operates a social media app allowing users to engage in anonymous conversations and polls
• Recent news covers topics such as internet infrastructure resilience, banking controversies, and cryptocurrency trends
• Subscription options for accessing full stories and exclusive content are available on the platform

Social Media Startup Hunch Secures $23 Million in Funding

In the fast-paced world of technology and startups, securing funding is a significant milestone, and that’s exactly what social media startup Hunch has achieved. Read more

• UK Space Agency announces £160M funding for satellite tech innovations in C-LEO programme
• Funding aims to revolutionize satellite communications with cutting-edge technology
• Initiative supports development of smarter satellites with AI for faster data delivery
• Focus on enhancing global connectivity and positioning UK as a leader in satellite communications
• Investment not only in technology but also in the future of UK space sector’s workforce and research community

Revolutionizing Satellite Communications with £160M Funding

The UK Space Agency has made a groundbreaking announcement with the launch of the Connectivity in Low-Earth Orbit (C-LEO) programme, which aims to transform the landscape of satellite communications with a substantial investment of up to £160 million over the next four years. Read more

• Propense.ai secures funding to revolutionize professional services with AI-powered cross-selling
• Platform combines AI technology and insights into user psychology to transform the sales experience
• Aims to streamline sales process for accounting and legal professionals with cross-selling recommendations
• Addresses challenge of educating teams on offering new services by predicting client needs
• Focus on interplay between AI technology and human behavior to empower professionals in cross-selling scenarios

Propense.ai

• UK Government approves £37.3 million funding for mobile phone technology in Nigeria and other developing countries
• Funding aims to help more people access mobile and digital technologies to improve livelihoods
• Programme, in partnership with GSMA and private sector, focuses on women, climate change, and innovative solutions
• Previous UK funding initiatives have benefited millions, including digital hub in Pakistan and digital skills training in Uganda
• Partnership between FCDO and GSMA aims to drive socio-economic impact through digital innovation, benefiting over 127 million people

UK Funding Boosts Mobile Phone Technology in Nigeria and Developing Countries

Mobile phone technology continues to be a driving force in transforming lives and creating opportunities, especially in developing countries like Nigeria. Read more

• Dutch chip startups received 216 million euros in venture capital funding in 2023, marking the fifth consecutive year of growth.
• The report by Techleap highlighted the increasing recognition of chip equipment maker ASML as Europe’s largest tech firm.
• Semiconductors are identified as a bright spot in the Dutch startup landscape.
• The funding growth was driven by the success and prominence of ASML in the tech industry.

• Theia Insights, a Cambridge-based deep tech start-up, has raised $6.5M for foundational AI in global investment.
• US venture capital is investing in innovative UK technology companies like Theia Insights.
• The company’s solutions incorporate AI, NLP, LLM, and advanced financial mathematics.
• Founder Dr. Ye Tian aims to provide clarity in investment decisions amidst data overflow.
• Theia Insights collaborates with industry giants to develop technologies for portfolio analysis and risk management.

• Hack2Skill secures $1M in funding led by Recur Club and String Ventures
• Platform aims to revolutionize hackathon organization for communities and corporations
• Tools offered streamline registration, team matchmaking, event coordination, and communication
• Focus on enabling developers to enhance skills, work on projects, and receive rewards
• Investment expected to fuel platform development and community expansion

Hack2Skill Secures $1M in Funding

In a significant development for the tech community, Hack2Skill, the brainchild of Samkit Sharma, has successfully secured $1 million in funding to bolster its mission of revolutionizing hackathon organization. Read more

• Tech startup funding expected to improve in 2024 after a challenging 2023
• Factors driving the change include declining inflation and interest rates, return of venture capital investment, and positive developments in global stock markets
• Some projects survived 2023, leading to more mature and healthier businesses poised for growth with funding
• AI, defense industry innovation, and blockchain technology are highlighted as promising sectors for investment
• Verticals like remote working solutions may see stagnation or decline due to existing market winners and mainstream solutions

Tech Startup Funding Set to Rebound in 2024

In a recent analysis, Andrei Dudoiu, co-founder and managing partner of SeedBlink, expressed optimism about the tech startup funding landscape in 2024. Read more

• Louisa AI secures $5M in seed funding to revolutionize professional networking with AI, aiming to transform B2B SaaS partnerships.
• Founded by Rohan Doctor, Louisa AI began as an idea at Goldman Sachs to systematize fortuitous professional encounters through AI, now operating independently.
• The platform attracts support from investors like Oxford University’s investment arms, venture capitalists, and ex-Goldman Sachs partners, with a diverse group participating in the seed funding round.

• Theia Insights secures Series A funding to revolutionize the $100 trillion investment industry with AI, backed by Unusual Ventures, Fidelity, and Clocktower Ventures.
• Founded by Ye Tian, Theia Insights combines AI, machine learning, and natural language processing to transform investment technologies.
• The team includes professionals from prestigious institutions like Nasdaq and UC Berkeley, focusing on dynamic industry classification and portfolio analysis tools.

• Qumra Capital pioneers a $1 billion late-stage fund for Israeli tech companies
• Focus on scaling Israeli tech globally to navigate economic challenges
• Portfolio companies like Axonius secure significant late-stage funding and achieve high valuations
• Israeli scale-ups demonstrate resilience with global sales and diverse workforce
• Qumra’s strategic investments drive innovation, growth, and global integration in the tech ecosystem

Qumra Capital: Driving Israeli Tech Success

In the realm of global tech investments, one name stands out as a beacon of resilience and innovation: Qumra Capital. Read more

• Rural commerce startup Rozana secures $22.5 million funding from Bertelsmann and others
• Rozana operates in 12,000 villages through a hyperlocal model with 18,000 peer partners for last-mile delivery
• Funding will be utilized to enhance the technology platform and expand into new districts
• Paytm Bank’s ex-ID Manju Agarwal criticized for selective resignation from CMS Info
• Fake-drugs racket in Uttarakhand busted, originating from south India

Rural Commerce Startup Rozana Raises $22.5 Million in Funding

Rozana, a promising rural commerce startup, has recently secured a significant investment of $22.5 million from Bertelsmann and other investors. Read more