Recent Fundraisers

Europe’s 10 Fastest-Growing Fintechs by Revenue Introduction In the dynamic world of fintech, innovation and rapid growth are paramount. Europe, a burgeoning hub for financial technology, is home to a plethora of startups disrupting traditional financial services. This article delves into the continent's top ten fastest-growing fintech companies by revenue, offering insights into their meteoric rise and what it signifies for the broader ecosystem. Main Body Leading the Charge Europe's fintech landscape is defined by companies that are not only increasing their revenue but also transforming the way financial services are delivered. These startups leverage cutting-edg…

Revolut Hits Record Profits as It Gears Up for Expansion In a remarkable turn of events, Revolut, the digital banking giant, has reported record profits, setting the stage for ambitious expansion plans. This development marks a significant milestone for the fintech company, which has rapidly evolved from a startup to a global player in the financial services sector. A Digital Banking Success Story Founded in 2015, Revolut has quickly ascended the ranks of digital banking, offering services that range from currency exchange to cryptocurrency trading. With its user-friendly interface and competitive fees, the platform has attracted millions of users worldwide. This late…

Norway's Lace Lithography Secures €34.5 Million to Revolutionize Chip Manufacturing with Atom Lithography In a significant stride toward redefining the future of chip production, Bergen-based startup Lace Lithography has successfully raised €34.5 million in a Series A funding round. This investment aims to propel the company's mission to extend Moore's Law by transitioning from traditional photolithography to innovative atom lithography. The funding round was led by Atomico, with participation from notable investors such as M12 (Microsoft's Venture Fund), Linse Capital, SETT, and Nysnø, alongside existing backers Vsquared Ventures, Future Ventures, and Runa Capital. Sinc…

If You Don't Fill Your Roles, You're Simply Missing Out': The Data Behind Europe’s Talent Gap Engaging Introduction In the fast-paced world of startups, the ability to attract and retain top talent can make or break a company. Yet, a significant talent gap is plaguing Europe, threatening to stifle innovation and growth. This shortage is not just a hurdle for hiring managers; it's a critical issue that could impede the continent's burgeoning startup ecosystem. As competition for skilled professionals intensifies, understanding the dynamics of Europe's talent gap has never been more crucial. Main Body Europe's startup scene is flourishing, with cities like Berlin, Lond…

New Female-Led VC Firm VitaminºC Hits First Close of its €18 Million Debut Climate Fund Amid Sector Funding Decline In a bold move against the backdrop of a slowing climate tech funding landscape, VitaminºC, a female-led venture capital firm, has announced the first close of its €18 million ($20 million) debut early-stage climate fund. This innovative firm, with bases in Zurich and San Francisco, is spearheaded by founders Nathalie Moral and Sophie Lamparter. Their mission? To rewire climate venture capital and capitalize on untapped opportunities in climate tech, even as others retreat. A New Force in Climate Venture Capital VitaminºC's strategic approach is to serve…

UK Soonicorns to Watch In the vibrant landscape of UK startups, a new breed of companies is emerging with the potential to become the next unicorns. These "soonicorns" are early-stage firms demonstrating rapid growth, innovative solutions, and significant market potential. As they capture the attention of investors and industry watchers alike, these companies are poised to make a substantial impact on the UK’s economic future. The Rise of UK Soonicorns The UK has long been a fertile ground for startups, with a robust ecosystem supporting innovation and entrepreneurship. The term "soonicorn" refers to startups that are on the cusp of achieving a billion-dollar valuatio…

Did Robotics Spinout Rivr Sell to Amazon Too Early? In the rapidly evolving world of robotics, timing can be everything. For Rivr, a promising robotics spinout, the decision to sell to Amazon has raised eyebrows across the startup ecosystem. Did Rivr make a strategic move, or did they cash in too soon? The Rise of Rivr Rivr emerged from the bustling innovation hub of Silicon Valley, quickly gaining traction with its cutting-edge robotics solutions. Known for developing autonomous systems that promised to revolutionize warehouse operations, Rivr garnered attention from major industry players and venture capitalists alike. Their technology, which combined advanced AI wi…

Oxford Spinout Raises Funding to Tackle Long-Term Memory Challenges in Robotics In a groundbreaking development for the robotics sector, an Oxford University spinout has secured significant investment from Amadeus Capital Partners and Oxford Science Enterprises (OSE). This funding round aims to address the persistent challenge of long-term memory in robotics, a critical barrier in the quest for more autonomous and intelligent machines. As robotics continues to transform industries, the ability to enhance machine memory is pivotal for advancing capabilities and applications. Introduction The spinout, born from Oxford's rich tradition of innovation, is poised to revolut…

‘Build Code, Not Tax’: Mistral CEO Sparks Backlash with AI Copyright Proposals Engaging Introduction In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, few topics stir as much debate as intellectual property rights. Recently, Mistral CEO’s controversial stance on AI copyright has ignited a heated discussion across the tech ecosystem. As AI continues to reshape industries, understanding the balance between innovation and regulation becomes crucial for startups navigating this landscape. Main Body The Controversy Mistral’s CEO recently proposed a series of changes aimed at redefining copyright laws concerning AI-generated content. Dubbed "Build Code, Not Tax," …

Italy’s Foreverland Secures €6 Million to Expand Its Cocoa-Free Chocolate Across Europe Introduction In the ever-evolving landscape of food technology, innovation often emerges from unexpected places. Foreverland, a burgeoning FoodTech startup rooted in Milan and Puglia, has captured attention with its groundbreaking approach to chocolate production. Recently, the company announced a significant milestone—a €6 million funding round aimed at amplifying the European reach of its cocoa-free chocolate alternative, Choruba. This strategic move positions Foreverland as a pioneer in sustainable confectionery solutions. Main Body Founded in 2022 by a visionary team includi…

British HealthTech JAAQ Closes €15 Million Series A to Grow Enterprise Partnerships In a significant stride for digital health innovation, London-based JAAQ has successfully secured a €15 million Series A funding round. This pivotal investment marks a new chapter for JAAQ as it seeks to enhance its enterprise partnerships and expand its presence in the US market. The funding round saw participation from notable investors such as Meridian Health Ventures, Fuel Ventures, Bolt Angels, and Guinness Ventures, with Alex Packham stepping in as CEO. Revolutionizing Mental Health Engagement JAAQ, established in 2021, has carved a niche in the digital health landscape with its …

German Startup Interloom Lands €14.2 Million Seed Funding for AI Agent Knowledge Infrastructure Introduction In a significant development for the enterprise AI landscape, Munich-based startup Interloom has successfully secured €14.2 million in Seed funding. This promising round was led by DN Capital, with Bek Ventures and existing investor Air Street Capital also participating. Interloom is poised to revolutionize the way companies leverage AI by transforming expert knowledge into a lasting memory for AI agents, a critical component for effective automation. Main Body Interloom's innovative approach addresses a pressing challenge in the AI sector: the lack of conte…

Inside the Multi-Million-Dollar Underground Quantum Lab in the Heart of Paris In the bustling heart of Paris, beneath its historic streets, a groundbreaking innovation hub is taking shape. This isn't just any tech lab—it's a multi-million-dollar underground facility dedicated to the burgeoning field of quantum computing. This subterranean lab is poised to be a game-changer, not only for the city but for the global tech ecosystem. Engaging Introduction Nestled in an undisclosed location, this state-of-the-art lab represents a significant investment in the future of quantum technology. Quantum computing, often hailed as the next frontier in computing, leverages the princip…

French VC 360 Capital Launches Poli360 2 with €85 Million to Back European DeepTech Startups Engaging Introduction In a significant move for Europe's burgeoning DeepTech sector, Paris-based venture capital firm 360 Capital has announced the first closing of its new fund, Poli360 2, securing €85 million. This fund, with a target size of €100 million, is dedicated to fueling the growth of early-stage DeepTech startups across Europe. With €700 million in assets under management, 360 Capital is poised to make a substantial impact on the technological landscape. Main Body Poli360 2 draws support from a diverse array of investors, including the European Investment Fund (EI…

The Top Investors Behind Sifted's UK & Ireland Leaderboard In the dynamic world of startups, investors play a pivotal role in shaping the future landscape of innovation. Sifted's UK & Ireland leaderboard has spotlighted the top investors making waves in the region, offering a glimpse into the minds and wallets fueling the next generation of groundbreaking companies. As the startup ecosystem continues to thrive, understanding who these key players are and their investment strategies can provide invaluable insights for founders and entrepreneurs seeking to navigate this competitive arena. Unveiling the Leaders Sifted’s leaderboard ranks investors based on their impact, in…

Politicians are Flirting with Founders but Need to Commit In the evolving landscape of innovation and entrepreneurship, a new dynamic is unfolding: the budding relationship between politicians and startup founders. As governments recognize the critical role startups play in driving economic growth and job creation, political figures are increasingly engaging with the entrepreneurial community. Yet, while these initial overtures are promising, more substantial commitments are necessary to truly foster an environment where startups can thrive. Political Courtship of Startups Over the past few years, we've seen a growing trend of politicians reaching out to the startup e…

Exclusive: Air Defence Startup Egide Raises €8M Seed Round In a significant development for the defence technology sector, Egide, a promising air defence startup, has successfully secured €8 million in a seed funding round. This investment marks a crucial step in Egide's mission to revolutionize air defence systems with cutting-edge technology, potentially reshaping how nations approach aerial security. A New Era in Air Defence Founded by a team of experienced aerospace engineers and defence experts, Egide aims to address the growing challenges posed by modern aerial threats. As drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) become increasingly prevalent in both commercia…

Meet the 25 Startups Selected for UK’s Future Fifty Growth Programme In the dynamic world of startups, recognition can be a game-changer. The UK’s Future Fifty growth programme has recently unveiled its latest cohort of 25 promising startups poised to make significant waves in their respective industries. This prestigious programme, known for spotlighting high-growth companies, offers invaluable support and resources to help these startups scale and succeed. A Prestigious Launchpad for Growth The Future Fifty programme, initiated by Tech Nation, is designed to identify and accelerate the UK’s most promising late-stage tech companies. Participation in this programme is…

French-Italian VC 360 Capital Secures €85M for Deeptech Fund Backed by European Defence Prime In a bold move to propel European innovation, French-Italian venture capital firm 360 Capital has successfully raised €85 million for its deeptech fund, marking a significant milestone in the region's startup ecosystem. The fund, which has garnered substantial backing from a leading European defence prime, aims to fuel the next wave of technological advancements across Europe. The Rise of Deeptech Investment Deeptech, characterized by its focus on cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and quantum computing, is increasingly capturing the attentio…

Air Street Capital Closes $232M Solo GP Fund — Europe’s Largest In a significant development for the European venture capital landscape, Air Street Capital has announced the closing of a $232 million solo General Partner (GP) fund. This milestone marks Europe’s largest fund of its kind, underscoring the growing influence and ambition of solo GP-led initiatives in the region. A New Era for European Venture Capital As the startup ecosystem in Europe continues to mature, Air Street Capital’s latest achievement signals a shift in how venture capital is being mobilized. Solo GP funds, managed by a single general partner, are gaining traction as an agile and focused alterna…

Inside WONE’s AI Performance Coach: Optimising for Human Potential, Not Efficiency Engaging Introduction In the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, startups are pioneering solutions that redefine how we approach human potential. WONE, an emerging player in this space, is challenging the conventional wisdom that AI should prioritize efficiency above all else. Their innovative AI performance coach focuses on optimizing human potential, offering a fresh perspective on personal and professional growth. Main Body WONE's AI performance coach stands apart by prioritizing human development rather than simply streamlining processes. This groundbreaking approac…

Ex-Google Moonshot X Advisor Launches €50 Million Cloudberry Ventures DeepTech Fund Amid “SaaSpocalypse” Engaging Introduction In a bold move set to shake up the European DeepTech landscape, Mahir Sahin, a former senior executive at Google and ex-lead advisor at Alphabet's Moonshot X Factory, has announced the launch of a €50 million fund through his London-based venture firm, Cloudberry Ventures. As the tech world grapples with what Sahin calls the “SaaSpocalypse,” this fund aims to address critical challenges in AI and computing infrastructure, paving the way for sustainable technological advancement. Main Body Cloudberry Ventures’ new fund is strategically targeti…

Funding Rounds Are Getting Crowded In the fast-paced world of startups, securing funding is a crucial milestone that can dictate a company's trajectory. However, the landscape of funding rounds is evolving rapidly, with a noticeable shift towards crowded investment rounds. This trend is reshaping how startups and investors approach capital infusion. The Rise of Crowded Funding Rounds In recent years, the dynamics of startup funding have undergone significant changes. Traditionally, funding rounds were characterized by a handful of key investors leading the charge. Today, however, it's not uncommon to see a multitude of investors participating in a single round. This s…

UK’s Flexzo AI Raises €10.3 Million to Revolutionize Healthcare Workforce Management In a bold move to transform how healthcare systems manage their workforce, UK-based startup Flexzo AI has successfully secured €10.3 million ($12 million) in a Series A funding round. This significant investment aims to drive the adoption of Flexzo's innovative agentic AI solutions across NHS Trusts and expand its reach into the United States. A New Era in Healthcare Workforce Management The funding round, led by Octopus Ventures with participation from Fuel Ventures, marks a pivotal moment for Flexzo AI. As part of this investment, Uthish Ranjan from Octopus Ventures and Shiv Patel f…

Amazon Acquires ETH Robotics Spinout Rivr In a strategic move that underscores its continued investment in advanced technologies, Amazon has announced the acquisition of Rivr, a promising robotics startup spun out of ETH Zurich. This acquisition highlights Amazon's relentless pursuit of innovation and its commitment to enhancing its capabilities in automation and robotics. A Strategic Acquisition Amazon's acquisition of Rivr is not merely a transaction but a strategic maneuver that aligns with its broader goals in the e-commerce and logistics sectors. Rivr, an ETH Zurich spinout, has been at the forefront of developing cutting-edge robotics solutions designed to strea…

Dutch AgTech Startup BBLeap Secures €5 Million to Scale Precision Spraying Technology Globally In a significant boost to sustainable agriculture, Dutch AgTech startup BBLeap has successfully closed a €5 million investment round. This funding milestone marks a pivotal step for the Netherlands-based company, renowned for its high-precision spraying technology designed to revolutionize farming practices worldwide. Transforming Agriculture with Precision Founded in 2019 by visionary entrepreneurs Peter Millenaar, Martijn van Alphen, and Rieks Kampman, BBLeap aims to transform the agricultural landscape. The company’s groundbreaking technology offers centimeter-level accuracy…

Warsaw’s Montis VC Hits €50 Million First Close for New Fund Focused on AI-Driven Energy and Industrial Innovation In a significant development for the European startup ecosystem, Warsaw-based investment firm Montis VC has announced the first close of its latest venture capital fund, securing an impressive €50 million. This fund is dedicated to nurturing the next wave of energy and industrial tech startups across Europe, with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence applications. As the world pivots towards sustainable and efficient energy solutions, Montis VC is positioning itself at the forefront of this transformation. Engaging Introduction Montis VC's new fun…

12 Defence Startups to Watch in 2026, According to VCs In the rapidly evolving landscape of defense technology, startups are playing an increasingly pivotal role. Venture capitalists are keeping a keen eye on this sector, recognizing the potential for innovation that can redefine national security. With 2026 on the horizon, here are 12 defense startups that VCs believe will make significant impacts. A New Era of Defense Innovation As geopolitical tensions rise and technological advancements accelerate, the defense sector is experiencing a transformative shift. Startups are at the forefront, driving innovations that range from cybersecurity to autonomous systems. This …

Key Takeaways from Sifted’s UK & Ireland Leaderboard: Faster Execution, Smaller ‘Moats’, Smaller Teams Navigating the Startup Landscape The startup ecosystem in the UK and Ireland is undergoing a transformative phase, marked by rapid execution, diminishing competitive moats, and leaner team structures. As revealed by Sifted’s latest leaderboard, these trends are reshaping how startups operate and compete in an increasingly dynamic market. For founders, investors, and operators, understanding these shifts is crucial for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of innovation and entrepreneurship. Faster Execution: Speed as a Strategic Advantage One of the most striking i…

Inside Project Europe’s First Year: Cold Water Swims, Club Nights, and Accusations of ‘Doing the Devil’s Work’ Engaging Introduction In the vibrant world of startups, where innovation meets ambition, Project Europe has emerged as a captivating player. Over the past year, this dynamic initiative has been making waves—sometimes literally—with its unconventional approach to fostering entrepreneurship. From chilly swims to pulsating club nights, Project Europe’s first year has been anything but ordinary. However, it hasn’t been without controversy, with some critics accusing it of ‘doing the devil’s work’. Let’s dive into what makes this startup incubator both intriguing an…