Author: David L.

How AI-Powered Trading and Retail Investors Are Shaping Global Markets in 2025 In 2025, the global financial markets are more dynamic and technology-driven than ever. The battle between retail investors and artificial intelligence (AI) trading systems is reshaping how money moves, who profits, and what the future of investing looks like. As AI becomes more accessible and retail investors grow more sophisticated, the question stands: Who’s really winning the market in 2025? This article dives deep into the latest trends, statistics, and real-world examples to uncover how AI-powered trading and retail investors are influencing the financial landscape. Whether you’re an…

A Deep Dive into the Biggest UK Tech Acquisition of 2025 and Its Impact on Innovation, Competition, and the Startup Ecosystem On May 6, 2025, UK food delivery pioneer Deliveroo confirmed it will be acquired by US-based DoorDash in a deal valued at approximately £2.9 billion ($3.85 billion). This acquisition, which will see DoorDash pay 180 pence per Deliveroo share-a 44% premium over Deliveroo’s April 2025 share price-marks a pivotal moment for the UK tech scene and the wider global food delivery industry. The Deal: Numbers and Context Deliveroo’s journey has been extraordinary. Founded in 2013, it quickly became a household name, riding a wave of investment…

How Swan’s Major Series B Funding Fuels Embedded Banking Innovation and European Expansion Swan’s €42 Million Series B: Powering the Next Wave of Embedded Banking in Europe Paris-based fintech Swan has secured €42 million in Series B funding, marking a pivotal moment for the company and the broader European Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) landscape. This fresh capital injection is set to fuel Swan’s rapid expansion across Europe, drive product innovation, and empower small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to access seamless, integrated financial services. What is Swan and Why Does It Matter? Founded in 2019, Swan specializes in embedded banking-enabling companies to integrate…

European Regulators Crack Down on TikTok Over Data Transfers to China and GDPR Transparency Failures TikTok’s €600 Million Fine: A Landmark Moment in Data Privacy TikTok, the world’s fastest-growing social media platform, has been hit with a record €600 million ($600 million) fine by European Union regulators for illegally transferring user data from the EU to China and failing to meet key transparency obligations under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This decision, announced by Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC), marks one of the largest penalties ever imposed under GDPR and signals a new era of regulatory scrutiny for global tech…

Formerly Aktiia, the rebranded startup secures major funding to revolutionize hypertension care with continuous, cuffless technology In a significant boost to global health innovation, Swiss HealthTech startup Hilo, previously known as Aktiia, has secured €37 million in Series B funding. This milestone aims to accelerate the international rollout of their continuous, cuffless blood pressure monitoring platform, addressing a pressing global health issue: hypertension. The funding round was led by Khosla Ventures, with participation from investors including Molten Ventures, 415 Capital, and Redalpine. The capital injection comes as the company rebrands from Aktiia to Hilo, signaling a new strategic direction and…

Tallinn-based startup leverages AI to automate supplier workflows, cut costs, and boost resilience for small and medium-sized businesses. The Rise of Esgrid: A New Era in Supplier Management In a significant boost to the European startup ecosystem, Tallinn-based Esgrid has raised €900,000 in pre-seed funding to transform how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) manage their suppliers. The round was led by 2C Ventures, with continued support from Startup Wise Guys, Greenco Ventures, and Lemonade Stand, signaling strong investor confidence in Esgrid’s vision and early traction. Founded in 2023, Esgrid was born out of the need to simplify the complex world of supplier Environmental,…

Spanish Startup TaxDown Sets a New Standard in Digital Tax Filing with AI-Powered Solutions, Backed by €4 Million in Fresh Funding Tax Filing Made Effortless: The Rise of TaxDown Tax season can be stressful for millions of people and businesses. But what if filing your taxes could be as simple as clicking a few buttons? That’s the promise of TaxDown, a Madrid-based startup that is changing the way people manage their taxes through artificial intelligence (AI). Recently, TaxDown secured €4 million in fresh funding from Bonsai Partners, one of Spain’s top venture capital firms. This investment will help the company double down on…

Far from a flashy headline, Artisan’s funding round marks a steady but powerful move toward reshaping how businesses operate in the age of AI In a world chasing headlines and billion-dollar valuations, Artisan’s recent $25 million Series A funding round may not dominate the news cycle but it signifies something more meaningful: the emergence of a startup with a clear, focused mission to fundamentally reshape the digital workplace. Founded in 2022, Artisan didn’t set out to build just another AI tool. Instead, the startup took a radical position AI should not be a feature layered into clunky SaaS platforms; it…

UK-based startup aims to transform how SaaS platforms embed AI, simplifying user interactions and product development with no-code AI agents. In a significant boost to AI-powered SaaS development, UK-based startup Mindset AI has raised £4.3 million in a new funding round. The company, fouAnded by experienced entrepreneur Barrie Hadfield, aims to help SaaS companies add intelligent features to their platforms without extensive coding or technical overhead. The funding round, led by prominent venture capital investors, will support Mindset AI’s expansion into new markets, including the United States, where it plans to open an office in Chicago. The investment also marks…

From Machinery to Textiles, Taiwanese Manufacturers Face Shipment Halts and Logistical Chaos as Trump’s Trade Policies Reshape Global Markets Taiwan’s small and medium-sized exporters, long celebrated for their agility and resilience, now face unprecedented challenges as U.S. clients abruptly suspend orders amid fears of escalating tariffs under Donald Trump’s trade policies. The island’s manufacturers—ranging from machinery producers to textile firms—are scrambling to adapt to shipment freezes, logistical bottlenecks, and the looming threat of 32% import duties on non-exempt goods. The Tariff Shock: From 10% to 32% In early April 2025, the Trump administration announced a sweeping tariff overhaul, targeting over…