https://graftandgrit.com/news/penelope-health-secures-million-healthcare-policy/2026-09-18weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/penelope-health-secures-million-healthcare-policy.webpPenelope Health secures €87 million for healthcare policyLondon-based Penelope Health has received an €87 million funding commitment to expand its real-time provider and payer policy intelligence platform, which https://graftandgrit.com/news/tusk-ic-secures-15m-mass-produce/2026-09-18weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/tusk-ic-secures-15m-mass-produce.webpTUSK IC secures €15M to mass-produceAntwerp-based semiconductor firm TUSK IC has raised €15 million in Series A funding to move its Ka-band satellite communication chips into mass production. https://graftandgrit.com/news/arcos-raises-5m-seed-round-security/2026-09-18weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/arcos-raises-5m-seed-round-security.webpArcos raises €5.5M seed round for securityGerman startup Arcos has secured €5.5 million in seed funding to develop its unified platform for monitoring physical security threats across critical https://graftandgrit.com/news/meout-summit-connect-cee-startup-ecosystem/2026-09-17weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/meout-summit-connect-cee-startup-ecosystem.webpMeOut Summit 2026 to Connect CEE Startup EcosystemThe MeOut Summit 2026 will gather founders, investors, and innovators in Budapest on November 25-26. The event features over 50 speakers, startup pitches, and a marketing AI hackathon focused on... https://graftandgrit.com/news/global-deep-tech-awards-shortlist-startups/2026-09-17weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/global-deep-tech-awards-shortlist-startups.webpGlobal Deep Tech Awards Shortlist 40 StartupsThe Global Deep Tech Shows Awards has shortlisted 40 finalists across eight categories, focusing on startups and spin-offs commercializing scientific https://graftandgrit.com/news/small-business-cash-handling-costs-days-annually/2026-09-17weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/small-business-cash-handling-costs-days-annually.webpSmall Business Cash Handling Costs 22 Days AnnuallyA Post Office survey of 500 small business owners finds cash-related admin consumes an average of 22 working days per year, yet 70% view cash as essential https://graftandgrit.com/news/hackuity-raises-million-automate/2026-09-17weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/hackuity-raises-million-automate.webpHackuity raises €16 million to automateFrench cybersecurity startup Hackuity has secured €16 million in a funding round led by Forgepoint Capital International. https://graftandgrit.com/news/freelancers-share-tactics-setting-raising-day-rates/2026-09-14weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/freelancers-share-tactics-setting-raising-day-rates.webpFreelancers Share Tactics for Setting and Raising Day RatesFive freelancers explain how they calculate their day rates and increase prices without losing clients, highlighting strategies based on data, market https://graftandgrit.com/news/furo-raises-million-industrial/2026-09-14weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/furo-raises-million-industrial.webpFuro raises €3.44 million for industrialMunich's Furo has secured €3.44 million in funding led by TQ Ventures. The energy software startup aims to make industrial battery storage economically viable by using AI to forecast prices and... https://graftandgrit.com/news/nordic-foodtech-vc-secures-up-30m-eif-second/2026-09-13weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/nordic-foodtech-vc-secures-up-30m-eif-second.webpNordic Foodtech VC secures up to €30M from EIF for secondNordic Foodtech VC has secured a commitment of up to €30 million from the European Investment Fund for its second fund, which targets €80 million. https://graftandgrit.com/news/gravity-gardens-raises-6m-dry-seed/2026-09-12weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/gravity-gardens-raises-6m-dry-seed.webpGravity Gardens raises €2.6M for dry seedDutch AgTech startup Gravity Gardens has secured a €2.6 million Seed round to scale its dry, chemical-free seed activation technology, aiming to improve https://graftandgrit.com/news/greenly-acquires-normative-65m-carbon/2026-09-12weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/greenly-acquires-normative-65m-carbon.webpGreenly acquires Normative in €65m carbonFrench carbon accounting scaleup Greenly has acquired its Swedish competitor Normative for €65 million. The deal consolidates the sector as funding for climate tech startups has fallen sharply. https://graftandgrit.com/news/meta-acquires-ai-agent-startup-stilla-after-eight/2026-09-11weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/meta-acquires-ai-agent-startup-stilla-after-eight.webpMeta acquires AI agent startup Stilla after eight-monthMeta has acquired Swedish AI agent platform Stilla, founded by former Shopify executives, just eight months after its public launch. https://graftandgrit.com/news/robutler-raises-400k-build-softwares-youtube/2026-09-11weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/robutler-raises-400k-build-softwares-youtube.webpRobutler Raises $400K to Build Software's YouTubeRobutler has secured a $400,000 investment from ZAS Ventures. The funding will support its platform where makers publish and remix free apps, earning revenue when their work is used. https://graftandgrit.com/news/limetax-raises-million-consolidate-german-tax-firms/2026-09-10weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/limetax-raises-million-consolidate-german-tax-firms.webpLimetax raises €36 million to consolidate German tax firmsBerlin's Limetax has secured €36 million in pre-Seed equity and debt to build a group of tax and accounting firms powered by its proprietary AI platform. https://graftandgrit.com/news/fryte-mobility-raises-5m-etruck/2026-09-10weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/fryte-mobility-raises-5m-etruck.webpFRYTE Mobility raises €3.5M for eTruckMunich startup FRYTE Mobility secured €3.5 million in Seed funding to develop its software platform that coordinates charging for electric trucks https://graftandgrit.com/news/anthropic-outage-forces-european-ai-founders/2026-09-10weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/anthropic-outage-forces-european-ai-founders.webpAnthropic outage forces European AI foundersA 17-day global shutdown of Anthropic's newest AI models highlights the operational risk for startups built on a single external API. https://graftandgrit.com/news/fryte-mobility-raises-million-scale/2026-09-10weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/fryte-mobility-raises-million-scale.webpFRYTE Mobility raises €3.5 million to scaleMunich startup FRYTE Mobility has secured €3.5 million in Seed funding to expand its software platform that connects eTruck fleets with charging https://graftandgrit.com/news/cloudnc-raises-20m-scale-ai-machining/2026-09-14weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/cloudnc-raises-20m-scale-ai-machining.webpCloudNC raises $20M to scale AI machiningCloudNC secured $20 million in funding led by Nimble Ventures to expand its AI-driven manufacturing software, CAM Assist, and develop new products like https://graftandgrit.com/news/helmguard-raises-3m-ai-driven/2026-09-10weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/helmguard-raises-3m-ai-driven.webpHelmGuard raises $7.3M for AI-drivenLondon GRC startup HelmGuard secures $7.3 million in seed funding to expand its AI platform for automating risk assessments in regulated industries. https://graftandgrit.com/news/severine-gregoire-leads-vistiq-modernize/2026-09-09weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/severine-gregoire-leads-vistiq-modernize.webpSéverine Grégoire leads VistIQ to modernizeSéverine Grégoire has been appointed to lead VistIQ, a new AI-native platform spun out from Founders Future. The startup aims to solve a paradox in venture capital by providing funds with a... https://graftandgrit.com/news/mistral-ai-secures-billion-series-led-samsung/2026-09-09weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/mistral-ai-secures-billion-series-led-samsung.webpMistral AI secures €3 billion Series D led by SamsungFrench AI company Mistral AI has raised €3 billion in a Series D round led by Samsung Electronics, achieving a valuation exceeding €21 billion. https://graftandgrit.com/news/strong-form-raises-8m-scale/2026-09-09weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/strong-form-raises-8m-scale.webpStrong by Form raises €5.8M to scaleStrong by Form has secured €5.8 million in Series A funding to scale its Woodflow-core technology, a structural slab designed to compete with concrete on https://graftandgrit.com/news/replit-ceo-opens-london-office-critiques-silicon-valley/2026-09-09weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/replit-ceo-opens-london-office-critiques-silicon-valley.webpReplit CEO Opens London Office, Critiques Silicon ValleyReplit CEO Amjad Masad announced the AI coding startup's first overseas office in London, targeting 100 staff by early next year. https://graftandgrit.com/news/bioinnovation-institute-invests-8m-six/2026-09-08weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/bioinnovation-institute-invests-8m-six.webpBioInnovation Institute invests €8M in sixThe BioInnovation Institute has committed an additional €1.3 million each to six life science and climate tech companies, bringing its total investment in https://graftandgrit.com/news/founders-must-ask-if-venture-capital-aligns/2026-09-11weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/founders-must-ask-if-venture-capital-aligns.webpFounders must ask if venture capital alignsA report argues founders should critically assess whether to raise venture capital at all, as it commits a company to specific growth paths and exit https://graftandgrit.com/news/techshop-launches-million-ai-b2b-seed/2026-09-08weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/techshop-launches-million-ai-b2b-seed.webpTechshop launches €43 million AI B2B seedItalian VC firm Techshop has secured €43 million for the first close of its second fund, targeting pre-Seed and Seed-stage B2B AI startups. https://graftandgrit.com/news/exploration-company-raises-387m-nyx/2026-09-08weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/exploration-company-raises-387m-nyx.webpThe Exploration Company raises €387M for NyxThe Exploration Company has secured a €387 million Series C round to advance its reusable Nyx space capsule toward an ISS docking mission and accelerate https://graftandgrit.com/news/cee-startups-secure-major-funding-early/2026-09-11weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/cee-startups-secure-major-funding-early.webpCEE Startups Secure Major Funding in Early 2026Ten startups from Central and Eastern Europe raised significant venture capital in early 2026, with rounds led by defence tech firm Frankenburg https://graftandgrit.com/news/tickets-good-raises-million-expansion/2026-09-08weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/tickets-good-raises-million-expansion.webpTickets for Good raises €4.5 million for expansionUK social enterprise Tickets for Good has secured €4.5 million in funding to drive international growth and create jobs, aiming to make live events more https://graftandgrit.com/news/eu-startups-neglect-ip-protection-due-high-legal/2026-09-14weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/eu-startups-neglect-ip-protection-due-high-legal.webpEU Startups Neglect IP Protection Due to High Legal CostsA 2023 EUIPO-EPO study found only 29% of European startups have filed for intellectual property rights, with prohibitive costs creating a major barrier. https://graftandgrit.com/news/veridue-raises-4m-pre-seed-energy-deal-platform/2026-09-08weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/veridue-raises-4m-pre-seed-energy-deal-platform.webpVeridue Raises $4M Pre-Seed for Energy Deal PlatformAI startup Veridue has raised $4 million to expand its platform that automates due diligence for renewable energy and data centre transactions, aiming to https://graftandgrit.com/news/fluencify-raises-3m-pre-seed-automate/2026-09-07weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/fluencify-raises-3m-pre-seed-automate.webpFluencify raises $4.3M pre-seed to automateGen Z-founded platform Fluencify has raised an oversubscribed $4.3 million pre-seed round. The AI-driven service automates the entire creator marketing process, from matching to payments. https://graftandgrit.com/news/molten-ventures-raises-million-growth-stage-tech/2026-09-07weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/molten-ventures-raises-million-growth-stage-tech.webpMolten Ventures raises €203 million for growth-stage techMolten Ventures has secured a €203 million first close for its new Growth Fund, backed by the British Business Bank, to invest in UK and European Series B+ https://graftandgrit.com/news/refurbed-co-founder-keynote-eu-startups-summit/2026-09-07weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/refurbed-co-founder-keynote-eu-startups-summit.webpRefurbed co-founder to keynote EU-Startups Summit 2027Kilian Kaminski, co-founder of the refurbished goods marketplace refurbed, will deliver a keynote on sustainable entrepreneurship at the EU-Startups Summit https://graftandgrit.com/news/european-hardware-startups-absent-ifa-awards/2026-09-11weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/european-hardware-startups-absent-ifa-awards.webpEuropean hardware startups absent from IFA 2026 awardsA report from IFA 2026 notes a lack of European winners in the show's startup awards, but highlights several promising consumer hardware and deeptech firms https://graftandgrit.com/news/uk-draft-tipping-code-mandates-staff-consultation/2026-09-11weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/uk-draft-tipping-code-mandates-staff-consultation.webpUK Draft Tipping Code Mandates Staff ConsultationThe UK government has released a draft revised Code of Practice on tipping, with new rules expected by the end of 2026. https://graftandgrit.com/news/social-media-trends-offer-entrepreneurs-organic-reach/2026-09-11weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/social-media-trends-offer-entrepreneurs-organic-reach.webpSocial Media Trends Offer Entrepreneurs Organic ReachA report from Startups.co.uk details six viral social media trends for September 2026, advising entrepreneurs on how to use them for authentic brand https://graftandgrit.com/news/pri0r1ty-intelligence-acquires-pirkx-expand-ai-sme/2026-09-11weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/pri0r1ty-intelligence-acquires-pirkx-expand-ai-sme.webpPri0r1ty Intelligence acquires Pirkx to expand AI in SMEUK AI firm Pri0r1ty Intelligence has acquired SME wellbeing platform Pirkx for an initial €58k, aiming to integrate over 10,800 users and apply its AI https://graftandgrit.com/news/conveo-raises-50m-series-ai-consumer/2026-09-06weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/conveo-raises-50m-series-ai-consumer.webpConveo raises $50M Series A for AI consumerConveo has raised $50 million in Series A funding to expand its AI-powered consumer intelligence platform in the US. https://graftandgrit.com/news/tensive-secures-million-eib-loan-breast/2026-09-05weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/tensive-secures-million-eib-loan-breast.webpTensive secures €20 million EIB loan for breastMedTech startup Tensive has received a €20 million convertible loan from the European Investment Bank to fund the final development and launch of its https://graftandgrit.com/news/hiasynth-raises-angel-funding-synthetic-european/2026-09-05weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/hiasynth-raises-angel-funding-synthetic-european.webpHiasynth raises angel funding for synthetic EuropeanAI startup Hiasynth has raised an angel round led by Further Than Capital to launch a queryable, synthetic 1:1 model of Europe's population, aiming to make https://graftandgrit.com/news/how-spot-non-obvious-verticals/2026-09-04weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/how-spot-non-obvious-verticals.webpHow to spot non-obvious verticals for yourFounders can often get tunnel vision with their technology. When an engineering team spends years building a solution for a specific problem in a specific https://graftandgrit.com/news/wad-capital-closes-debut-fund-million/2026-09-04weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/wad-capital-closes-debut-fund-million.webpWAD Capital closes debut fund at €67.5 million with €25Belgian firm WAD Capital has secured €67.5 million in first close for its debut fund, including a €25 million investment from the European Investment Fund https://graftandgrit.com/news/creoir-raises-seed-funding-scale-voice-ai/2026-09-04weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/creoir-raises-seed-funding-scale-voice-ai.webpCreoir raises Seed funding to scale voice AIOulu-based Creoir has secured a Seed investment from Gungnir Capital to accelerate commercialisation of its EdgeVUI and Operator Assistant products for https://graftandgrit.com/news/ipronics-raises-million-scale/2026-09-04weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/ipronics-raises-million-scale.webpIPronics raises €107.6 million to scaleValencia-based iPronics has secured €107.6 million in Series B funding co-led by Maverick Silicon and Light Street Capital, with NVIDIA participating, to https://graftandgrit.com/news/us-census-study-finds-high-growth-founders-average/2026-09-04weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/us-census-study-finds-high-growth-founders-average.webpUS Census study finds high-growth founders average age 45A study of 2.7 million US founders reveals the average age for those behind the fastest-growing 0.1% of new ventures is 45, with a 50-year-old roughly https://graftandgrit.com/news/strolll-secures-million-ar/2026-09-04weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/strolll-secures-million-ar.webpStrolll secures €5 million for ARUK MedTech firm Strolll secured €5 million to accelerate two projects: an AI-powered assessment platform and a bedside AR system for acute patients. https://graftandgrit.com/news/uk-tech-startups-raise-103m-across-nine-deals/2026-09-14weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/uk-tech-startups-raise-103m-across-nine-deals.webpUK Tech Startups Raise £103m Across Nine DealsUK tech investment fell 72% to £102.95 million last week, spread across nine deals. The largest was AI firm Callosum's £73.5 million raise. https://graftandgrit.com/news/nvidia-acquires-hugging-face-billion/2026-09-04weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/nvidia-acquires-hugging-face-billion.webpNvidia Acquires Hugging Face for $12.93 BillionNvidia has confirmed its purchase of the open-source AI platform Hugging Face for $12.93 billion, aiming to scale the platform and expand AI access for https://graftandgrit.com/news/piney-raises-million-global-rental/2026-09-03weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/piney-raises-million-global-rental.webpPiney raises €1.6 million for global rentalCyprus-founded startup Piney has secured €1.6 million in funding to expand its rental operations platform beyond Europe, following rapid growth that saw it https://graftandgrit.com/news/europes-grid-bottleneck-reshapes-energy/2026-09-11weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/europes-grid-bottleneck-reshapes-energy.webpEurope's grid bottleneck reshapes energyEurope's energy challenge has shifted from power generation to grid capacity, creating a multi-year wait for connections that is now dictating where and https://graftandgrit.com/news/ecomid-acquires-nilum-expand-shopping-passport/2026-09-14weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/ecomid-acquires-nilum-expand-shopping-passport.webpEComID acquires Nilum to expand Shopping PassportStockholm startup eComID, fresh from a €14.6 million Seed round, has acquired AI-native second-hand specialist Nilum to push its personalisation technology https://graftandgrit.com/news/sifted-ranks-top-capital-efficient-nordic-startups/2026-09-14weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/sifted-ranks-top-capital-efficient-nordic-startups.webpSifted Ranks Top 10 Capital-Efficient Nordic StartupsSifted's third annual Nordic leaderboard identifies the region's 10 most capital-efficient startups based on revenue growth, with the top performer https://graftandgrit.com/news/ukraines-cyber-lessons-eu-founders/2026-09-03weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/ukraines-cyber-lessons-eu-founders.webpUkraine's Cyber Lessons for EU FoundersA report details Ukraine's adaptation to thousands of cyberattacks, offering founders three core habits: map internal systems, learn from every incident https://graftandgrit.com/news/ipremom-raises-15m-pregnancy/2026-09-11weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/ipremom-raises-15m-pregnancy.webpIPremom raises €15M for pregnancySpanish diagnostics startup iPremom has secured €15 million in Seed funding to clinically validate and launch its MaiRa platform, which uses a blood test https://graftandgrit.com/news/wonderful-ai-raises-550m-series-5bn/2026-09-03weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/wonderful-ai-raises-550m-series-5bn.webpWonderful AI raises $550M Series C at $5BNAI productivity startup Wonderful has secured $550 million in a Series C round led by Insight Partners, valuing the company at $5 billion. https://graftandgrit.com/news/backbone-raises-4m-food-quality-ai/2026-09-03weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/backbone-raises-4m-food-quality-ai.webpBackbone raises €4M for food quality AIFood tech startup Backbone raised €4 million in pre-seed funding to develop its AI quality and compliance platform and support commercial growth. https://graftandgrit.com/news/hospitality-sector-pushes-vat-cut-after-summer-scheme/2026-09-02weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/hospitality-sector-pushes-vat-cut-after-summer-scheme.webpHospitality sector pushes for VAT cut after summer schemeFollowing the end of a ten-week VAT reduction on children's meals, hospitality leaders are campaigning for a permanent, sector-wide cut from 20% to 10% https://graftandgrit.com/news/mirava-raises-2m-smart-boat/2026-09-02weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/mirava-raises-2m-smart-boat.webpMIRAVA raises €4.2M for smart boatSmart boat startup MIRAVA has secured €4.2 million in angel funding to transition from three years of product development into small-batch production and https://graftandgrit.com/news/pharosyn-raises-million-pharma-intelligence-ai/2026-09-11weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/pharosyn-raises-million-pharma-intelligence-ai.webpPharosyn Raises €2.5 Million for Pharma Intelligence AILondon AI startup Pharosyn has secured €2.5 million in funding led by Moonfire. The company's platform provides competitive intelligence for pharmaceutical commercial and portfolio strategy teams. https://graftandgrit.com/news/british-business-bank-commits-46m-zinc/2026-09-02weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/british-business-bank-commits-46m-zinc.webpBritish Business Bank commits £46M to ZincThe British Business Bank pledges up to £46 million to Zinc Capital's fund, backing UK deep tech startups tackling health and environmental issues. https://graftandgrit.com/news/small-businesses-lose-productivity/2026-09-02weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/small-businesses-lose-productivity.webpSmall Businesses Lose 25% ProductivityBarclays research finds over a quarter of UK small businesses lost productivity this summer due to extreme heat, which also reshaped consumer behavior. https://graftandgrit.com/news/directories-european-tech-alternatives/2026-09-02weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/directories-european-tech-alternatives.webp8 Directories for European Tech AlternativesEight websites help European entrepreneurs and businesses find software and service alternatives to dominant US technology platforms. https://graftandgrit.com/news/ex-ngp-capital-investor-launches-100m/2026-09-02weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/ex-ngp-capital-investor-launches-100m.webpEx-NGP Capital Investor Launches €100MA former NGP Capital investor is leading a new €100 million venture fund, Uplift Ventures, backed by German firm Jungheinrich. https://graftandgrit.com/news/nordic-energy-startups-defy-investment-slump/2026-09-11weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/nordic-energy-startups-defy-investment-slump.webpNordic energy startups defy investment slumpNordic energy startups are securing major funding despite a wider climate tech VC downturn, with some seeing over 500% investment growth. https://graftandgrit.com/news/home-business-owners-struggle-work-life/2026-09-01weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/home-business-owners-struggle-work-life.webpHome business owners struggle with work-lifeA Dunster House study finds 58% of entrepreneurs feel their business has taken over their home, with many working evenings and weekends and experiencing https://graftandgrit.com/news/apples-french-startup-buys-under-cook/2026-09-01weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/apples-french-startup-buys-under-cook.webpApple's French startup buys under CookAs Tim Cook steps down as Apple CEO, a look back reveals two key French startup acquisitions during his tenure: Regaind in 2017 for photo and Face ID tech https://graftandgrit.com/news/europes-defencetech-bottleneck-risks-new/2026-09-11weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/europes-defencetech-bottleneck-risks-new.webpEurope's DefenceTech bottleneck risks newA report warns that Europe's rapid expansion of weapons manufacturing capacity is outpacing the growth of critical supplier networks, creating a bottleneck https://graftandgrit.com/news/cummins-joins-emerald-technology-ventures/2026-09-01weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/cummins-joins-emerald-technology-ventures.webpCummins joins Emerald Technology VenturesCummins has become a Limited Partner in Emerald Technology Ventures, seeking access to startups in advanced mobility, electrification, and digital tech to https://graftandgrit.com/news/startups-opens-applications/2026-09-01weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/startups-opens-applications.webpStartups 100 2027 Opens for ApplicationsApplications for the 2027 Startups 100 Index opened on 1 September 2026. The free list ranks the UK's 100 most promising new businesses founded since 2021. https://graftandgrit.com/news/young-workers-face-ai-hiring-gap/2026-09-01weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/young-workers-face-ai-hiring-gap.webpYoung workers face 19% AI hiring gapA Stanford analysis shows a 19% relative employment gap for 22-25 year olds in AI-exposed occupations by June 2026, driven by reduced hiring, not layoffs. https://graftandgrit.com/news/startup-culture-hard-work-versus-toxicity/2026-09-11weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/startup-culture-hard-work-versus-toxicity.webpStartup Culture: Hard Work Versus ToxicityA tech recruiter says startup demands are often wrongly called toxic, and founders should be honest about the required trade-offs in time and pay. https://graftandgrit.com/news/cloover-hits-profitability-350m/2026-09-11weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/cloover-hits-profitability-350m.webpCloover hits profitability with $350MCloover, a Berlin-based energy platform for home electrification, has become profitable three years after its 2023 launch, achieving a revenue run rate https://graftandgrit.com/news/global-deep-tech-showcase-nordeep/2026-09-01weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/global-deep-tech-showcase-nordeep.webpGlobal Deep Tech Showcase at NORDEEP 2026NORDEEP will host a Global Deep Tech Showcase on September 16 to 17, 2026, in Espoo, Finland, featuring startups selected through the Global Deep Tech https://graftandgrit.com/news/kove-medical-secures-7m-foetal/2026-08-31weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/kove-medical-secures-7m-foetal.webpKOVE Medical secures €1.7M for foetalZurich-based KOVE Medical has raised €1.7 million from angel investors to develop an implantable device aimed at reducing preterm birth risk after foetal https://graftandgrit.com/news/elekta-secures-100m-eib-loan-research/2026-09-01weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/elekta-secures-100m-eib-loan-research.webpElekta secures €100M EIB loan for researchStockholm-based Elekta has secured a €100 million loan from the European Investment Bank to fund half of a €200 million research programme running from https://graftandgrit.com/news/german-founders-debate-bureaucracys-startup/2026-08-31weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/german-founders-debate-bureaucracys-startup.webpGerman founders debate bureaucracy's startupA social media post by Stripe CEO Patrick Collison has reignited debate over whether Germany's bureaucratic and legal procedures, including mandatory https://graftandgrit.com/news/pets-bed-partners-attachment-sleep/2026-08-31weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/pets-bed-partners-attachment-sleep.webpPets as Bed Partners: Attachment, Sleep, andResearch challenges the stigma of co-sleeping with pets, showing animals can act as genuine attachment figures, providing comfort and security, though https://graftandgrit.com/news/lupin-dental-closes-million-series/2026-08-31weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/lupin-dental-closes-million-series.webpLupin Dental closes €15 million Series ADental robotics startup Lupin Dental has secured €15 million in Series A funding led by Fynveur. The capital will accelerate its mission to transform dental care with its robotic system for veneer... https://graftandgrit.com/news/ais-next-foodtech-role-cutting-waste/2026-08-31weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/ais-next-foodtech-role-cutting-waste.webpAI's Next FoodTech Role: Cutting WasteThe founder of Picadeli argues AI's major impact in food will be unseen operational intelligence that helps human teams make better decisions to reduce https://graftandgrit.com/news/tech-events-debate-meta-ai-glasses-ban/2026-09-11weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/tech-events-debate-meta-ai-glasses-ban.webpTech Events Debate Meta AI Glasses BanMeta's AI Glasses, selling over 7 million pairs in 2025, face calls for bans at tech events over covert recording fears. https://graftandgrit.com/news/volve-raises-3m-seed-construction-ai/2026-08-30weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/volve-raises-3m-seed-construction-ai.webpVolve raises $3M seed for construction AIOslo-based construction tech startup Volve has secured $3 million in seed funding led by Skyfall Ventures. The 2024-founded company uses AI to process tender documents, helping contractors assess... https://graftandgrit.com/news/berlins-teufelsberg-rubble-hills/2026-09-11weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/berlins-teufelsberg-rubble-hills.webpBerlin's Teufelsberg: A Rubble Hill'sTeufelsberg, a 120-meter hill in Berlin, was created from 26 million cubic meters of wartime rubble dumped on an indestructible Nazi college, later hosting https://graftandgrit.com/news/startups-toolkit-boosts-online-visibility/2026-09-01weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/startups-toolkit-boosts-online-visibility.webpStartups Toolkit boosts online visibilityStartups.co.uk launches a free Business Toolkit to help small businesses improve their online findability, addressing data showing many lack websites or https://graftandgrit.com/news/motion-raises-2m-humanoid-robot-service/2026-08-30weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/motion-raises-2m-humanoid-robot-service.webpMotion raises $2M for humanoid robot serviceMotion, a Brussels-based robotics firm, has secured $2 million in pre-seed funding to scale its Humanoids-as-a-Service platform. https://graftandgrit.com/news/cheapest-website-builders-startups/2026-09-11weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/cheapest-website-builders-startups.webpCheapest website builders for 2026 startupsStartups.co.uk's research identifies Hostinger, Shopify, and GoDaddy as the cheapest website builders in 2026, with plans starting from £1 per month. https://graftandgrit.com/news/sandy-west-sold-ossabaw-island-half/2026-09-11weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/sandy-west-sold-ossabaw-island-half.webpSandy West sold Ossabaw Island for halfIn 1978, Georgia appraised Ossabaw Island at $16 million. Heiress Eleanor 'Sandy' Torrey West sold it to the state for $8 million, retaining a life estate https://graftandgrit.com/news/pasqal-lists-nasdaq-309m/2026-08-30weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/pasqal-lists-nasdaq-309m.webpPasqal lists on Nasdaq with €309MFrench quantum computing company Pasqal has begun trading on Nasdaq after a merger, securing €309 million in cash to fund its expansion and technology https://graftandgrit.com/news/clementineai-raises-7m-seed-hearing/2026-08-30weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/clementineai-raises-7m-seed-hearing.webpClementineAI raises €1.7M seed for hearingMaastricht startup Clementine has secured €1.7 million in seed funding led by Healthy.Capital. The company's AI platform, featuring an agent named Matthew, aims to help hearing clinics convert... https://graftandgrit.com/news/nordeep-summit-reveals-deep-tech-plan/2026-08-29weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/nordeep-summit-reveals-deep-tech-plan.webpNORDEEP Summit 2026 Reveals Deep Tech PlanThe NORDEEP Summit has unveiled its two-day program for 1,500 attendees in Espoo this September, focusing on eight strategic deep tech tracks from quantum https://graftandgrit.com/news/nanolope-raises-800k-thermal-panels/2026-08-29weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/nanolope-raises-800k-thermal-panels.webpNanolope raises €800k for thermal panelsBerlin startup Nanolope raised €800,000 to develop thermal energy storage panels for retrofitting buildings. The funding will scale production and launch pilot projects. https://graftandgrit.com/news/uk-robotics-funding-hits-189m/2026-09-01weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/uk-robotics-funding-hits-189m.webpUK Robotics Funding Hits £189m in 2026UK robotics companies have raised £189.3 million across 12 funding rounds in 2026, a significant increase from the £110 million raised in 2025. https://graftandgrit.com/news/einride-founders-start-450m-deep-tech-vc/2026-09-11weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/einride-founders-start-450m-deep-tech-vc.webpEinride founders start €450M deep tech VCThe founders of Swedish electric and autonomous freight company Einride have established a new venture capital firm targeting €450 million for European https://graftandgrit.com/news/startups-toolkit-cuts-late-invoice-pain/2026-09-01weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/startups-toolkit-cuts-late-invoice-pain.webpStartups Toolkit Cuts Late Invoice PainThe new Startups Business Toolkit offers free invoicing with built-in payment links to help small businesses get paid faster. https://graftandgrit.com/news/future-leaders-season-six-data/2026-08-29weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/future-leaders-season-six-data.webpFuture Leaders Season 2: Six DataMaddyness's 'Future Leaders' series profiles six entrepreneurs whose data-driven tools help startups and SMEs make better financial and operational https://graftandgrit.com/news/ucl-study-habit-formation/2026-08-29weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/ucl-study-habit-formation.webpUCL study: habit formation takes 18 to 254A University College London study found the time to reach near-automaticity in a new daily habit ranged from 18 to 254 days, with a median of 66 days. https://graftandgrit.com/news/travels-57t-boom-fuels-connection/2026-09-01weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/travels-57t-boom-fuels-connection.webpTravel's €9.57T Boom Fuels ConnectionThe global travel industry, now worth €9.57 trillion, is leading a consumer shift towards experiences that foster real-world connection, driven by digital https://graftandgrit.com/news/aeio-tftak-secure-94m-digital/2026-09-11weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/aeio-tftak-secure-94m-digital.webpÄIO and TFTAK secure €1.94M for digitalEstonian biotech firm ÄIO and research partner TFTAK have received €1.94 million in state funding for a three-year project to build an integrated digital https://graftandgrit.com/news/ponda-secures-6m-crowdfunding/2026-08-28weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/ponda-secures-6m-crowdfunding.webpPonda secures €1.6M from 256 crowdfundingBiomaterials startup Ponda has closed a Seed extension crowdfunding round, raising €1.6 million from 256 new investors, far exceeding its €230k minimum https://graftandgrit.com/news/prevalent-ai-raises-1m-integrity/2026-08-28weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/prevalent-ai-raises-1m-integrity.webpPrevalent AI raises £16.1m from IntegrityPrevalent AI has secured £16.1 million in growth investment from Integrity Growth Partners. The London-based AI data fabric firm will use the capital to scale its go-to-market efforts and expand... https://graftandgrit.com/news/uk-small-sellers-face-eu-packaging-fees/2026-09-11weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/uk-small-sellers-face-eu-packaging-fees.webpUK small sellers face EU packaging feesNew EU packaging rules require UK sellers to pay annual fees per country, forcing many microbusinesses to scale back or abandon EU trade. https://graftandgrit.com/news/cursor-jumps-100m-2b-months/2026-09-01weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/cursor-jumps-100m-2b-months.webpCursor jumps from $100M to $2B in 13 monthsCursor’s run-rate surged from $100 million ARR in Jan 2025 to over $2 billion by Feb 2026, a 20-fold jump in 13 months, reaching $4 billion by Jun 2026. https://graftandgrit.com/news/kpmg-survey-shows-prefer-friendship/2026-09-01weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/kpmg-survey-shows-prefer-friendship.webpKPMG Survey Shows 57% Prefer Friendship OverA KPMG survey of 1,019 professionals found that 57 percent would choose a job paying 10 percent below market with close workplace friendships over one https://graftandgrit.com/news/os-energy-raises-1m/2026-09-01weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/os-energy-raises-1m.webpos.energy raises €1M for AI-powered household toolsCopenhagen-based os.energy secured €1 million in pre-seed funding from PSV Tech to develop AI-driven energy-management tools for Danish households. The capital will support the launch of its... https://graftandgrit.com/news/bima-projects-stories-immersive/2026-09-01weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/bima-projects-stories-immersive.webpBiMA Projects Stories into Immersive LearningBiMA, a Munich-based startup, launches a screen-free projector to transform children's storytelling. https://graftandgrit.com/news/itoflow-raises-8m-build/2026-09-01weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/itoflow-raises-8m-build.webpItoflow raises £1.8m to build AI agentsItoflow, an AI platform for investment teams, has secured £1.8m in pre-seed funding. The startup, founded in 2026, aims to create AI agents that learn each firm's research and portfolio management... https://graftandgrit.com/news/navisalma-launches-450m-deep/2026-09-01weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/navisalma-launches-450m-deep.webpNavisalma launches €450m deep-tech fundNavisalma, founded by Einride co-founders Falck and Falck with ex-McKinsey partner Westerdahl, plans to raise €450m to back European deep-tech startups over three years. https://graftandgrit.com/news/attention-focus-alters-physical/2026-08-28weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/attention-focus-alters-physical.webpAttention focus alters physical skin inflammation responseA study found that focusing attention on a skin prick test significantly reduces the size of the resulting inflammatory welt compared to being distracted by videos. https://graftandgrit.com/news/volve-expands-construction-tendering/2026-08-28weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/volve-expands-construction-tendering.webpVolve Expands Construction Tendering AI Across EuropeVolve Expands Construction Tendering AI Across Europe https://graftandgrit.com/news/founder-exit-regret-understanding/2026-08-28weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/founder-exit-regret-understanding.webpFounder Exit Regret: Understanding the Complex Emotions of Business OwnersA significant number of founders experience regret after exiting their businesses, often due to unmet expectations and a lack of planning. https://graftandgrit.com/news/lithuania-litilit-raises-million/2026-08-25weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/lithuania-litilit-raises-million.webpLithuania's LITILIT Raises €8 Million for Modular Femtosecond Laser SystemLithuania's LITILIT Raises €8 Million for Modular Femtosecond Laser System https://graftandgrit.com/news/government-launches-business-rates/2026-08-25weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/government-launches-business-rates.webpGovernment Launches Business Rates Review for Pubs and HotelsThe UK government has started a review into how business rates are calculated for pubs and hotels in England and Wales, aiming to address 'unfairness' in the sector. https://graftandgrit.com/news/boldr-raises-2m-scale/2026-08-25weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/boldr-raises-2m-scale.webpBoldr raises €4.2m to scale climate techLondon-based energy management startup Boldr secured €4.2 million in a pre-Series A round to expand its smart climate technology into North America and develop contractor software. https://graftandgrit.com/news/boldr-raises-5m-residential/2026-08-25weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/boldr-raises-5m-residential.webpBoldr raises $5M for residential grid capacityUK energy management startup Boldr secured $5 million in a pre-Series A round to expand technology that converts home energy systems into flexible grid capacity. https://graftandgrit.com/news/redfaire-lands-13m/2026-08-23weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/redfaire-lands-13m.webpRedfaire lands €13mRedfaire secures funding for international expansion https://graftandgrit.com/news/velatir-raises-5m/2026-08-23weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/velatir-raises-5m.webpVelatir Raises €5MVelatir, a Danish AI startup, has secured €5 million in seed funding to expand its platform across Europe https://graftandgrit.com/news/denmark-aisel-health-secures/2026-08-23weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/denmark-aisel-health-secures.webpDenmark's Aisel Health Secures €1.7 Million Pre-Seed FundingAisel Health, a Copenhagen-based healthtech startup, has raised €1.7 million in a pre-seed round led by Caesar Ventures. https://graftandgrit.com/news/monzo-cofounder-banking-venture/2026-08-23weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/monzo-cofounder-banking-venture.webpMonzo Cofounder's Banking Venture Embroiled in Legal DisputeMonzo Cofounder's Banking Venture Embroiled in Legal Dispute https://graftandgrit.com/news/solinide-secures-4m-revolutionize-deda5bbd/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/solinide-secures-4m-revolutionize-deda5bbd.webpSolinide Secures €4M to Revolutionize AI Data Centers with Photonic ChipsSolinide Photonics, a Swedish deeptech company, has raised €4 million in seed funding to commercialize its silicon nitride photonic integrated circuit technology for AI data centers. https://graftandgrit.com/news/velatir-raises-5m-drive-db893f00/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/velatir-raises-5m-drive-db893f00.webpVelatir Raises €5m to Drive AI Adoption in EuropeDanish AI infrastructure startup Velatir has secured €5m in seed funding to accelerate AI adoption across Europe https://graftandgrit.com/news/lithuanian-ai-startup-guideless-07f18b16/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/lithuanian-ai-startup-guideless-07f18b16.webpLithuanian AI Startup Guideless Secures €1M in Pre-Seed FundingGuideless, an AI-powered software training platform, has raised €1 million to further develop its technology and expand internationally. https://graftandgrit.com/news/callosum-secures-100m-seed-63917722/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/callosum-secures-100m-seed-63917722.webpCallosum Secures $100M Seed Round to Revolutionize AI InfrastructureUK AI startup Callosum raises $100M in seed round to develop software infrastructure for AI workloads on different chips and models https://graftandgrit.com/news/paralo-secures-270k-funding/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/paralo-secures-270k-funding.webpParalo Secures £270K Funding to Streamline Golf TechnologyUK-based golf technology startup Paralo has raised £270,000 in pre-seed funding to develop its operating system for golf clubs and connected product for golfers https://graftandgrit.com/news/velatir-secures-5m-seed/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/velatir-secures-5m-seed.webpVelatir Secures €5M Seed Funding to Expand AI Infrastructure Across EuropeDanish AI startup Velatir raises €5 million in seed funding to expand its AI infrastructure platform across Europe https://graftandgrit.com/news/medly-ai-secures-8m/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/medly-ai-secures-8m.webpMedly AI Secures $8M in Seed Funding to Expand AI-Powered Tutoring PlatformMedly AI, a UK-based edtech startup, has raised $8 million in seed funding to expand its AI-powered exam preparation platform in the UK and international markets. https://graftandgrit.com/news/singular-photonics-secures-funding/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/singular-photonics-secures-funding.webpSingular Photonics Secures Funding to Advance Image Sensor TechnologySingular Photonics raises $2.15 million to develop next-generation image sensors based on single-photon avalanche diode technology https://graftandgrit.com/news/flip-raises-25m-expand/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/flip-raises-25m-expand.webpFlip Raises $25M to Expand AI Platform for Frontline WorkersEmployee experience platform Flip has secured $25 million in new funding to expand its AI-powered technology for frontline workers. https://graftandgrit.com/news/prevalent-ai-secures-22m/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/prevalent-ai-secures-22m.webpPrevalent AI Secures $22M Growth Investment to Scale Enterprise AI PlatformPrevalent AI, an enterprise AI company, has secured a $22 million growth investment from Integrity Growth Partners to scale its AI-powered data platform. https://graftandgrit.com/news/deepl-partners-us-legal/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/deepl-partners-us-legal.webpDeepL Partners with US Legal AI Startup Harvey for Document TranslationDeepL, a leading AI text translation and writing tool provider, has struck a deal with US-based AI startup Harvey to carry out legal document translation. https://graftandgrit.com/news/economad-secures-400k-empower/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/economad-secures-400k-empower.webpEcoNomad Secures £400K to Empower Small Livestock Farms with Waste-to-Energy SolutionsUK-based EcoNomad Solutions raises £400K to help small livestock farms reduce methane emissions and energy costs through its BioNomad system, which converts organic waste into renewable energy and... https://graftandgrit.com/news/oakley-capital-takes-majority/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/oakley-capital-takes-majority.webpOakley Capital Takes Majority Stake in Graphwise in Bulgaria's Largest Software ExitPrivate equity investor Oakley Capital acquires majority stake in Graphwise, a key player in the enterprise AI data platforms market, in one of Bulgaria's largest software sales. https://graftandgrit.com/news/research-careers-evolve-beyond/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/research-careers-evolve-beyond.webpResearch Careers Evolve Beyond Academia with Marie Skłodowska-Curie ActionsThe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions fellowship programme has transformed research careers over 30 years, enabling thousands of researchers to pursue diverse paths beyond academia. https://graftandgrit.com/news/nebius-aims-raise-billion/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/nebius-aims-raise-billion.webpNebius Aims to Raise $4.5 Billion Through Bond IssueThe Amsterdam-based AI infrastructure provider is seeking to finance the cost of compute and data centre build-out. https://graftandgrit.com/news/spots-meet-founders-vcs-0ea229f2/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/spots-meet-founders-vcs-0ea229f2.webp10 Spots to Meet Founders and VCs in BerlinDiscover the top locations in Berlin's Mitte neighborhood where founders and venture capitalists (VCs) frequently meet and network. https://graftandgrit.com/news/fintech-scaleups-urged-engage-b55b3347/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/fintech-scaleups-urged-engage-b55b3347.webpFintech Scaleups Urged to Engage with Regulators to Avoid Compliance IssuesEurope's fintech scaleups are advised to maintain open communication with regulators to ensure compliance as they scale rapidly. https://graftandgrit.com/news/europe-sustainability-ambitions-face-d12106b8/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/europe-sustainability-ambitions-face-d12106b8.webpEurope's Sustainability Ambitions Face Financing HurdlesA recent roundtable discussion highlighted the challenges Europe faces in financing its sustainability ambitions, including a lack of capital availability for growth-stage companies and a... https://graftandgrit.com/news/european-unicorns-spinning-out-e7e216da/2026-09-11weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/european-unicorns-spinning-out-e7e216da.webpEuropean Unicorns Spinning Out New Startups in Stealth ModeAlumni founders from European unicorns are launching new startups in stealth mode, leveraging their experience and networks to build innovative businesses. https://graftandgrit.com/news/litilit-secures-8m-loan/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/litilit-secures-8m-loan.webpLITILIT Secures €8M Loan to Scale Femtosecond Laser ProductionLithuanian startup LITILIT receives €8M from ILTE to advance its modular femtosecond laser systems, aiming to simplify industrial adoption and expand applications in mass manufacturing. https://graftandgrit.com/news/klarna-experiences-senior-executive/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/klarna-experiences-senior-executive.webpKlarna Experiences Senior Executive ExodusTwo of Klarna's longest-serving executives, Chief Financial Officer Niclas Neglén and Chief Marketing Officer David Sandström, are set to leave the Swedish fintech early next year. https://graftandgrit.com/news/computomics-raises-3m-scale/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/computomics-raises-3m-scale.webpComputomics Raises €6.3M to Scale Climate-Smart Plant BreedingA German agritech company has secured funding to expand its climate-smart breeding platform across commercial breeding programs. https://graftandgrit.com/news/bootstrapped-profitable-taimi-hily/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/bootstrapped-profitable-taimi-hily.webpBootstrapped and Profitable: Taimi and Hily Set Sights on IPO ReadinessTaimi and Hily, two mobile dating apps, are preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) after achieving profitability through bootstrapping. Founded by Jake Vygnan and his Kyiv co-founders, the... https://graftandgrit.com/news/berlin-startup-attuned-offers/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/berlin-startup-attuned-offers.webpBerlin Startup Attuned Offers Human Connection to Manage Stress and OverwhelmAttuned, a Berlin-based startup, is addressing the gap between needing clinical treatment and feeling fine by offering human connection through its platform. https://graftandgrit.com/news/european-tech-weekly-recap/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/european-tech-weekly-recap.webpEuropean Tech Weekly Recap: €763M Invested Across 35+ DealsThe European tech scene saw significant investments and exits in the past week, with over €763 million invested across 35+ deals and over 10 exits and M&A transactions. https://graftandgrit.com/news/amber-raises-7m-expand/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/amber-raises-7m-expand.webpAmber Raises €7M to Expand AI-Powered Business Knowledge PlatformAmber, an AI platform for small and medium-sized businesses, has secured €7 million in Series A funding to expand across Europe and further develop its technology. https://graftandgrit.com/news/astute-launches-b2b-media/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/astute-launches-b2b-media.webpAstute Launches B2B New Media Platform with $1.2M in FundingAstute, a platform for B2B companies to manage partnerships with creators, raises $1.2 million and launches its new platform. https://graftandgrit.com/news/softbank-invests-200m-swiss/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/softbank-invests-200m-swiss.webpSoftBank Invests $200M in Swiss Robotics Startup Gravis RoboticsSoftBank has invested $200 million in Swiss robotics startup Gravis Robotics, in what has been billed as a record investment. https://graftandgrit.com/news/monzo-chairman-gary-hoffman/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/monzo-chairman-gary-hoffman.webpMonzo Chairman Gary Hoffman to Step Down After Nearly Eight YearsGary Hoffman, chairman of Monzo's board, will leave the role next month after nearly eight years. He will be replaced on an interim basis by Karen Peacock, a Monzo non-executive director. https://graftandgrit.com/news/nebex-launches-100m-initiative/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/nebex-launches-100m-initiative.webpNebex Launches €100M Initiative to Boost French Space StartupsNebex, a commercial exchange connecting space companies with sovereign buyers and capital, has launched a €100 million Industrial Return Initiative in France. https://graftandgrit.com/news/defence-tech-investor-builder/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/defence-tech-investor-builder.webpDefence Tech Investor and Builder Gallos Raises $50MGallos Technologies, a defence tech investor and builder, has raised $50 million in a funding round led by Ventura Capital and Aberdeen Investments. https://graftandgrit.com/news/msca-backed-qubric-expands-0ce2f0/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/msca-backed-qubric-expands-0ce2f0.webpMSCA-Backed QuBriC Expands to Include Alice & Bob in Quantum Error Correction PushEurope's first Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network dedicated to quantum error correction, QuBriC, has expanded to include fault-tolerant quantum computing scaleup Alice & Bob. https://graftandgrit.com/news/europe-hardware-renaissance-role-d8b429/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/europe-hardware-renaissance-role-d8b429.webpEurope's Hardware Renaissance: The Role of Engineering Tools in Industrial SovereigntyThe EU Industrial Accelerator Act aims to boost domestic manufacturing, but its success depends on early-stage tools like CAD ROOMS, which supports distributed engineering teams. Founder Christina... https://graftandgrit.com/news/metal-morph-secures-700k-7c85d3/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/metal-morph-secures-700k-7c85d3.webpMetal Morph Secures £700K to Recover Industrial Resources from WastewaterUK-based water technology startup Metal Morph has raised £700,000 in pre-seed funding to advance its technology for recovering industrial resources from water and wastewater treatment processes. https://graftandgrit.com/news/millow-secures-2m-expand-1eddaf/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/millow-secures-2m-expand-1eddaf.webpMillow Secures €2M to Expand Mycelium Protein in Nordic FoodserviceSwedish foodtech company Millow has raised €2 million to expand its production capacity and strengthen its commercial operations in the Nordic foodservice market. https://graftandgrit.com/news/uber-expands-robotaxi-partnership-3c35d5/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/uber-expands-robotaxi-partnership-3c35d5.webpUber Expands Robotaxi Partnership in EuropeUber and Pony.ai collaborate to deploy self-driving taxis across four European cities, marking a significant step in the commercialization of autonomous vehicles in the region. https://graftandgrit.com/news/fintech-giants-klarna-zilch-1d597b/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/fintech-giants-klarna-zilch-1d597b.webpFintech Giants Klarna and Zilch Launch New Membership PackagesKlarna and Zilch, two major fintech companies, have introduced new membership packages to compete with traditional credit card firms. https://graftandgrit.com/news/duolingo-expands-creative-capabilities-d75aee/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/duolingo-expands-creative-capabilities-d75aee.webpDuolingo Expands Creative Capabilities with Animade AcquisitionDuolingo has acquired Animade, a London-based animation and motion design studio, to enhance its product innovation and creative initiatives. https://graftandgrit.com/news/germany-tech-sector-sees-70884d/2026-09-11weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/germany-tech-sector-sees-70884d.webpGermany's Tech Sector Sees Significant Investment in H1 2026Germany has emerged as Europe's second-largest technology funding market, with companies raising €6.3 billion across 267 deals in the first half of 2026. https://graftandgrit.com/news/monzo-business-bank-sees-534a1c/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/monzo-business-bank-sees-534a1c.webpMonzo's Business Bank Sees Significant Growth, New CEO's Strong SupportMonzo's business bank has reached one million customers, with the new CEO being a 'huge advocate' of the service. https://graftandgrit.com/news/neura-robotics-expands-physical-5f5654/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/neura-robotics-expands-physical-5f5654.webpNEURA Robotics Expands Physical AI Ecosystem with Acquisition of Bosch Rexroth's ACTIVE ShuttleGerman robotics company NEURA Robotics acquires the ACTIVE Shuttle driverless transport system from Bosch Rexroth to expand its Physical AI ecosystem. https://graftandgrit.com/news/guardian-labs-develops-ai-f5967c/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/guardian-labs-develops-ai-f5967c.webpGuardian Labs Develops AI-Powered Phone Scam DetectionGuardian Labs, a startup founded by Rita Barbosa, has created an AI-powered phone scam detection system called Guardião. The system uses local AI models to analyze incoming calls and messages... https://graftandgrit.com/news/lovable-secures-400m-funding-031d89/2026-08-21weekly0.8https://pub-f44a693741274cceb4510229e592edc6.r2.dev/niche/graftandgrit/lovable-secures-400m-funding-031d89.webpLovable Secures $400M Funding, Duolingo Acquires Animade, and Isembard's Bold ClaimThis week's European tech funding roundup includes Lovable's $400M raise, Duolingo's acquisition of Animade, and Isembard's founder calling the startup a politician's 'wet dream.' Other highlights... https://graftandgrit.com/2026-09-18daily1.0