Trends
Why Founders Are Quietly Rethinking How They Hire In The UK
UK hiring costs jumped sharply in April 2026 thanks to four overlapping changes - higher Employer NI, day-one sick pay, a minimum wage rise, and frozen tax thresholds - adding roughly £8,000–£10,000 a year for a team of five. The smallest employers are mostly shielded by the Employment Allowance, but anyone growing past their first few hires now feels the squeeze in full. UK founders are already responding in measurable ways: hiring less, hiring abroad through Employer of Record services, or automating roles instead.
Apr 23, 2026
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6 min read
Trends
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Should You Be Raising Right Now?
The market’s tightening, and a correction isn’t a matter of if — it’s when. Founders now face a harsh reality: raise before the window closes or be forced to fight for scraps later. Those with real traction will thrive; those selling stories will finally get exposed.
Nov 5, 2025
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11 min read
Trends
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Why It’s Taking Forever to Get to Series A
Startups are taking much longer to reach Series A and C, with US averages now at 2.5 years and European timelines also stretching, while graduation rates have dropped sharply. This shift is driven by macro headwinds, tighter investor scrutiny, and the rise of bridge rounds, forcing founders to operate leaner for longer. The winners will be those who adjust early, secure more runway, and hit investor-ready milestones before chasing the next big round.
Aug 13, 2025
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17 min read
Trends
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Defence Tech Is Having a Moment (And You Should Pay Attention)
European defense budgets are exploding, and VCs are suddenly pouring money into defense and dual-use tech—AI, cyber, space, energy, and more. Our Open Mic Pitching: Defense Edition and updated database of 260+ investors actively writing checks are your chance to get in front of the people funding this wave.
Aug 2, 2025
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6 min read
Trends
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