Summary:
Rachel Reeves aims to position Britain as a leading startup hub.
Robin AI introduces AI-driven legal solutions for businesses.
Gaia Family revolutionizes IVF with transparent pricing models.
GetHarley connects patients with skincare professionals online.
Field enhances renewable energy storage with large batteries.
In the recent “Startup-up, Scale-up” review report, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has pledged to transform Britain into the “high growth, start-up hub of the world.” Entrepreneurs are optimistic about the commitments outlined in the Labour manifesto. Shilpika Gautam, CEO of Opna, emphasizes the need for the UK to align with global policy innovations, notably the Inflation Reduction Act in the US.
Amit Gudka, founder of Field, supports Labour’s ambitious energy plans, while Meri Beckwith, co-founder of Lindus Health, expresses hope for genuine reforms in the NHS under Labour’s leadership.
However, the shadow of the previous Conservative government looms large, as evidenced by the shelving of a £1.3 billion commitment for tech and AI projects. Robin Tuluie, founder of PhysicsX, highlights the challenges ahead for the new government.
Robin AI
Robin AI is revolutionizing legal assistance with AI technology designed to make law accessible. Richard Robinson, a former corporate lawyer, states, “We’re legal AI for business, not just AI for law firms.” Their innovative product, Robin AI Reports, enables rapid analysis of legal contracts, significantly reducing processing times. The company has raised $26 million and expanded its offices globally.
Gaia Family
Gaia Family, founded by Nader AlSalim, addresses the opaque nature of fertility treatments. By taking upfront payments and covering costs until clients become parents, they apply machine learning to predict treatment outcomes. The startup has raised over $23 million and operates in multiple countries.
Get Harley
Charmaine Chow, CEO of GetHarley, created an online platform for skincare consultations after struggling with skin issues herself. The service connects patients with 1,500 practitioners and has achieved triple-digit growth since its launch, raising $52 million in funding.
Lindus Health
Meri Beckwith co-founded Lindus Health to tackle inefficiencies in clinical trials. Their platform automates trial processes, completing them in half the usual time. The startup has raised $18 million and is involved in numerous trials.
Field
Founded by Amit Gudka, Field provides large battery solutions for renewable energy storage. The company has raised £200 million and is expanding its operations across Europe.
Opna
Shilpika Gautam founded Opna to facilitate funding for carbon removal projects. The startup has generated over $340 million in carbon credits and raised $6.5 million in seed funding.
Sylvera
Sylvera helps companies assess carbon offsetting projects using machine learning. The startup raised $57 million in Series B funding, expanding its total investment to $96 million since its inception.
PhysicsX
PhysicsX, founded by Robin Tuluie, utilizes machine learning to enhance engineering simulations. The startup has raised $32 million and boasts high-profile clients in various industries.
Newcleo
Developing a mini nuclear power plant that uses nuclear waste as fuel, Newcleo has raised over €400 million and is expanding its operations internationally.
Volt
Volt, an open payments platform, allows real-time direct payments for merchants. Founded by Tom Greenwood, it has raised $60 million and operates across 31 countries.
This article first appeared in the November/December 2024 edition of WIRED UK.
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