Crypta Labs has completed its SPRINT (SPace Research and Innovation Network for Technology)-funded project, in collaboration with the University of Southampton. The company has developed a Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) for space that will facilitate quantum secure encryption of satellite data.

A platform that helps parents and students to find online tutors has raised a further £3 million investment amidst a boom in business following the pandemic.  Tutorful has secured funding from Mercia’s Northern Venture Capital Trust (VCT) funds and NPIF – Mercia Equity Finance, which is managed by Mercia and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund. 

PassFort, the SaaS RegTech provider whose platform automates financial crime and compliance processes, today announced the close of its Series A funding, which gives the firm access to $16.2 million. The money will be used to realise PassFort’s global growth plans and its ambition to be the category leader in compliance automation for regulated businesses.

London-based llluma Technology, a contextual advertising company which uses AI to expand online campaigns by reacting to live browsing behaviour, has secured a £1.1m Series A investment from Blackfinch Ventures.

Founded in 2016 by leading data scientists and media experts, Illuma’s GDPR- compliant platform offers an alternative to cookie-based targeting which results in a better return on investment for advertisers.

Fintech infrastructure platform Integrated Finance has raised £2 million in Seed funding. The round was led by Octopus Ventures, one of Europe’s most active early-stage VCs, with participation from 500 Start-Ups, SuperSeed Ventures, and prominent Angels Chris Adelsbach, Srin Madipalli, and John Erdimansinga.

The Integrated Finance platform gives fintech companies and financial institutions of all sizes access to the same financial infrastructure used by the world’s largest companies. The infrastructure APIs that Integrate Finance provides help developers at fintech startups and big banks alike build embedded financial services at greatly reduced speeds, enabling them to drive far more value from their existing technology, and their customer base.

London-based Kick Game, a luxury sneaker and apparel retailer, is on track to grow revenuesLondon-based Kick Game, a luxury sneaker and apparel retailer, is on track to grow revenues to £50m in 2022 following a £3.5m injection of capital from VGC Partners.  to £50m in 2022 following a £3.5m injection of capital from VGC Partners. 

Founded by sneakerhead brothers Rob (pictured, left) and David Franks in 2013, Kick Game is a destination-retailer to shop exclusive, rare and sold-out sneakers and streetwear from brands such as Air Jordan, Nike, Yeezy, Off-White, Trapstar, Fear of God Essentials and Supreme.

For angels and other investors interested in space, Rémy Astié, CEO of Vauban has advice on how to get involved. 

Cardiff University has become the sixth partner of SETsquared, the world’s top-ranked university-business incubator. Cardiff joins the universities of Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Southampton, and Surrey and will further strengthen the group’s capability for providing enterprise and innovation programmes for researchers, entrepreneurs and high-growth companies in its ecosystem.

Vala Capital, the entrepreneur-led venture capital firm, has launched a new tranche for its EIS portfolio – targeting fast-growth British start-ups with strategies to scale quickly and become the next generation of British unicorns.

Bambino Mio, the UK’s most popular reusable nappy brand, has announced a £13m investment by BGF, the UK & Ireland’s most active investor. This is the largest investment ever in a reusable nappy firm in the UK, demonstrating the potential of the sector and the scale of Bambino Mio’s growth ambitions.

Independent advisory firm Dow Schofield Watts has expanded its debt fundraising arm with the launch of a new operation covering London and the South East. 

Techstars, the worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs succeed, has announced the launch of two new accelerator programs in Paris and Stockholm. The launch showcases Techstars’ commitment to investing in startup talent in Europe, where it plans to invest in more than 100 startups in 2022 through its various accelerator programs in seven countries. Both programs will be fully funded by Techstars, following the recent July close of a new $150 million fund, intended to support more local entrepreneurs looking for global exposure.