Despite fears that the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics into the workforce will usurp jobs, 85 percent of tech experts believe they will have a positive effect on the UK economy within the next five years, according to research from Silicon Valley Bank.

InnoEnergy, Europe’s sustainable energy innovation engine, is making its Investment Round, for supporting and launching revolutionary clean energy innovations, open year-round to offer flexibility to businesses to shorten the journey from lab to launch.

Octopus Ventures, one of the Europe’s leading venture capital investors, has announced that Stephen Morana has joined the team as a Venture Partner. Stephen brings with him 20 years’ experience working with some of the most successful UK digital businesses such as Betfair, Zoopla and boohoo.com.

5 July 

Beringea has sold its shares in Third Bridge - a firm that provides primary research and market intelligence to over 300 financial services clients globally. The exit is part is part of a deal with Pan-European private equity firm IK Investment Partners.

The London Co-Investment Fund (LCIF) – the Mayor of London’s early stage business fund – has allocated more than £5.3 million into 32 high-growth tech companies since the EU referendum.

BGF has successfully exited its minority stake in North-East chemicals manufacturer Chemoxy International Ltd.  The company has been acquired by a French based trade buyer, Novacap SAS, as it seeks to expand its Performance Chemicals division and geographical presence.

The Enterprise Investment Scheme Association (EISA) is stepping up efforts to support entrepreneurs and small businesses around the UK with a programme of regional funding information and advice workshops.

CrowdRating has revealed the findings of research which shows that 96% of the companies whose crowdfunding campaigns closed at least a year ago and received a Gold Investment rating from CrowdRating, are showing demonstrable progress with positive ‘signs of life’.

4 July

The Peer-to-Peer Finance Association today launched a new category of membership, welcoming eight inaugural associate members who provide important professional and ancillary services that help support the growing peer-to-peer lending sector.

4 July

GMLF has invested £440,000 in School Lettings Solutions LTD, an outsourced lettings management service that hires out school and college facilities to local community clubs and organisations. Since inception the GMLF has provided funding for 28 local businesses enabling successful expansion and business innovation.

UK-based P2P lender Kuflink has launched its Property-Backed Innovative Finance ISA, joining a handful of platforms offering the opportunity for savers to invest in property while taking advantage of the tax-free benefits on offer from ISAs.

Intertrust has announced six senior appointments across funds, capital markets and corporate services, spanning some of its key jurisdictions.