Hold off on criticising Snapchat’s $25bn IPO – it may be a Facebook, rather than a Twitter November 17, 2016 Reports of a potential (but secret) IPO by Snapchat yesterday brought out the usual round of dot com bubble comparisons. It’s hardly surprising: if the rumours are true, the social messaging app could be valued at as much as $25bn (£20bn), making it the third-largest IPO ever, after Alibaba and Facebook. This, from a company [...]
Two thirds of business leaders think technology will create more value in the future than people November 17, 2016 Feeling a little undervalued and overlooked at work? Well, look away now. Some new research from Korn Ferry is unlikely to make you feel much better. A study of 800 global business leaders found that over two thirds think technology will create greater value in the future than people will. Ouch. And 44 per cent [...]
Global fintech venture capital soars to $15.2bn as UK market swings back into action post-Brexit vote November 16, 2016 Global fintech venture capital soared in the first three quarters of the year, as the UK market perks up again post-Brexit vote. Worldwide VC investment in the first three quarters of the year was up by 27 per cent year-on-year, with 839 deals completed in the first nine months of the year, with a combined [...]
Gett has quietly switched up its leadership in Europe November 16, 2016 On-demand taxi service Gett has quietly switched up its leadership in Europe following a huge investment from car maker Volkswagen. Remo Gerber, managing director for Europe, has left his role at the Uber-rival and Gett's recently appointed chief operating officer of western Europe, Matteo de Renzi, has been promoted to chief executive of western Europe. It comes as [...]
From crowdfunding to IPO in 16 months: Edinburgh tech company claims UK first with Aim flotation November 16, 2016 The London Stock Exchange’s junior market today welcomed its first company with roots in equity crowdfunding. Edinburgh-based tech company Freeagent Holdings began trading on the Alternative Investment Market (Aim) this morning, with the float raising £10.7m and valuing the company at £34.1m. Freeagent, a cloud-based software-as-a-service accounting software company, is believed to be the first [...]
As cunning as a ZoneFox at the Scottish Cyber Awards November 16, 2016 | City Talk Cybercrime: 'together let’s crush it'. And wherever it happens in the UK for that matter. Scotland’s ZoneFox is one of many innovative cyber security organisations shortlisted for tonight's Scottish Cyber Awards. Other shining lights amongst the nominees include Edinburgh Napier University, Skyscanner, 7 Elements, Payfont, Seric Systems and My1Login. The finalists span business, academia and [...]
Super Mario Nintendo bounce helps Nikkei to nine-month high November 16, 2016 Never underestimate the power of Mario. Japan’s main stock index, the Nikkei 225, enjoyed a Super Mario boost as share prices rose for video game maker Nintendo and Japanese banks. The delightful dungareed character is delivering the goods for Nintendo. The company announced the release date of the new Super Mario game for the iPhone yesterday (15 [...]
“You talkin’ to me?” Why language skills remain vital to businesses November 16, 2016 | City Talk Global sales and marketing solutions provider, Televerde, is living proof of why companies are drawn to Scotland's rich talent pool and thriving business process outsourcing sector. Scotland's cabinet secretary for the economy and jobs, Keith Brown, has visited the US-founded firm in Glasgow to endorse the company's business plan of growing in Scotland. Mr Brown will take a 'look behind the scenes' [...]
Deliveroo teams up with Heineken to create new booze delivery brand November 16, 2016 Deliveroo has announced a new partnership with Heineken which will see the two launch a new brand, Brew House, through which customers will be able to order beer and cider directly to their homes. Brew House launches in London today, and will be rolled out across the rest of the UK by the end of this year, [...]
Oversubscribed investment trust and Scottish tech firm announce flotations November 16, 2016 A Scottish technology company floated on the London Stock Exchange this morning and is set to be joined by an oversubscribed new investment trust on Friday. City A.M. first reported that the investment trust, Civitas, which focuses on social housing, was planning to raise £250m through a float on 18 November. The IPO was oversubscribed [...]