British scientists are trying to genetically alter human embryos for the first time September 18, 2015 The UK's science community has steered well clear of the controversial practice of genetically modifying human embryos. But now, scientists at London's Francis Crick Institute are trying to get permission to do just that, marking what could be a huge turning point in British science. Using a novel gene-correction technique called Crispr/Cas9, they want [...]
Fidor launches in the UK as digital challenger bank expands September 18, 2015 A German digital challenger bank is expanding to the UK, joining the ever-growing collection of challenger banks giving the "big five" a run for their money. Fidor, an innovative online lender which crowdsources ideas for financial products and incentivises users with better rates if they can get Facebook "likes", launches today, offering a flexible saving [...]
Fintech is booming – but where are the insurance tech startups? September 17, 2015 As a technology investor, I spend my days scouring Europe in search of the next big thing. London’s fintech scene has been a profitable hunting ground of late. With the UK fintech industry generating $20bn in revenue annually, it is not surprising that $5.4bn has been invested in British fintech companies since 2010. [...]
Google’s wearables push “Project Aura” could mean Google Glass is making a comeback September 17, 2015 Poor, embattled Google Glass. Google tried everything, even teaming up with couture designer Diane von Furstenburg, but despite its best efforts nothing seemed able to shake customers’ feeling that the headgear made you look, well, like a bit of an idiot. A far cry from the massive hype surrounding its unveiling in 2012, a hefty [...]
Most girls think STEM subjects are too difficult for them to learn September 17, 2015 Why are there fewer women in science, technology, maths and engineering careers than men? It could be because girls decide at a young age that they're not capable of doing them, according to new research by Accenture. By carrying out a survey on girls aged 12 in the UK, they found that 60 per [...]
London FinTech investment in 2015 has already surpassed last year’s total… and it’s only September September 17, 2015 The cash being pumped into London's financial technology businesses has already surpassed the entire amount invested 2014 as the capital cements its status as the FinTech capital of the world. It's been the most successful year yet for FinTech, netting $554m (£357m) of venture capital investment so far this year, compared to total investment of [...]
Amazon challenges Apple TV with Fire TV update that can stream 4K video September 17, 2015 Amazon has unveiled an update to its popular media streaming box Fire TV, capable of streaming ultra high definition content. With the launch, Amazon is clearly taking a swing at Apple, as the online retail giant’s announcement comes a mere week after Apple presented a new Apple TV update. But in the UK, Amazon may [...]
Britain will never grow its own Apple without spending more on technology R&D September 17, 2015 The last decade has witnessed an explosion in the number of digital startups springing up across the country – not just in east London, but across the whole of the UK. Of these, however, you can count the number of firms built around core Intellectual Property (IP) on one hand. At a time when we’re [...]
From Open-plan offices to FinTech and regulation: Four ways the City is changing September 17, 2015 The City will face a number of opportunities, as well as a few adversities, in the years to come according to a new report by published by the City of London Corporation. Here's a quick round-up of the main changes: Rise of the open-plan office The rise in flexible working, technological changes and cost pressures are [...]
Coffee isn’t just a stimulant – it actually slows down your body clock and stops you releasing the sleep hormone September 17, 2015 Many of us are reliant on coffee for a much-needed boost first thing in the morning, but it if you drink it once the afternoon is over, you can say bye-bye to an early night. According to new research published in the journal Science Translation Medicine, the drink is more than just a stimulant [...]