The six reasons why startups fail (and only one is unavoidable) Opinion Why do so many startups fail? Dr Bernard Bulkin, who has worked in venture capital for 21 years, says there are six main reasons.
Defence and AI drive Europe’s venture capital rebound Tech European venture capital (VC) investment rose to €66bn (£57bn) in 2025, up five per cent year on year, as funding flowed into AI and defence tech, according to PitchBook data. The increase marks a post-pandemic high for the region, but reflects a narrowing of investor focus rather than a broad-based recovery. Large late-stage rounds in [...]
Fintechs should avoid ‘trap’ of early IPO, warns top London VC investor Fintech Fintech firms considering joining the public markets should avoid the “trap” of floating too early or risk “disaster”, a top London venture capital investor has warned. Speaking at an Innovate Finance panel discussion chaired by City AM, James Codling, managing partner of VC firm Volution, said fintechs must make sure they “get to the right [...]
BVCA unveils rebrand to mark private equity shift January 13, 2026 The British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (BVCA) is rebranding to UK Private Capital, to reflect the shifting UK investment landscape. The lobby group said the change, which is subject to final approval by its members later this week, is to adapt to the growth and evolution of the UK’s private capital industry, spanning [...]
Why the FTSE is enjoying a winter uptick January 13, 2026 Amid AI bubble worries, London's FTSE is luring in American investors seeking greater diversification, writes Susannah Streeter.
Reeves’ VCT changes ‘could put start up funding at risk’ January 12, 2026 Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ shake-up of venture capital tax rules could leave UK start-ups facing a shortfall of millions in funding, a leading investment platform has warned. According to Wealth Club, the chancellor’s changes to venture capital trust tax relief in last year’s Autumn Budget could see British start-ups and scale-ups face a funding deficit of [...]
Former F1 champion Nico Rosberg raises $100m for VC fund January 12, 2026 Former Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg has raised $100m for his venture capital firm as the German expands his business portfolio. Lewis Hamilton’s ex-teammate saw Rosberg Ventures, for which he is founder, close its third round this month in a process he described as “oversubscribed with unprecedented demand”. It leaves the organisation with more [...]
Relief for fintech startups as government plans new short-term FCA licences December 4, 2025 Fintech startups could be about to start trading much sooner after the government signalled plans to issue temporary licences in advance of getting full accreditation. Startups often suffer delays of months or even over a year as they wait for regulators at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to grant them authorisation, during which they burn [...]
AI Security Institute chair moves investment firm away from UK November 11, 2025 The chair of the AI Security Institute has moved an investment firm he co-founded away from the UK, City AM can reveal, as concerns grow over an exodus of tech investors from Britain. Serial entrepreneur Ian Hogarth, who set up Plural with Wise co-founder Taavet Hinrikus in 2021, has restructured the company, moving its headquarters [...]
US VC pulls out of Oxford Union event over incoming president’s comments September 12, 2025 A top US venture capitalist has pulled out of an event at the debating society Oxford Union after its president-elect appeared to have cheered the death of Charlie Kirk, a rightwing US free speech activist. Josh Wolfe, co-founder of VC firm Lux Capital, said he had withdrawn from the event after the Oxford Union’s next [...]