AI's impact on the startup and innovation ecosystem [Q&A]
Early stage businesses face many challenges. Not least of these is selecting the right technology solutions, something made even more difficult by the emergence of new technologies.
We spoke to Paul Pluschkell, founder and CEO of StartupOS, to find out about how AI and other technologies can impact on new businesses.
Investment in quantum startups down by 50 percent but interest remains strong
A new report shows a 50 percent global drop in venture capital invested into quantum startups from $2.2 billion in 2022 to around $1.2 billion in 2023. The US saw an even bigger decline at 80 percent, while Europe, the Middle East and Africa grew by three percent.
The report from IQM Quantum Computers, OpenOcean, a leading European venture capital firm, and Lakestar, the leading European technology investor, attributes the drop to an overall decline in technology investing rather than to falling interest in quantum technology.
Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub includes free Azure credits and is now available to everyone, regardless of funding
Microsoft is increasing the support it offers to startups by reducing the eligibility criteria for the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub as the platform is made generally available. With the move, the company is looking to eliminate the boundaries that stand in the way of getting ideas off the ground.
Now billed as being "open to anyone with an idea", the Founders Hub is a startup ecosystem can be used by innovators regardless of whether they have funding or not. The platform gives users access to up to $150,000 in free Azure credits, free access to GitHub and Microsoft 365 as well as potential for mentorship and guidance from experts. There is also $1,000 of credit and more available with OpenAI.