Mountside Ventures’ Post

We are very thrilled to announce that we've successfully raised $31 million in venture debt from J.P. Morgan to accelerate Fresha's expansion into new markets and drive the growth in machine learning capabilities and AI-powered robotics. The beauty and wellness industry is a dynamic world, buzzing with creativity, innovation, and an endless quest for service enhancement. Today, there is so much potential to be unlocked. Beauty service providers need a 360-degree view of each client, including booking behaviour, preferences, payment methods, and lifetime value. Extracting insights from every transaction has become a key competitive advantage, allowing our users to offer highly tailored and personalized services. The next exciting frontier for Fresha is expanding our research and development in machine learning and integrating AI into daily business operations. By embracing cutting-edge technology, we are not just enhancing our services; we are creating opportunities and redefining what's possible. Our vision is a world where innovation and creativity flourish together, driving progress and enabling everyone to reach their full potential. In the not-so-distant future, we envision AI-powered robots working alongside humans in the beauty and wellness space. Robots can handle repetitive tasks, such as managing bookings, mixing colours, welcoming customers, or managing inventory, freeing up valuable time for stylists to focus on personalizing their services and honing their craft. Alexandra Wyatt, J.P. Morgan #Fresha #Beauty #wellness #technology https://lnkd.in/eaPz3myr

𝗠𝘆 𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝟱 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 As the founder of Keytom, I constantly keep an eye on new startups because I'm fascinated by their development. In this post, I want to highlight the startups that stood out to me as the most groundbreaking this year. If you're a founder, I highly recommend following them on LinkedIn to stay updated on their progress and get inspired for your own business journey. 1. Observe.AI Observe.AI uses advanced AI to analyze over 1 billion customer interactions in real time, boosting service quality by 30%. Follow them for insights into the future of AI-driven customer service. 2. Labster Labster provides immersive virtual labs to over 3 million students worldwide, improving STEM education with a 76% increase in engagement. Follow them for innovative approaches to digital learning. 3. Pleo Pleo is revolutionizing business expense management with smart company cards and software, already serving over 20,000 businesses across Europe. Their innovative approach has led to a 250% growth in user adoption in the past year. 4. Hastee Hastee is transforming employee financial wellness by offering on-demand pay, helping over 400,000 users access their earned wages instantly. Their user base has grown by 150% in the last year, making them a key player in the fintech space. 5. LuggageHero LuggageHero provides convenient, secure luggage storage solutions in over 40 cities worldwide, catering to more than 2 million travelers. Their network has expanded by 30% in the past year, making travel easier for a growing user base. This list reflects my personal and professional opinion, so I'd love to hear about other great startups I might have missed in the comments!

The Latest Startup Funding Buzz 1.    HData, a company using AI and automation to help the U.S. energy industry to file, explore, analyse, and leverage regulatory data, closed a $10 Million in Series A funding. 2.    The BXNG Club, a trailblazer in the fitness and wellness industry, announced a new funding round aiming to secure $2 million. 3.    Metaplane, a leading data observability platform for data teams to monitor your data warehouse to catch data quality issues when they happen and help prevent it, closed a $13.8 million Series A funding round. 4.    Openprise, a leader in revenue operations (RevOps) data automation, closed a $25 million Series B equity raise. Their RevOps Automation Platform fuels growth by automating hundreds of sales and marketing processes. 5.    Argyle, a leading provider of direct-source income and employment data, closed a $30 million funding round, they raised over $100M since inception. 6.    RIOS Intelligent Machines, a leading AI-powered robotics firm for the manufacturing industry, helps automate factories, warehouses, and supply chain with AI-powered robots completed a $13 million Series B funding. 7.    DTEX Systems, the global leader for insider risk management, closed $50 million in Series E funding bringing DTEX Systems' raised $138M. Startups and funding alert on WhatsApp: https://lnkd.in/dDmwtnNH #ai #funding #startups #appdevelopmentcompany #appscrip #ecomapps #datingapps #saasmarketing #healthcare #sasigeorge

🚀 Introducing Opulence Capital Investments Ltd: Revolutionizing Industries with Innovative Tech Solutions! 🚀 At Opulence Capital Investments Ltd, we're on a mission to reshape industries and drive positive change through cutting-edge technology. We're thrilled to present our inaugural video showcasing our suite of innovative products that are bound to make waves across FinTech, MarTech, SocioTech, EdTech, and MediaTech! 🔍 Discover Our Solutions: 📈 iGoal™: Our FinTech powerhouse, iGoal, empowers users to maximize their currency exchange value through a unique peer-to-peer model aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. 👩👧👦 Visionary Momas(VMomas™): Supporting moms on their parenting journey, VMomas provides a digital haven for connection, sharing, and leveraging essential tools for intentional parenting. 🎥 Laybim™: This is a technology innovation product line in the audio-visual and media space with computer-generated imagery (CGI) cinematography, text-to-speech innovation, streaming platforms, and audio productions. Laybim's content streaming solution offers a decentralized model that allows content creators to monetize their intellectual property from the outset, while viewers can generate revenue through movie reviews. 💼 OpEn: Our comprehensive digital platform, OpEn, equips entrepreneurs with the resources and coaching they need to thrive in today's competitive landscape. 🌐 Join the Revolution! We invite you to watch our video to learn more about how Opulence Capital Investments Ltd is reshaping industries and creating value for users worldwide. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to innovate and drive impact through technology! #OpulenceCapital #Innovation #TechSolutions #Finance #Parenting #ContentCreation #Entrepreneurship #Impact

Denmark is full of innovation and inspiring startups rocking their industries! 🚀 Here are 10 startups I recommend keeping your eye on this year and beyond as they are about to make a positive impact. Flatpay, a leading startup in payment solutions, prioritizes transparency and simplifies card payments for SMEs with an innovative pricing model. Holdbar is a platform for tour hosts, offering comprehensive services and raising €1 million in funding, trusted by a diverse range of entities such as guided tour companies, breweries, distilleries, food markets, and wine stores. Humani, founded in 2022, blends psychology, behavioural science, and technology to provide personalized coaching integrated with communication tools, securing €2 million in funding with a mission to empower individuals, enrich relationships, and promote global unity. Jabbr, founded in 2022, created DeepStrike, the world's first Computer Vision AI for combat sports, enabling users to record matches with smartphones and raising €685K to democratize video production in the industry. Lun targets home heating emissions, aiming to fast-track decarbonization. Founded in 2022, they secured €11 million to develop an OS for Europe's energy renovation sector. Magic Feedback, founded in 2023 in Copenhagen, uses AI to unify and categorize user feedback, aiding faster product decisions. Marts serves as the Operating System for IT Management, streamlining procurement, asset management, and support. Perfection.DEV offers a versatile digital experience platform with content editing, AI enhancements, collaboration tools, and more, streamlining website management for marketers, developers, and decision-makers. Rig.dev specializes in a Kubernetes-tailored application platform, empowering developers with elevated abstractions while leveraging Kubernetes's reliability and scalability. virtuall revolutionizes fashion with one-click product distribution to virtual channels, empowering brands to connect seamlessly with digital generations and maintain a consistent 3D digital presence across immersive platforms. I truly cannot wait to see what each of you will achieve in the future! #denmark #startups

🌟 Congratulations to these remarkable 10 companies for securing funding in their latest investment rounds! 1. Benjamin - $5.5M - Dive into the future of finance with Benjamin, an AI-powered platform that revolutionizes personal financial planning, making money management a breeze. 2. Ranked Media & Technologies - $120K - Ranked® Media and Technologies leads the charge in media analytics, offering cutting-edge solutions that empower content creators and publishers to thrive in the digital landscape. 3. GameDriver - $577.5K - GameDriver.io levels up game development with its cloud-based testing platform, ensuring seamless and bug-free gaming experiences for players worldwide. 4. WarpStream - $20M - Journey into the quantum realm with WarpStream Labs, pioneers in quantum computing technology, unlocking unprecedented computational power for tomorrow's challenges. 5. Ability Pharmaceuticals, SA - $7.6M - Ability Pharmaceuticals fights against cancer's toughest adversaries, developing groundbreaking treatments that target the disease at its core, offering hope to patients worldwide. 6. Clearbrief - $3M - Clearbrief AI transforms marketing strategies with its ingenious platform, deciphering the secret language of effective messaging and content optimization. 7. Bear Robotics - $60M - Bear Robotics brings the future of dining to your doorstep with autonomous food delivery robots, revolutionizing the restaurant industry one meal at a time. 8. Joyride - $5.2M - Embark on thrilling adventures in the palm of your hand with Joyride City, the ultimate multiplayer gaming platform that sparks joy and camaraderie among players. 9. Packfleet - $10.2M - Navigate the seas of logistics with ease using Packfleet's innovative fleet management software, revolutionizing how businesses manage their transportation needs. 10. Murphy's Naturals - $8M - Defend against nature's pesky invaders with Murphy's Naturals, creators of natural mosquito repellents that provide safe and effective protection, so you can enjoy the great outdoors without the buzz. 👉 For more startup funding updates, follow Growth List and sign up to access comprehensive data and contact details

As per HolonIQ, global venture funding in the education technology (#edtech) sector plummeted to a significant low in Q1 2024, totaling only $580 million. Over the past decade, the sector has received substantial investments amounting to $80 billion, peaking at $20.8 billion in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, funding sharply declined in 2023 to $2.97 billion, marking an 86% decrease from the peak in 2021 (see graph). This volatility reflects the heightened demand for digital learning solutions during the pandemic and the challenges associated with the artificial intelligence hype cycle. Uncertainty regarding long-term trends suggests reduced availability of funding for new ed tech projects compared to previous years. According to EdWeek Market Brief, the past year has shown a significant increase in the utilization of educational technology by both teachers and students, despite initial concerns regarding digital saturation and stricter standards for adopting products in school districts. Contrary to expectations of a decrease in inventory, a recent LearnPlatform by Instructure report indicates an 8% uptick in the number of educational technology tools accessed by districts compared to the previous year. This data, collected from September 2023 to May 2024, highlights sustained robust adoption despite the waning of federal stimulus funding. Additionally, Edtech Magazine reports that the movement of universities toward utilizing cloud solutions for digital archives mirrors a larger trend. This trend is motivated by cost-effectiveness, scalability, and enhanced preservation capabilities in response to ongoing technological and institutional challenges. Despite these challenges, forecasts suggest a potential for renewed investment, particularly driven by advancements in #AI technology across various industries, hinting at a potential recovery in #edtechfunding. Although investment levels are currently modest, there is potential for upward movement as new innovations and business models emerge. — At AXIS Capital Markets, we specialize in global #debtplacement and private market #secondaries for VC- and PE-backed companies. Learn more about us here: www.axisgroupventures.com. #privatemarket #secondaries #venturecapital #privatecredit #privateequity

Exploring Sub-Industries: What Sets Them Apart? As startups emerge in different industries, understanding sub-industries becomes essential for founders aiming to make an impact. In the tech space, for example, FinTech focuses on financial services powered by technology, while HealthTech is driven by innovations in healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. Both rely on tech, but their focus and regulations differ. Similarly, in EdTech, startups revolutionize learning experiences, while AgriTech leverages technology to improve farming practices and food production. Each sub-industry has its own challenges—whether it's navigating regulations, understanding customer needs, or creating unique solutions. When you're building your startup, identifying your sub-industry and its nuances helps you target the right audience, innovate effectively, and stand out in a competitive market. #FoundersFeed #StartupTips #Innovation #TechIndustry

In 2023, the U.S. ed-tech sector witnessed a significant adjustment, with venture investments dropping to $2.8 billion - a stark contrast to the boom years yet still above pre-pandemic figures. This recalibration mirrors a global trend of cautious investment strategies, amidst rising interest rates and economic uncertainties. However, the silver lining shines through early-stage investments in generative AI, showcasing continued belief in the transformative potential of technology in education. #EdTech #VentureCapital #GenerativeAI #EducationInnovation https://lnkd.in/g6-92j7F

The Finalists of the Pitch40 competition! 🚀 It’s a great selection of promising startups with the potential to change their industry or the world. See them pitch live on Thursday at The Tech Arena 2024. The grand finale is on Friday on the Arena Stage. The Finalists: Zeabuz - Autonomy for urban ferry operators Plantvation AB - Digitized forest seedling production PlasticFri® - Plant-based eco-friendly plastics n-ink - Stable, printable semiconductive ink PANTER - Reusable takeaway system Drupps - Recycling airborne wastewater Tructric - Seamless road-to-rail transportation SAVEGGY - Plant-based food coating Simpel Transport - Environmentally friendly shipping Reselo: Enabling Sustainable Living! - Sustainable biomaterials SLY - Mitigating wildfires for decarbonization Prizbee - Rewarding children's learning digitally Mifundo - Cross-border lending data solution Moi Panda - Global digital citizenship platform Combify AB - Construction project data collection Charly Equity - Fintech addressing economic inequalities Meitner AB - Digitized school platform CRQLAR - Unique hotel experience app Caidio - AI optimizing concrete construction Logcast - Voice streaming platform Fibbl - Automated 3D model production Leya - AI-driven legal services Ribbn - AI-powered commerce for resale Embedl - Efficient Deep Learning in Automotive and IoT Allye - Sustainable energy solutions Qlerify (Techstars '23) - AI-powered process modeling QuantPi - Efficient AI usage solutions VGANG - AI predicting product trends for retailers EedenBull - Payments fintech for banks bifrost security - Tailor-made runtime security Boldr - Building connected hardware and software Sikoia - Streamlining financial services verification Verdify - Personalized online recipe content Spoke - Mental health care through music Alba Health - Baby gut health discovery Atlas Primer - Interactive learning material VIDEM - Affordable disease diagnostics Parallel Health - Next-gen skin telehealth Intelligyn - AI-driven gynecological ultrasound Cardo Health - AI-enabled digital health solution Tech2heal - Remote patient monitoring platform Finnadvance - Organ-On-Chip for human biology mimicry Thank you to all the entrepreneurs who applied. The selection committee had quite a challenge evaluating and selecting the finalists from the hundreds of startups that applied. They focused on following the criteria: 🔝 Scalability ❄ Uniqueness ♻ Sustainability 🎯 Market potential 🌍 Global applicability 👥 Team skills and competency Ok, you counted? Yes, there are more than 40 companies. The selection committee reviewed hundreds of applications, and we just couldn’t say no to some of them. And it is always great to give a few more entrepreneurs a great opportunity. Stay tuned for more Pitch40 info! #techarena24 #pitchcompetiton #startup