Hello Sifted reader,

We couldn’t call Sifted a tech publication unless we actually experimented with new technology ourselves.

One tool that’s become an indispensable part of our toolkit recently: AI-powered text-to-image generators. They’ve helped us bring spies, a cowboy SBF and psychic founder coaches to life.

Last week, we published an AI code of conduct for our use of these tools. Tl;dr: we know these models are biased. So we need to use them with that in mind. As one VC explained to me: it’s like shooting with a gun you know always shoots towards the left. Just remember to adjust when you aim.

This is the first code of conduct of its kind that I’ve seen from a journalistic outlet, and I hope it encourages other media organisations to think carefully about their use of generative AI too. Any feedback on our use of these tools (or fun prompt suggestions) are also very welcome.

— Eleanor Warnock, deputy editor

A MESSAGE FROM OUR SPONSOR MORGAN STANLEY

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🤑 What founders are earning in 2023. Here's what 400 founders across the UK, France and Germany are paying themselves.

🏢 Despite cuts, HR tech is in demand. While many companies are pinching pennies and cutting costs, some startups working on HR tech say they've never been busier.

💔 How dating apps are stopping scammers. Romance fraud is on the rise — and that's bad for business if you're a dating app. Here's what some startups are doing to protect their users from falling for tricks, rather than head over heels.

💵 Speedinvest launches a new fund of funds. The early-stage VC firm has set aside €3m to back emerging pre-seed and micro VCs — and says at least 50% of the GPs supported will be women or people from other traditionally underrepresented backgrounds.

💬 How to nail investor communications. Here's how startups can get the best advice and support from their VCs.

📱 How to get started on TikTok. It's the social platform to be on if you want to reach the Gen Z audience — but how do you go viral without making the kids cringe? Find out how to kick off your presence on the app successfully.

How have VCs treated you in the downturn?

Calling all founders: have your investors been helpful since the economy took a turn for the worse? Or not-so-helpful?

Let us know — anonymously

💰 Series B+

AI-powered climate tech QiO Technologies, which helps businesses reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs, has raised $10m from US-based Wave Equity Partners.

💰 Series A

UK-based Dronamics, the first cargo drone airline to get a European operating licence, has raised $40m in pre-Series A funding.
Vertical farming startup Future Gaïa has secured €11m.

💰 Pre-seed + seed

Kern AI has raised a €2.7m round led by Seedcamp and Faber. The startup helps companies embed natural language processing into products and processes.
UNISERS, which detects sources of potential defects in semiconductors, has raised a $14m round led by Intel Capital.
Innitius, which develops diagnostic devices for women's health cases like pregnancy and labour, has raised €1.8m led by Clave Capital and Nara Capital.
German Flexvelop, helping companies offer B2B equipment leasing, has drummed up €3m.

February 23 | How to build the perfect sales team
Join us for this week’s online Sifted Talks, where we’ll cover:

How to build trustworthy sales teams
How to keep teams empowered and motivated
How to win deals in a downturn

Register now.

March 1 | What happens when cookies get phased out?
81% of companies admit they have a dependence on third-party cookies for advertising strategies — but from 2024, browsers will start to phase them out. Join this free Sifted Talks to find out how your marketing team should prepare.

March 15 | How to turn your startup into a gigacorn
Climate tech bagged a record $15bn in funding in 2022 — but where are investors placing their bets this year? Find out how to get your climate tech startup in front of them. Reserve your spot.