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For the last decade, the UK has led the pack in Europe when it comes to the size of its tech ecosystem.

But after a string of recent policy changes, experts fear it’s at risk of losing its lead. And it comes as, over the Channel, Macron's pro-tech push is paying dividends.

So what's gone wrong? And how do founders think it can get back on track?

— Sadia Nowshin

Underrepresented founders can find valuable expertise, connections and finance through Morgan Stanley’s Inclusive Ventures Lab.

🤑 Quantum startups: mapped. Europe has more than 147 startups working with quantum technologies — here's what they do, and who's at the helm. 

💸 Kry heads for 2023 profitability. After eight years of losses, the digital care startup's new strategy could put it in the black. 

🎓 The OpenAI flywheel. Alumni from the Silicon Valley-based AI star have come home to Europe to build — here's who they are, and what they're working on. 

💳 The neobank popularity contest. It's been a decade since the likes of digital banks N26, Monzo and Revolut set up a skirmish with legacy incumbents — but who's come out on top in the race for customers?

✂️ The SaaS tools startups are sacking off. In the midst of the downturn, which teams are scaling down their software — and which products are being axed the most? 

🔥 How to keep the cofounder spark alive. Just like with any relationship, the bond between founders requires effort to stay productive and healthy. 

🔐 Cybersecurity startups to watch, according to VCs. 

🤔 Want to break into VC? These nine training programmes are teaching aspiring investors exactly that. 

🇫🇷 Who made the French Tech Next 40? The government support programme has shared the companies that have qualified for its latest cohort — startups include fintech Spendesk, Gen Z social platform Yubo and carpooling marketplace BlaBlaCar. 

💰 Series B+

• Denmark-based Hemab, which develops treatment for bleeding and thrombosis disorders, has secured a $135m round led by Access Biotechnology.

💰 Series A

• Swedish climate intelligence platform CarbonCloud, which helps brands calculate and reduce their carbon footprint, has raised €7.5m led by Cusp Capital and Peak. 
• UK-based fitness gaming developer Quell has raised $10m led by Tencent.
• AI-powered airport management software provider AeroCloud has drummed up $12.6m. 

💰 Pre-seed + seed

• Romanian online children's coding school Bloomcoding has closed a €1m round from Credo Ventures, Inovo VC and u.ventures.

• Romanian Business data platform Veridion (formerly Soleadify) has raised $6m from the likes of OTB Ventures. 
• Spain's Zymvol, which develops industrial enzymes to use across a range of sectors, has secured €1.3m.  

💰 Undisclosed

• The UK's Quantum Motion has raised £42m — the country's largest quantum round — to develop its silicon-based technology.
• UK-based green hydrogen startup GeoPure has raised £36m from the likes of GM Ventures — the investment arm of General Motors' — Barclays Sustainable Impact Capital and Siemens Energy Ventures. 

Thinking about a new role? Check out these jobs:

1. Senior software engineer. Scaling unicorn TravelPerk is looking for a senior software engineer with extensive programming experience to work in London. Apply here. 

2. Programme manager. Account-to-account payments company GoCardless is hiring a programme manager to work with all its compliance managers. Apply here. 

3. Business development manager. Irish video game company Keywords Studios is on the lookout for a business development manager to develop new business sales. Apply here.

Sadia Nowshin

Editorial Assistant

Get in touch with her at

sadia@sifted.eu

She tweets from 

@sadianowshin_

Amy Lewin

Editor

Get in touch with her at

amy@sifted.eu

She tweets from

@amyrlewin

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