News
Daily digest of all European digital development news
Formalize raises €30M to advance compliance solutions across Europe
Formalize secured €30 million to expand its compliance software across Europe, helping businesses navigate complex regulations. The funding will fuel expansion into the DACH region and France, with new offices and team growth planned.
Bunq bags US broker-dealer licence in Stateside push
Bunq, the Dutch challenger bank, enters the US market with a broker-dealer license, expanding its services to tech-savvy customers. The move allows Bunq, already serving 20 million users in Europe, to offer US stock trading, including ETFs, to American users.
European tech weekly recap: More than 70 tech funding deals worth over €1.3B
European tech funding saw over €1. 3 billion invested in 70+ deals last week, led by Germany, the UK, and Sweden....
AI literacy: AU calls on organizations to take action
The Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) urges organizations to act on AI literacy, publishing an updated guide. The guide details legal obligations and offers a practical action plan for organizations deploying AI systems.
Apple threatens: iOS tracking protection in danger due to EU - it's complicated
Apple threatens to disable its "App Tracking Transparency" feature in Europe, potentially impacting user privacy. A complex power struggle underlies this, involving data ownership, competition, and privacy regulations.
EC finds Meta and TikTok breached transparency rules under DSA
Brussels finds Meta and TikTok breached DSA transparency rules by failing to provide researchers with sufficient data access. This preliminary ruling indicates both platforms may face significant fines for non-compliance with the new regulations.
Open Letter: Civil Rights Organizations Insist on the Independence of the Irish Data Protection Commission
Civil society groups are protesting the appointment of Niamh Sweeney, a former Meta employee, as Ireland's Data Protection Commissioner. Over 40 NGOs, including Access Now and EDRi, signed an open letter voicing their concerns about the decision.
Aunoa raises €1.5M to scale its conversational AI agents across Europe
Aunoa, a Spanish AI company, secures €1. 5 million to scale its conversational AI agents across Europe....
The great dilemma of Spanish telecoms: either they become giants or China swallows them up
Orange can simultaneously purchase 50% of Masorange and its share of Altice assets in France without affecting dividends. This marks a shift, as the market now accepts sector consolidation after years of regulatory taboo.
DSA: EU Commission criticizes violations on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok
The EU Commission found TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook are not providing sufficient data access to researchers, with content reporting too difficult on the latter two. The EU is demanding improvements, or the platforms could face penalties under the Digital Services Act.
BEUC welcomes first steps by the Commission to Meta breaching the DSA as a start towards compliance
The European Commission found Meta in breach of the Digital Services Act (DSA) regarding content moderation, signaling a move towards enforcement. BEUC welcomes the initial steps, advocating for rigorous monitoring to protect consumers from unsafe and illegal content on platforms.
Sweden’s Cytely raises €3 million as labs report 75% faster analysis using its smart microscopy platform
Cytely, a Swedish DeepTech startup, secured €3 million to expand its smart microscopy platform, transforming microscopes into real-time data engines. The platform dramatically cuts analysis time, as labs report 75% faster analysis using the innovative platform.
Lithuania’s tech ecosystem: Founders and executives discuss its evolution
Lithuania's tech ecosystem is booming, with startups raising almost €600 million in 2024, despite the small population. The ecosystem's valuation has surged to over €16 billion, positioning Vilnius as the EU's fastest-growing tech city in 2025.
EU Commission accuses Meta of inadequate reporting systems for complaints
Brussels accuses Meta of inadequate complaint systems on Facebook and Instagram, potentially violating the Digital Services Act. The investigation follows concerns about Meta's handling of illegal content on its platforms.
UK quantum startup QFX raises €2.2 million funding to expand its hardware platform
Oxford-based QFX secured €2. 2 million in seed funding to develop modular hardware for quantum technologies....
Astut, an Oxford University spin-out, lands €1.8 million round for transparent reasoning-based AI
Oxford University spin-out Astut secured €1. 8 million in seed funding to commercialize its AI technology for high-stakes decision-making....
Paris-based Kotcha raises €3.5 million to make elite running coaching accessible to everyone
Paris-based Kotcha secured €3. 5 million to bring elite running coaching to everyone using AI....
Kotcha powers up with €3.5M to scale AI coaching for runners
Kotcha, an AI-powered running coaching app, secures €3. 5 million to expand access to personalized training for runners....
Mondra raises £10M to accelerate European expansion
Mondra, an AI-powered platform for supply chain resilience, secures £10 million in Series A funding. The London-based company plans to expand into key European markets like Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
Lakestar calls time on generalist venture funds
Lakestar, a major European VC firm, shifts its strategy, halting new generalist fundraisings to focus on existing portfolio companies. The firm, which backed Revolut and Spotify, aims to maximize returns, with over €2B raised in the past 12 years.