Manchester Startup Arcube Lands $1.5M to Shake Up Airline Revenue Models ✈️

Manchester-based tech startup Arcube has raised $1.5 million in seed funding, with backing from Fuel Ventures and Oxford Capital Partners. High-profile investors, including the Chairman and former CEO of Pegasus Airlines and the founders of PointsYeah.com, also participated in the round. Arcube, headquartered in Manchester’s Sister innovation district, aims to revolutionise how airlines tap into passenger data to drive revenue growth.

Founded by Prithveesh Reddy and Harvey Lowe, both graduates of The University of Manchester, Arcube has quickly captured industry attention. The duo’s innovative approach recently earned them top honors in the Venture Further Awards for Technology. Their AI-driven platform focuses on enhancing airline loyalty programs and maximizing ancillary revenue, setting them apart in the travel tech space.

Central to Arcube’s offering is the Passenger Intelligence Platform, the first post-flight solution designed to analyse passenger behaviour and suggest personalized offers after a flight. A trial with Etihad Airways showcased the platform’s potential, generating $1.6 million in additional revenue from just 1,300 passengers and increasing average order value by over 10%.

Arcube’s origins trace back to their time at The University of Manchester’s Masood Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC), where Reddy and Lowe engaged in entrepreneurship programs and secured initial funding through the Kickstarter scheme. Reflecting on their journey, Lowe credited MEC’s support: “Their mentorship and funding were crucial to getting us off the ground.”

Now fully focused on scaling the business, the founders are in discussions with 14 airlines worldwide, with ambitions to become a leader in travel ancillary data. “Ancillary revenue already makes up a significant portion of airline income—up to 50% for low-cost carriers,” Reddy explained. “Our vision goes beyond airlines; we see opportunities in the wider travel ecosystem, from car rentals to hotels.”

Learn more...

💼 Noxus Raises £1.2M to Help Enterprises Build AI Workforces

Lisbon-founded AI startup Noxus has secured £1.2 million in pre-seed funding, led by SFC Capital with support from Antler, Bynd VC, Caixa Capital, AltaIR Capital, and other notable investors across Europe and the US. Founded by João Pedro Almeida (CEO), Jorge Pessoa (CTO), Gonçalo Ferreira, and Miguel Ribeiro, Noxus enables businesses to deploy AI “co-workers” that automate repetitive tasks, optimize workflows, and drive productivity—all while maintaining enterprise-grade security and compliance.

Unlike many AI tools that require complex integrations or in-house expertise, Noxus offers a scalable, easy-to-use platform that plugs directly into existing enterprise systems. Their AI “co-workers” have already made an impact, with a leading healthcare provider saving 700 hours a month by automating customer complaints and prescription analysis. A global accounting firm using Noxus saw a 50% reduction in client churn through predictive financial monitoring, while a law firm achieved a 10x speed increase in knowledge retrieval.

Noxus has been selected for the Google Growth Program in the UK, further solidifying its position as a rising star in AI. The fresh funding will be used to enhance the platform, grow its enterprise client base, and expand operations across Europe. With AI adoption in Europe still trailing the US, Noxus aims to bridge that gap, helping traditional industries integrate AI into their workflows without losing control over their data and operations.

“Noxus is addressing a critical challenge: enabling enterprises to adopt AI at scale without the usual risks and complexities,” said Vegard Medbo, COO at Antler. “Their horizontal platform empowers legacy companies to remain competitive in an AI-first future.”

With enterprises across healthcare, finance, and FMCG sectors already reaping the benefits, Noxus is positioning itself at the forefront of Europe’s next productivity revolution.

Learn more...

Health Tech Start-Up Partners to Advance Digital Care in South Yorkshire

UK-based health tech start-up Daiser has entered a long-term partnership with the South Yorkshire Digital Health Hub to accelerate the adoption of digital healthcare solutions. The collaboration aims to drive digital health innovation and improve healthcare outcomes across the region.

The South Yorkshire Digital Health Hub, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Committee (EPSRC) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), brings together experts from the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University to enhance healthcare accessibility and outcomes. Daiser’s AI-powered platform simplifies the creation of digital health services, offering adaptable solutions for various conditions, from diabetes to dementia.

Daiser, founded by Mike Trenell & Adam Wootton (also CTO), leverages his background in healthcare research and technology to bridge the gap between complex medical data and practical patient applications. Trenell, who also serves as CEO, emphasized the shared mission between Daiser and the Hub: “We’re thrilled to be working side by side with the South Yorkshire Digital Health Hub. They’re a like-minded organisation intent on improving patient health through digital solutions.”

Under Trenell’s leadership, Daiser is set to launch five clinical services—including heart monitoring and contraceptives—with additional services in development. Trenell highlighted the platform’s capacity to support rapid, scalable development of health tech solutions, facilitating communication between research teams and end-user communities while maintaining stringent data security standards.

Professor Tim Chico, Director of the South Yorkshire Digital Health Hub, echoed this enthusiasm, stating that Daiser’s platform will help streamline the translation of complex research into accessible, patient-friendly technologies. “Our collaboration with Daiser aligns with our mission to push the boundaries of digital health advancements and ultimately provide the region of South Yorkshire with better health,” Chico added.

The partnership marks a significant step in leveraging digital tools to improve healthcare outcomes and demonstrates the growing role of health tech start-ups in shaping the future of patient care.

Learn more...

Neptune North Expands into Premier Newcastle Office Space

Newcastle-based tech startup Neptune North is set to expand its operations with a move into 10,000 sq ft of office space at Bank House on Pilgrim Street. The financial services-focused firm, founded in 2024 as a joint venture between Rokos Capital Management and Oliver Wyman, has experienced rapid growth, prompting the need for a larger workspace. The company plans to complete a high-specification fitout by May, led by workplace design specialist ADT Workplace, known for similar projects at Bank House.

Neptune North expects to house over 100 employees by the end of the year, with ongoing recruitment efforts targeting software developers and data engineers from across the UK and beyond. The firm operates on a five-day office schedule and has already made nearly 50 appointments. According to CEO James Beard, the move to Bank House offers a “first-class working environment,” which is seen as a key factor in attracting top talent.

Bank House, designed by Ryder Architecture and constructed by Bowmer + Kirkland, is one of Newcastle’s premier office developments, standing at 207 feet tall and expected to accommodate over 1,000 workers when fully occupied. The rapid expansion of Neptune North has been described as exceptional by property agents, with Tony Wordsworth of Avison Young noting that it is rare for a startup to require such significant office space within its first year.

Learn more...

Digital ID Acquires Connected ID to Expand IT Solutions Across UK and Europe

Stockport-based identity and security specialist Digital ID, part of the Levata group, has acquired Connected ID, a leader in networking and enterprise mobility solutions. Headquartered in Corsham, Wiltshire, with an additional base in Leicester, Connected ID has established a strong reputation for delivering cutting-edge handheld devices, mobile computing, and wireless network solutions.

The acquisition aims to integrate Connected ID’s expertise with Digital ID’s market-leading identity and security solutions, positioning Levata as a leading IT products and solutions provider in the UK and Europe. The combined offering will enable businesses to identify people and products faster, smarter, and more securely than ever before.

Jamie Dickinson, Managing Director of Connected ID, shared his excitement about the acquisition:

“Our values, people, and deep industry expertise made this an incredible opportunity to expand and enhance our solutions. From the outset, it was clear that Digital ID and Connected ID share the same passion for innovation, customer service, and industry-leading technology. Already, we are seeing the benefits of aligning our processes, enabling us to offer customers an unrivalled experience which helps them truly identify their people and products. On a personal note, I am thrilled to join the wider Digital ID and Levata, working with a team of like-minded, dedicated professionals presents an exciting opportunity for future growth, and I look forward to what we can achieve together.”

Stephen Dodd, Commercial Director of Digital ID Europe, called the acquisition a “major milestone” for the company. “Connected ID has an outstanding reputation, backed by a highly skilled team and loyal client base. By combining our expertise, we can deliver an unparalleled suite of identity, AIDC, and networking solutions, ensuring businesses operate more securely and efficiently. I’m thrilled to welcome Jamie and his team into our growing organization,” Dodd stated.

Levata CEO Daniel Nettesheim emphasised the strategic significance of the acquisition, noting that it rapidly expands Levata’s capabilities across the UK and Europe. “This is another example of Levata continuing to invest in our networking, network security, data capture, and enterprise mobility capabilities, ensuring we provide world-class solutions for our customers,” Nettesheim added.

The acquisition increases Digital ID’s headcount to around 200 employees across five key locations in the UK and Europe. The company also plans to create 10 new roles in sales, marketing, and support at its Stockport headquarters within the next year.

Learn more...

🌟 Upcoming Event: The Big Tech Debate: AI & Tech Tests in Hiring

Join us for the first-ever Big Tech Debate on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Bloc, Bruntwood, Manchester! This dynamic event will feature stimulating debates on critical tech questions, including AI and Tech Tests in Hiring.

The debate will be joined by key industry decision-makers—CTOs, Tech Leads, and Heads of Engineering—and will be an engaging session of critical thinking and lively discussions. Refreshments will be provided, and there will be ample networking opportunities.

For more information on how you can take part in the debate, get in touch with either Grant Spencer or Amul Batra

Don’t miss out on this chance to participate in thought-provoking discussions that will shape the future of tech! 🎤✨

RSVP now to secure your place—limited to 40 participants.

Supercharge Your Tech Team with MRJ Recruitment’s Expertise

Looking for top-tier tech talent? MRJ Recruitment specialises in connecting businesses with the brightest minds in software engineering, with a particular focus on the dynamic SaaS sector.

Our experienced recruiters are experts in sourcing exceptional developers, software engineers, and product managers skilled in JavaScript, .NET, and Python.

Stay ahead of the competition with our in-depth understanding of industry trends and tech insights. From strategic hiring reports to expert advice, MRJ is your go-to partner for building a future-proof team.

Ready to unlock the best tech talent? Let MRJ Recruitment provide the skilled professionals who will drive your company’s growth and innovation. Learn more...