Intelligent SME.tech Issue 52 | Page 6

// LATEST UPDATES //
RocketPhone raises US $ 10.5 million to commercialise AI-native voice platform
Leading voice processing system , RocketPhone . ai , has raised US $ 10.5 million in funds without Venture Capital backing .
RocketPhone . ai ’ s AI-native platform helps businesses serve customers faster , identify and secure more sales leads and achieve greater agent satisfaction . This latest investment will contribute to its ongoing development of its platform that makes business velocity 10 times more effective .
This comes as RocketPhone . ai announces the appointment of Michael Wooldridge , Ashall Professor of the Foundations of Artificial Intelligence at University of Oxford , to its advisory board . He will play a critical role in the ongoing development of RocketPhone ’ s AI-native product suite .
Other RocketPhone . ai advisors include Niluka Ratnayake , Iliana Paskova , Diane Groell , Yui Ho ( Chris ) Lui , Kristian Flyvolm and Zeeshan Feroz .
“ We ’ re honoured to welcome Professor Michael to our advisory board ,” said Sam Gillingham , Cofounder of RocketPhone . “ His unmatched expertise in the field of AI will be invaluable as we continue to develop and improve our AI-native offering .”
Hubbub ’ s ‘ Eat It Up Fund ’ backs seven gamechanging food waste solutions
Environmental charity , Hubbub , has announced seven winners of its Eat It Up Fund , which powers bold and creative solutions to tackle food waste .
In the UK , 10.7 million tonnes of food are wasted each year by UK households , food service , food manufacturers , retailers and farming .
Now in its second year , the Eat It Up Fund looks for innovative solutions to address pre-farmgate edible waste , prevent edible food from being wasted at manufacturing and processing stage , minimise edible food waste from retailers and find ways to use surplus edible food in creative ways in communities or at home .
This year ’ s winners , who will each receive a grant of up to £ 60,000 and support from Hubbub to develop their ideas over the coming 12 months , are : Newcastle University , Chefs in Schools , Big Ideas Company , The People ’ s Pantry , The Felix Project , Streetbox and Angry Monk .
Read more about the projects at : www . eatitupfund . org . uk / 2025-initiatives
Dubai scale-up programme announced to help UK entrepreneurs fast-track to MENA success
Thinking Hat Media , in collaboration with A City Law Firm and Asiarath , has announced a three-day scaleup programme designed for ambitious founders eager to establish a presence in the UAE ’ s vibrant and dynamic business ecosystem . The programme , set to take place in Dubai from February 19 – 21 , offers an unparalleled opportunity for entrepreneurs to fast-track their expansion into the MENA region . Highlights of the programme include :
• Exclusive site visits to the Dubai Silicon Oasis and the DIFC Innovation Hub , providing insights into the region ’ s advanced technological and financial landscapes
• Expert-led workshops covering global communications strategies , legal and corporate frameworks in Dubai and cultural nuances essential for doing business in the UAE
• Networking and partnership opportunities with leading stakeholders , investors and business leaders
• Investor meetings : Gain direct access to top-tier VCs and angel investors focused on the MENA region
• Panel discussions : Engage with leading entrepreneurs and experts from Dubai Future Foundation , Asiarath and other key organisations .
6 Intelligent SME . tech