As part of our quick founder questions series – or QFQs – we spoke to Rachel Kettlewell, founder of Fearne & Rosie about Jamie Oliver, lifelong learning and creating jam helps reduce our sugar intake.

A founder's deep attachment to their company is both a strength and a weakness. It enables them to lead with clear vision and values but can also create "tunnel vision", blinding them to other opportunities.

Imagine this for a job-hunting scenario: you’ve spent months looking for a perfect job and finally, after plenty of false starts and hopes raised and dashed, you’ve gotten an interview. It’s a remote call, and you log on, ready and eager. But instead of the human recruiter or hiring manager you’d expected, you’re met with a bot.

A data-driven culture is crucial for the success of investment funds, as it embraces a holistic approach to data, combining human expertise with strategic use of cutting-edge technologies.

Since its inception in 2020, Focal has rapidly ascended to become one of the most prominent startup demo days globally, attracting thousands of pre-seed to Series A stage applicants and investors from around the world. Our semi-annual Demo Day events, held virtually in May and October, have become a beacon for innovation and investment.

Corporate innovation has become essential in today’s volatile environment. The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted this need, forcing businesses to innovate to survive. For example, companies quickly adapted to remote work, developed digital solutions, and revamped supply chains. Restaurants shifted to delivery models, and retailers enhanced their e-commerce strategies to meet changing demands.

Every week, Maddyness brings you the latest investment news from the UK startup ecosystem. Here's a recap of this week's investments.

Whether it's our laptops, smartphones or smart home devices - the same devices that connect our everyday lives are helping drive an epidemic of loneliness and sedentary behaviour. But technology also offers a lifeline for tackling these issues. Smart fitness products can help transform how individuals exercise - turning workouts into gamified experiences which encourage physical activity through fun and community engagement.

As part of our quick founder questions series – or QFQs – we spoke to Laurynas Pamparas, founder of Liledu about circularity, why toys shouldn't end up in landfill and expansion into the British market.

Beyond Meat is a plant-based meat company that offers alternatives to animal-based meat. Its flagship product is the Beyond Burger, which is designed to ‘look, cook and taste like a traditional beef burger’. It also sells a wide range of other plant-based meat products, including sausages, meatballs and chicken nuggets.

At its heart, business is about people. Or, more specifically, it is about people buying from other people. This might seem an obvious point, but it’s one that often seems to get lost amid talk of revenue, profits, innovation, productivity, social media campaigns, data analysis and the latest technological tools, not least artificial intelligence.

As part of our quick founder questions series – or QFQs – we spoke to Will Clarkson Webb, founder and CEO of Rivr about digital insurance for emerging wealth, the importance of steady growth and knowing when to delegate.