Growth

Kore.ai Launches Artemis AI Agent Platform to Compete with Enterprise Giants

by

Kore.ai launched Artemis, a comprehensive AI agent platform designed to compete with Microsoft, Salesforce, Google, and ServiceNow. The platform introduces Agent Blueprint Language (ABL), a YAML-based standard for defining and governing AI agents, and Arch, an AI system that automates agent design, deployment, and optimization. The Dual-Brain Architecture combines LLM reasoning with deterministic business rules for regulated industries. The company has achieved significant scale with 500 Global 2000 customers, $100M+ ARR, and deployments automating 450 million daily interactions.

LLYC Opens Innovation Lab Offices in Lisbon, Establishing New Model for Global Network

by

LLYC inaugurated new offices in Lisbon designed as an innovation laboratory for the global network. The new workspace emphasizes multidisciplinary team integration, flexible work models, and hybrid solutions. Portugal was chosen as the first location to adopt this new office model due to the maturity and growth of the operation.

Dutch Financial Institution Van Lanschot Kempen Expands Sustainable Olive Oil Operations in Portugal

by

Dutch financial institution Van Lanschot Kempen acquired a 400-hectare olive grove in Portugal’s Alqueva region to expand its Rio de Azeite platform. The property features favorable climate conditions and reliable water resources from the Alqueva dam. The SDG Farmland fund now manages approximately 26,600 hectares globally with over 480 million euros in assets under management.

Starling Bank Reports Profit Decline Amid Interest Rate Pressures, But SaaS Unit Engine Surges

by

Starling Bank, a UK challenger bank with over 6 million customers, reported pre-tax profits fell 3% to £217m and revenues fell to £887m for the year ending March 2026, primarily due to lower interest income from reduced interest rates. However, the bank’s SaaS subsidiary Engine doubled its client base to 4 and grew revenue 25% to £10.9m, signing a 10-year agreement with Tangerine (Scotiabank subsidiary) marking its first North American client.

European Fintech Shifts Focus: From Banking Apps to Integrated Financial Operating Systems for SMEs

by

The article explores a new wave of European fintech companies moving beyond sleek user interfaces to build integrated financial operating systems for small and medium-sized businesses. Wamo, founded in 2021, exemplifies this shift by focusing on connecting banking, invoicing, payroll, and other financial tools into one seamless platform. The company aims to reach 100,000 companies across Europe and €50m ARR by 2027, leveraging AI for underwriting, risk assessment, and personalized services rather than using AI merely as a chatbot feature.

Swedish Robotics Startup Staer to Host Autonomy Conference in Malmö Next Year

by

Staer, a Swedish robotics startup, is organizing Autonomy, a one-day conference on September 14, 2026 in Malmö that brings together researchers, innovators, investors, and industry players in robotics and physical AI. The event is positioned between ECCV 2026 and The Drop conference, creating a convergence of key stakeholders in the Öresund region’s deeptech ecosystem.

KickstartAI Extends Partnership with Dutch Giants Through 2029, Doubling Down on AI Implementation

by

KickstartAI, founded in 2019 by Ahold Delhaize, ING, KLM and NS, extended its partnership agreement with these founding members until 2029. The organization focuses on accelerating AI adoption in practice across various sectors, with successful implementations including baggage detection for NS, package volume prediction for Bol, digital financial guidance for ING, and food waste reduction planning for KLM. The new phase aims to broaden the partner network to additional sectors and organizations.

Airbnb Expands Beyond Accommodation with AI Travel Features and Multi-Service Platform

by

Airbnb announced new functionalities including car rentals, grocery delivery through Instacart partnership, airport transfers via Welcome Pickups, baggage storage through Bounce, boutique hotel integration in 20 cities (including Paris, London, Madrid, Rome, New York), FIFA 2026 World Cup experiences, and AI-powered features for trip planning and customer support in 11 languages.

KPMG Portugal Launches Managed Services Division to Scale Enterprise AI Implementation

by

KPMG Portugal announced the launch of its Managed Services division focused on helping organizations transform AI adoption from isolated pilots to scalable, governed operations. The launch is aligned with an IDC study showing 98% of business leaders consider AI implementation critical, 91% see Managed Services as relevant for agentic AI delivery, and 87% have integrated these models into their digital transformation strategies.

Romanian Wedding Planner Cristina Stan Transforms Hobby Into Professional Business Through BT Stup Entrepreneurship Program

by

Cristina Stan is a Romanian wedding and event planner who founded her business in 2021 after working four years in event planning agencies in Bucharest. She is a solopreneur who organizes weddings and events across Romania. She recently participated in the Avânt în antreprenoriat program by BT Stup, which helped her transition from running her business as a hobby to operating it professionally. She plans to target premium clients and mentor other event planners.