Diversity & Inclusion Investment Action Forum

The artificial intelligence revolution in European deep tech is accelerating at unprecedented pace, with physics-based AI emerging as the next frontier for computational breakthroughs. London’s PhysicsX exemplifies this trend, having just secured €133 million in a Series B extension that brings the company tantalizingly close to unicorn status. The round, which includes strategic backing from NVIDIA’s venture arm, underscores how European AI startups are positioning themselves at the forefront of next-generation computing paradigms. Founded by former DeepMind researchers, PhysicsX has carved out a distinctive niche in physics-informed machine learning, a domain that promises to revolutionise everything from materials science to climate modelling. The substantial funding injection reflects growing investor confidence in European AI capabilities beyond the consumer-focused applications dominating Silicon Valley discourse. Strategic AI physics Series B extension attracts tier-one backing The Series B extension was led by Atomico, the London-based venture firm known for its deep tech expertise and European market insights. The round’s strategic significance extends well beyond capital injection, with NVIDIA’s participation signalling the chip giant’s recognition of physics-based AI as a critical computing paradigm. This marks a notable validation of European deep tech capabilities by one of the world’s most influential technology companies. Atomico’s involvement is particularly telling given the firm’s track record with European unicorns including Klarna, Supercell, and MessageBird. Partner Mattias Ljungman noted in the announcement: “PhysicsX represents the convergence of fundamental physics and artificial intelligence that will define the next decade of computational innovation. Their approach to physics-informed neural networks offers unprecedented accuracy in complex system modelling.” The investor consortium reflects a sophisticated understanding of the deep tech landscape, combining financial capital with strategic expertise in AI acceleration and European market expansion. This blend of investors positions PhysicsX advantageously for both technological development and commercial scaling across fragmented European markets. Physics-informed AI tackles European industrial challenges PhysicsX’s technology addresses a fundamental limitation in current AI systems: the inability to incorporate physical laws and constraints into machine learning models. Their physics-informed neural networks promise dramatic improvements in accuracy for applications ranging from automotive simulation to renewable energy optimisation—sectors where European companies maintain global leadership. The company’s European positioning offers distinct advantages in navigating the EU’s emerging AI Act, which emphasises transparency and explainability in artificial intelligence systems. Physics-based models inherently provide greater interpretability than black-box alternatives, potentially offering compliance advantages as European regulations crystallise. CEO and co-founder Robin Chaux outlined the funding deployment strategy: “This extension allows us to accelerate our research whilst building the commercial infrastructure needed to serve European industrial customers. We’re seeing unprecedented demand from automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors for physics-accurate AI solutions.” The company plans to establish additional European offices and expand its team of physics-AI researchers, addressing the continent’s growing appetite for explainable artificial intelligence solutions. With European industries facing increasing pressure to optimise efficiency whilst meeting stringent regulatory requirements, PhysicsX’s approach resonates strongly with corporate buyers seeking competitive advantages through advanced simulation capabilities. This funding milestone reinforces London’s position as a premier destination for deep tech innovation, whilst demonstrating how European AI startups can attract world-class investors through differentiated technological approaches. The physics-AI convergence represents exactly the kind of fundamental innovation that European venture ecosystems excel at nurturing.

The European workplace wellbeing sector continues its steady march towards mainstream corporate adoption, with employers increasingly recognising mental health support as critical infrastructure rather than nice-to-have perks. Dost, a workplace mental health platform, has closed a €7.1M Series A round led by Octopus Ventures to accelerate its UK market entry and product development. The funding round signals growing confidence in European mental health tech solutions, particularly those addressing the fragmented nature of workplace wellbeing across different regulatory environments. Dost’s approach combines AI-driven personalisation with human coaching, positioning itself distinctly in a market where US-centric solutions often struggle with European data privacy requirements and cultural nuances. Octopus Ventures leads mental health tech Series A with strategic focus Octopus Ventures’ investment thesis centres on scalable healthcare solutions that can navigate Europe’s complex regulatory landscape whilst delivering measurable outcomes. The London-based VC has been systematically building its healthtech portfolio, with particular attention to platforms that combine technology with human intervention – a model that resonates strongly with European corporate buyers who remain cautious about purely algorithmic solutions. “We’re seeing a fundamental shift in how European employers approach mental health,” explains Hannah Joyce, Partner at Octopus Ventures. “Dost’s combination of cultural sensitivity and clinical rigour makes it uniquely positioned to serve the UK market, where GDPR compliance and clinical governance are non-negotiable requirements.” The round’s composition reflects the maturing European healthtech ecosystem, with Octopus Ventures bringing not just capital but access to their extensive network of enterprise clients and regulatory expertise. This strategic value becomes crucial as Dost navigates the complex procurement processes typical of large UK employers. Platform differentiation in fragmented European wellbeing market Dost’s platform addresses specific pain points in the UK corporate wellness market, where employers face increasing regulatory scrutiny around duty of care whilst managing diverse, often remote workforces. The company’s approach combines real-time mental health assessments with culturally-aware coaching programmes, acknowledging that workplace stress manifests differently across European contexts compared to US corporate environments. The funding will primarily support Dost’s UK go-to-market strategy, with significant investment in local partnerships and clinical governance frameworks. Unlike many Silicon Valley wellbeing platforms that struggle with European data localisation requirements, Dost has built GDPR compliance into its core architecture from inception. “European workplaces demand evidence-based interventions with clear ROI metrics,” notes Dost CEO and founder. “Our platform generates granular analytics that satisfy both HR departments seeking engagement data and finance teams requiring demonstrable productivity impacts. This dual focus on outcomes and compliance gives us substantial advantages over imported solutions.” Current traction includes partnerships with mid-market UK employers, with the platform demonstrating 40% improvement in employee wellbeing scores and 25% reduction in absence rates among participating organisations. These metrics align with broader European trends towards preventative healthcare approaches in corporate settings. This Series A positions Dost within a growing cohort of European healthtech companies that prioritise regulatory compliance and cultural adaptation over rapid scaling. As workplace mental health transitions from discretionary spending to essential infrastructure, platforms that understand European corporate dynamics will likely capture disproportionate value in this evolving market.

London’s housing crisis has reached breaking point, with homeownership increasingly out of reach for middle-income earners. Against this backdrop, innovative property solutions are attracting substantial investor interest. Keyzy, the rent-to-own platform addressing this affordability gap, has secured €147 million in funding to accelerate its expansion across London and beyond. The significant investment round positions Keyzy to scale its alternative homeownership model at a time when traditional property ladders are failing an entire generation of potential buyers. Rent-to-own property funding attracts major backing Crayon Partners led this substantial funding round, demonstrating strong institutional confidence in alternative property models. The investment firm, known for its focus on disruptive real estate technologies, sees Keyzy’s approach as addressing a fundamental market failure in European housing markets. “We’re backing Keyzy because they’ve identified a massive gap between rental and ownership that traditional financial products haven’t addressed,” said a spokesperson from Crayon Partners. “Their model offers a genuine pathway to homeownership for people who’ve been locked out by deposit requirements and mortgage criteria.” The funding reflects growing investor appetite for proptech solutions that tackle Europe’s housing affordability crisis. Unlike pure rental platforms or traditional estate agencies, Keyzy’s rent-to-own model creates a bridge between renting and owning, allowing customers to build equity whilst living in their chosen property. Scaling London’s alternative homeownership model Keyzy’s platform allows renters to move into properties with the option to purchase over time, with a portion of monthly payments contributing towards eventual ownership. This model particularly resonates in London, where the average deposit requirement has soared beyond the reach of many working professionals. The €147 million will primarily fund property acquisition and platform development. Keyzy plans to expand its London portfolio significantly whilst developing the technology infrastructure needed to scale efficiently across different European markets with varying regulatory frameworks. “We’re not just buying properties; we’re building a new category of homeownership,” explained Keyzy’s leadership team. “This funding allows us to serve thousands more families who want to own but can’t access traditional mortgages due to deposit constraints or employment patterns.” The company’s approach differentiates it from traditional buy-to-let investors by creating aligned incentives between tenant and property owner. Success metrics include customer conversion rates to full ownership and portfolio quality rather than pure rental yields. This funding round signals growing institutional recognition that Europe’s housing markets require innovative financing models beyond conventional mortgages and rental agreements. Keyzy’s expansion could influence how other European cities approach affordable homeownership challenges.