29 Jun

Trendswatch | New Business Insight From The Past Week

Scandals, brand boycotts, fast-food bans and the news that Channel 4 might be getting taken over by a streaming service!– what a difference a week makes! 

In terms of the trends of the week, today we will be getting futuristic as we explore EdTech, gaming supplements and robotaxis 

 EdTech

The EdTech industry has been growing for years and is expected to reach $285.2 billion by 2027. Within this growing industry are numerous innovations and devises that are being developed to improve and streamline our education system.

Last week saw GoStudent a Vienna-based EdTech scaleup secure nearly £​175 million in an oversubscribed Series C funding round led by investor DST Global, along with participation from new investors SoftBank and London-based DN Capital.

The investment will primarily be used to drive its global expansion further. With a presence in 18 countries, GoStudent will continue to strengthen its position as the market leader for K12 online tutoring in Europe.

By the end of 2021, GoStudent aims to be present in over 20 countries across the globe and will double its team to more than 1,000 employees and 10,000 tutors.

Gaming supplements  

Gamers may not be running marathons,but they still require proper nutrition, physical abilities and mental skill to excel in their chosen competition. And with the industry booming you best believe that the sports nutrition industry is getting involved.… 

Holland & Barrett is claiming a UK high street first with a new listing for an energy supplement “developed especially for gamers”. The retailer is selling Beyond NRG’s powdered energy supplement and has created a new category on its website dedicated to ’esports’.  

Beyond’s ingredients are claimed to enhance cognitive function, improve blood flow and reduce stress and anxiety. The supplements contain nootropics said to improve mental performance in users while avoiding the peak-and-crash feeling promoted by high-sugar or caffeinated drinks. 

 

Robotaxis 

Silicone Valley may be viewed as the hub of exciting vehicle development but another country is taking charge.  

Enter the Chinese robotaxi unicorn WeRide! In May, the four-year-old upstart said that its valuation leaped to $3.3 billion in its Series C fundraising.  

WeRide has kept details of the backing to itself until last week when it disclosed the investment was a lofty sum of $310 million from Alliance Ventures.

In 2019 analysts predicted that we would have robotaxis on our roads by 2021, and with this kind of funding they may have not been far off with their predications.  

Analysts have also predicted that by 2030 the roll out of the technology could save 3,900 lives by eliminating the factor of human error on the road. It would also allow vehicles to travel closer together, reducing unnecessary braking and accelerating, common with human drivers and representing a 20 per cent increase in average speeds per journey.   

So, the UK best get ready as the robotaxis are coming… 

Come back next week for more brand news and insights!