Tech
Poland’s e-commerce turnover rises 15.2% m/m in March to PLN7.40bn
Poland’s e-commerce sector recorded a 15.2% month-on-month increase in turnover in March, reaching PLN7.395bn ($1.80bn), according to data from the Central Statistical Office (GUS), PAP Biznes reported on April 30.
COMMENT: Europe could benefit from partnering with Armenian tech innovation
Armenia is a democracy with a young, tech-savvy population and a hunger to scale, writes Samson Avetian of Armenia-based investment platform eqwefy.
Western Balkan states increase use of surveillance, censorship to suppress opponents
Use of biometric surveillance and facial recognition technologies is expanding rapidly across the Balkans, according to a new BIRN report.
Serbia’s gaming sector sees 22% revenue surge in 2024
Serbian Games Association report shows a maturing sector with robust output, increased gender diversity and sustained innovation, despite signs of slowing job growth.
Bulgaria-based crypto lender Nexo to return to US market
"America is back — and so is Nexo," says company's co-founder after meeting with Donald Trump Jr.
Russian state takes over yet another e-commerce leader, online marketplace Avito
Russia’s state-owned Rosselkhozbank agricultural bank has acquired a 50% stake in Avito, the country’s largest classifieds platform, as part of a broader trend of strategic e-commerce acquisitions by the state.
China creates world's thinnest chip with 5931 transistors
Researchers in China have created the most advanced microprocessor yet made from a two-dimensional material, boasting 5931 transistors crafted from molybdenum disulfide—just three atoms thick.
Bulgaria's fastest-growing startup Lace AI raises $19mn in seed funding
Lace AI, which has developed AI-powered call centre technology for home services companies, posted 1,000% growth in 2024.
Azerbaijan targets influencers in overhaul of online advertising rules
Bloggers and content creators will be held accountable for the accuracy and fairness of the ads they disseminate.
Advent International buys Bulgaria-based digital bank tbi
Private equity investor says tbi’s digital-first business model and customer-focused approach has created one of the leading and fastest growing challenger banks in the region.
Uzbekistan's Startup Garage arrives in North Africa with Casablanca launch
Pursuing "launchpad" relations with local investors, accelerators and entrepreneurs.
Uzbekistan’s Borderless university applications for emerging market students startup flourishes
“Students are not picking universities. They just want to leave and study abroad. We make that happen,” says the CEO and founder of Borderless, an online application that helps students from emerging markets find a university place.
Bosqar’s Mplus expands with Conectart and Valoris acquisitions
Croatia-based BPO company announces takeovers in Romania and Slovakia expanding its footprint in the CEE region.
CONFERENCE CALL: Aurora Women in Tech Global Awards
“Why is it women only get less than 3% of Venture Capital funds? There is not a pipeline problem. There is a perception problem,” says Isabella Ghassemi-Smith, head of the Aurora Tech Award, which promotes women-led start-ups.
Tech startups in Turkey raise $58mn in worst quarter since 2023
Figures make Turkish sector "second league".
Russia's IT sector fears re-entry of Western competitors
As discussions intensify around the possible return of Western companies to Russia, the domestic IT industry is increasingly concerned that renewed competition from foreign firms could deal a serious low to local tech players.
Durana tech park launches in Albanian capital
PM Edi Rama hopes new tech park to ultimately bring €0.5bn in budget revenues by backing Albanian tech talent.
TikTok reports intense fraudulent activity related to elections in Romania
Video sharing network reveals the scale of online manipulation around Romania's cancelled 2024 presidential election, with nearly 100,000 fake accounts blocked.
Tether breaks record, surpasses dollar in Tehran crypto market
Tether cryptocurrency has reached a new record high of IRR 1.04mn, surpassing Ferdowsi Street's hard dollar exchange rate on March 30 as people dump the rial further weakening the national currency.
Kazakhstan has emerged as one of world’s fastest-growing technology hubs, says report
Value of country's startup ecosystem soared to $26bn in 2024, up 18-fold since 2019, says Dealroom.co and Astana Hub analysis.