1. Tech / Asia‑Rest
Chinese Carmakers Double Down on Europe with “In Europe, For Europe” Strategy
Chinese brands like BYD, SAIC, GAC, and Chery are accelerating their push into Europe, not just selling there but investing in localized production and R&D. These moves come as China faces domestic price wars and weakening margins, prompting firms to adopt strategies once used by European automakers in China.
2. Industrial / Europe‑China Market Dynamics
European companies cut costs, scale back investments in China amid economic slowdown
According to a recent EU Chamber of Commerce Business Confidence Survey, European firms are slimming operations in China due to falling consumer demand, overcapacity, and government subsidy distortions. Profit margins are being squeezed, and many are reconsidering their China exposure.
3. Tech / USA Startup / Funding
Slope Raises $30M to Expand AI‑Powered B2B Payments Tools
U.S.-based B2B payments startup Slope raised $30 million in equity financing (led by Union Square Ventures with participation from AI figureheads) to build out AI features. The funding will go toward scaling its payments platform, pushing deeper into tools that improve payment workflows and potentially risk management.
4. Marketing / Sales / Global
Accenture Acquires MomentumABM to Boost Marketing Advisory & ABM Capabilities
Accenture has acquired UK‑based consultancy MomentumABM to deepen its account‑based marketing and growth advisory services. This move reflects growing demand from B2B clients for more strategic, personalized marketing efforts, rather than broad branding or mass outreach.
5. Wildcard / Tech‑Startups & Enterprise Trends
European Unicorn Count Hits Double Digits This Year
More than ten European startups have crossed the unicorn threshold in 2025 so far. Highlights include quantum startup IQM, design‑focused Framer, and other fintech & dual‑use players—showing that Europe continues to produce breakout companies across deep tech and enterprise SaaS.
