The emergence of AI-native startups is reshaping the technology landscape across Europe. Unlike traditional companies that retrofit artificial intelligence into existing workflows, these innovative firms are built around AI from the ground up. This year, a notable **27 companies** from Sifted’s **B2B SaaS Rising 100** list fall under the category of AI-native, dominating the rankings by taking the top nine positions.

Andreas Weiskam, a partner at Sapphire Ventures, which co-sponsored the report, explains that AI-native companies represent a significant shift in how technology is developed. “We think of AI not so much as a new vertical but more like a foundational technology,” he stated. Weiskam highlights that this technology is expected to define a new era of innovation, similar to the transitions seen with mainframes, PCs, and the internet.

Redefining Business Models

For Jan Oberhauser, founder and CEO of Berlin-based **N8n**, being AI-native is about more than just technology. “Being AI-native starts with a belief: that human intelligence should stay at the centre of how we build, decide and work,” he noted. N8n, which ranked fourth on the Rising 100, leverages its AI-native foundation to create complex systems that enhance user capabilities, allowing for greater efficiency compared to traditional methods.

Similarly, **Tacto**, a Munich-based supply chain and procurement platform that secured the seventh spot, has found that starting as an AI-native company liberates it from legacy constraints. “Traditional procurement tools were built around static forms and workflows, so re-engineering them for autonomous agents and real-time data is almost impossible,” said CEO André Petry. This flexibility enables Tacto to deliver features much faster than larger competitors.

For **FlexAI**, which holds the third position on the Rising 100, being AI-native has streamlined growth. COO Sundar Balasubramaniam explained that their approach allows for rapid iterations that not only enhance internal processes but also improve customer operations significantly.

Investor Interest and Market Potential

The growing interest among investors in AI-native startups reflects their unique business propositions. “The numbers are an investor’s dream, because the value proposition is often so clear,” Weiskam pointed out. Unlike traditional models that might show incremental improvements, AI-native startups often demonstrate dramatic enhancements, sometimes achieving growth rates of tenfold or more.

Investors have taken notice. Oberhauser reported that the response to N8n has been overwhelmingly positive, with venture capitalists eager to explore practical applications of AI rather than just hype. As the market matures, however, the expectations are rising. Petry remarked, “Investor interest is strong, but since the **2023 hype wave**, VCs are looking more closely at the fundamentals.”

With the stakes higher, startups recognize they are at the forefront of a significant shift. Balasubramaniam predicts that in five years, AI-native approaches will become standard practice. “AI will become a ubiquitous layer, like databases or microservices are today,” he stated.

Guy Podjarny, founder and CEO of London-based **Tessl**, which ranked second, emphasized that to harness AI’s full potential, companies must rethink their operational frameworks. “As a startup, we can optimize directly for an AI-fuelled world,” he explained, suggesting that established organizations may struggle to adapt.

Weiskam believes that the current trajectory suggests a rapid transformation in the tech landscape, forecasting that a majority of companies in next year’s B2B 100 list will be AI-native. He cautioned, “Some companies will thrive by building with AI in mind from the start, while others may struggle to adapt and could even disappear.”

The rise of AI-native startups signifies a pivotal moment in technology, one that is likely to reshape not only the industry but also the way organizations operate in the future. The implications are far-reaching, indicating that those who fail to adapt risk being left behind in an increasingly AI-driven world.

Efforts to secure a new tenant for the entire former Wilko unit at Hereward Cross Shopping Centre in Peterborough are gaining momentum, with local stakeholders expressing optimism about the potential for a successful deal. The unit became vacant following the closure of Wilko in 2023, which left a significant retail space in the heart of the shopping centre.

Local Stakeholders Optimistic

Community leaders and shopping centre management are actively engaging with various retailers to fill the approximately 10,000 square feet space. The aim is to attract a tenant that can enhance the shopping experience for local residents and visitors alike. With several discussions reportedly underway, there is a sense of urgency to revitalize the area following the recent closure.

“We are confident that the right retailer will recognize the potential of this prime location,” said the centre’s manager. This sentiment is echoed by local business owners who believe that a new tenant could drive foot traffic and stimulate the economy in the surrounding area.

Impact on the Local Economy

The closure of Wilko, a well-known UK discount retailer, has had ripple effects throughout the community. With the loss of jobs and decreased foot traffic, local businesses have felt the impact. Filling the vacant unit is seen as a vital step toward restoring the shopping centre’s vibrancy and supporting the local economy.

Wilko’s departure, part of a broader trend of high street store closures, has prompted a reassessment of retail strategies in the area. As online shopping continues to rise, traditional retail spaces face increasing challenges. However, community leaders are hopeful that the right retailer could bring a fresh perspective and innovative offerings to Hereward Cross.

As discussions continue, stakeholders remain committed to finding a tenant that will not only occupy the space but also contribute positively to the community. The search for a new retailer is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, with updates likely to follow as negotiations progress.

In conclusion, the future of the former Wilko unit at Hereward Cross Shopping Centre is still uncertain, but the growing hope for a new tenant marks a positive step forward for the local community and the retail landscape in Peterborough.

The Permian Basin, a powerhouse of oil production generating over 5 million barrels daily, is grappling with a significant wastewater crisis. As the region’s drilling activities have surged, so too has the volume of wastewater, leading to rising tensions among oil companies and regulatory scrutiny. The Texas Railroad Commission (TRC) has issued warnings regarding ground pressure issues linked to wastewater disposal, prompting restrictions on new disposal well licenses in the area.

According to the TRC, the rampant disposal of wastewater has resulted in increased reservoir pressure, raising concerns about potential harm to mineral and freshwater resources in Texas. The commission’s letters highlighted serious consequences, including drilling hazards and seismic activity, which have been observed as a direct result of deep wastewater injection practices. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) had previously reported that while only a small fraction of disposal wells nationwide might induce noticeable seismic events, the cumulative impact in the Permian cannot be overlooked.

For years, drillers relied on deep well injection for wastewater disposal, but the practice has been linked to increased seismic activity, prompting a shift towards shallower wells. This transition, however, has not resolved the growing issue. As drilling activity has intensified over the past five years, the ground has become increasingly unable to manage the escalating volumes of wastewater, leading to further complications.

In a lawsuit filed in April 2023, Stateline Operating accused Devon Energy and Aris Water Solutions of damaging its production reserves due to their wastewater disposal practices. The lawsuit claims that the disposal of wastewater near Stateline’s assets has caused “permanent damage” to its wells, with the company seeking $180 million in damages. The legal battle reflects a growing trend where one company’s wastewater management may adversely affect another’s oil production capabilities.

An El Paso court recently upheld a ruling denying an appeal from Devon Energy and Aris Water Solutions concerning this lawsuit, further complicating the landscape for oil producers in the region. An attorney representing Aris Water Solutions has disputed the claims, arguing that there is no evidence linking their operations to the alleged damage.

The implications of this wastewater crisis extend beyond legal disputes. The Texas Railroad Commission has already imposed limits on water pressure levels at disposal wells to address the physical constraints of the disposal reservoirs. This regulatory action is a response to the sharp increase in wastewater production, which has expanded sevenfold over the last 15 years, according to data from Enverus.

As companies face the prospect of reduced drilling activity or the necessity to invest in recycling wastewater, the financial implications become clearer. Recycling is an expensive process, and any reduction in drilling could lead to decreased oil sales, impacting overall profitability. The rapid escalation of drilling in the Permian Basin, once viewed as a boon, is now revealing a complex web of challenges that industry stakeholders must navigate.

As the situation evolves, the focus on wastewater management will likely intensify, with regulators stepping in to impose stricter controls. The balance between oil production and environmental stewardship in the Permian Basin is becoming increasingly delicate, highlighting the need for sustainable practices in the face of a booming industry.

A significant cannabis cultivation operation valued at £1.8 million was uncovered in two newly constructed homes in Fen Drayton, England. On January 7, 2023, local police discovered a total of 1,856 cannabis plants dispersed across 19 rooms in the properties located on Mill Road. This operation has led to the imprisonment of four individuals involved in the illegal enterprise.

The police intervention was prompted by information and concerns raised by local residents. Upon investigating the five-bedroom homes, officers seized not only the cannabis plants but also growing equipment, cash, and mobile phones. During the search, two suspects, Thao Hoang, aged 44, and Nam Nguyen, aged 21, were discovered hiding in a cupboard on the top floor of one of the houses. Meanwhile, two other suspects, Ban Hoang, aged 50, and Phao Nguyen, aged 39, attempted to flee the scene but were apprehended after jumping a fence.

In the proceedings at Peterborough Crown Court on July 25, 2023, all four men faced charges related to the production of cannabis. Thao Hoang and Ban Hoang pleaded guilty, while Nam Nguyen and Phao Nguyen were found guilty following a trial. Each was sentenced to 13 months in prison.

Detective Constable Kieran Wickens, who led the investigation, emphasized the importance of community involvement in tackling such criminal activities. He stated, “Thanks to information received and our own investigation, we were able to shut down this cannabis factory. We can’t be everywhere and we rely on people in communities being our eyes and ears. If you suspect something isn’t right, it more than likely isn’t.”

The discovery of this cannabis factory in Fen Drayton highlights ongoing challenges in combating illegal drug production. Authorities continue to urge the public to report suspicious activities, reinforcing the critical role of community vigilance in ensuring safety and maintaining order.