Irish AI Firm Galvia Sets Up UK HQ in Manchester, Launches SME-Focused Accelerator

Galvia, the Galway-based artificial intelligence company founded by CEO John Clancy, has officially launched its UK operations with a new office at the Turing Innovation Catalyst (TIC) in Manchester. The move forms part of Galvia’s international expansion strategy and is expected to generate new jobs in the region, further cementing Manchester’s status as a leading AI hub.

Operating within Sister – Manchester’s £1.7bn science and technology innovation district – Galvia offers a platform that unifies organisational data and transforms it into actionable, real-time intelligence. Since launching in 2017, the company has supported clients ranging from SMEs to global players like Atos, Nestlé, NTT Data Business Solutions, and several top universities.

At the company’s official UK launch on 3rd June, Clancy introduced the Galvia AI Adoption Accelerator, a five-week programme designed to help SMEs in Greater Manchester and the North West develop practical strategies for integrating AI into their businesses. The programme, which goes live in September, is delivered in partnership with TIC and law firm Addleshaw Goddard.

Speaking at the launch, Clancy emphasised Galvia’s mission to remove barriers to AI adoption:

“We’re excited to establish roots in Manchester – a city with a dynamic tech ecosystem and a clear vision for innovation. Our goal is to empower SMEs by providing practical, scalable solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing systems.”

Manchester City Council Leader Councillor Bev Craig welcomed the announcement, highlighting the significance of Galvia’s contribution to the region’s £2bn AI economy:

“Initiatives like Galvia’s accelerator can help unlock the region’s entrepreneurial potential and ensure innovation is accessible to all.”

Joe Manning, Managing Director at Manchester’s inward investment agency MIDAS, added that Galvia’s arrival reinforces the city’s appeal to international tech firms:

“As the UK’s most AI-ready city, we offer the right mix of talent and support for tech companies to grow. Galvia’s choice to locate in Sister proves we’re becoming a key European destination for AI businesses looking to expand.”

Galvia will also host a free AI Discovery Workshop at TIC on 10th July to help local SMEs understand how to use data more effectively. Interested participants can contact brian@galvia.ai to register.

Galvia’s decision underscores Manchester’s growing reputation as the UK’s most AI-ready city, with nearly 15,000 people employed in the region’s £2bn AI ecosystem.

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SilverScape Secures Six-Figure Investment to Power Sustainable Virtual Production Growth

Manchester-based virtual production company SilverScape has secured a six-figure investment from River Capital, delivered through the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II). The funding comes via the NPIF – River Capital & GC Business Finance Smaller Loans initiative, aimed at supporting innovative and high-growth regional businesses.

Founded in 2021 by communications industry veterans Ian Armstrong (executive chairman) and Simon Binns (CEO), SilverScape has rapidly established itself as a trailblazer in virtual production technology. The company offers an advanced suite of creative solutions combining LED wall backdrops, camera tracking, and game engine software — enabling filmmakers and advertisers to simulate locations from around the world without leaving the studio.

The new capital injection will support SilverScape’s next phase of growth, with a focus on strategic branding, expanded marketing, and the development of its core business model, which includes studio hire, immersive live experiences, post-production, and production analytics. The company’s approach not only cuts costs but significantly reduces the carbon footprint of traditional location shoots — by as much as 70%, according to Armstrong.

Commenting on the funding, Ian Armstrong, Executive Chairman at SilverScape, said:

“This support from River Capital comes at a pivotal point as we scale to meet national and international demand. Our virtual production technology is helping brands achieve both creative ambition and sustainability targets without compromise.”

Sue Chambers, Investment Manager at River Capital, highlighted the company’s momentum and innovation as key to their decision:

“SilverScape represents the kind of forward-thinking, sustainable business NPIF II was designed to support. Their rapid progress and strong pipeline are clear indicators of the demand for their services.”

SilverScape is also collaborating with local universities to open up entry-level roles in the creative industries and is committed to working with local suppliers, further contributing to Manchester’s reputation as a hub for digital innovation. The company has already secured partnerships with major broadcasters, including ITV, and is strategically positioned between Manchester’s digital sector and the expanding Liverpool production scene.

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Amber Secures $45M to Expand Smart Energy Tech Across Global Markets

Australian energy-tech company Amber has raised $45 million AUD (~€26M) in a growth round led by UK-headquartered impact investor ETF Partners, with participation from existing backers Square Peg, Gentrack, Rubio Impact Ventures, and Breakthrough Victoria. The capital injection is set to fuel Amber’s expansion into European markets and scale its automation technology for home batteries and EVs.

Founded by Dan Adams and Chris Thompson, Amber has already captured 40% of Australia’s new automated home battery market, with its software enabling households to charge batteries and EVs when renewable power is cheap, and discharge back to the grid when prices peak — helping customers cut costs and even generate income.

“This investment is a huge step forward in our mission to help households around the world take control of their energy,” said Dan Adams, co-founder and co-CEO. “We’re proving there’s a better way to do energy – with technology that puts customers at the centre of the energy transition.”

Amber’s co-CEO Chris Thompson has relocated to the UK to oversee the company’s international rollout, which already includes partnerships with major utilities like E.ON and green energy retailer Ecotricity. A new office in Germany is also planned as part of its European scale-up strategy.

The funding comes ahead of a major catalyst in Amber’s home market — Australia’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program, launching in July 2025 — and positions the company to meet surging demand both locally and abroad.

Rob Genieser, Managing Partner at ETF Partners, said:

“Amber is redefining how utilities and consumers interact with energy. Their platform enables greater renewable integration and smarter energy systems — and it’s driven by a team with a strong sense of purpose.”

Amber’s go-to-market includes licensing its tech through partner Gentrack’s utility customer base, bundling Amber’s automation with billing and CRM software for a full-stack offering.

With governments doubling down on decentralised energy and EV adoption, Amber is aiming to lead the global charge towards smarter, customer-first energy ecosystems — backed by tech, purpose, and timing.

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Primary Portal Appoints Former HSBC ECM Head Adrian Lewis as Chairman

Primary Portal, the fintech firm digitising the equity capital markets (ECM) process, has appointed Adrian Lewis as its new Chairman, marking a significant leadership addition as the company continues its mission to modernise how capital market transactions are distributed and executed.

Lewis brings with him over 30 years of experience in investment banking and ECM, including senior leadership roles at HSBC, UBS, and advisory positions at firms such as Conv-Ex Advisors and Namier Capital Partners. Most recently, he served as Head of EMEA Equity Capital Markets at HSBC, a role he held for seven years.

In his new capacity, Lewis will help guide the strategic direction of Primary Portal as it scales its platform — which already counts many of the world’s top banks and investment firms among its user base.

Commenting on his appointment, Lewis said:

“I am delighted to be joining John, Ilan and the team at such an exciting time. It is clear that ECM is crying out for digitisation that can bring efficiency, accuracy and cost savings to the process of deals — leaving ECM teams free to add the real value that is their experience and judgement. Primary Portal can deliver the infrastructure at the core of that transformation.”

Founded in 2020 by former capital markets professionals John Bentinck and Ilan Leshem, Primary Portal is building out infrastructure that enables real-time deal updates, standardised and structured data, and automation of traditionally manual workflows in ECM — a space that, despite technological progress elsewhere, remains largely analogue.

As demand grows for more efficient and transparent market infrastructure — driven by regulatory pressure, shifting investor expectations and changes in work culture — the company is positioning itself as a critical player in the next wave of capital markets digitisation.

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