London-based Plexal, a "generalist" coworking space, has acquired a majority stake in Cheltenham-based Hub8, a cyber security-focused coworking space (note: Cheltenham is the natural home of the UK’s cyber ecosystem, thanks to GCHQ’s more than 70-year heritage in the town). Hub8 was founded in 2019 by Bruce Gregory (CEO) & Plexal was founded in 2018 by Andrew Roughan (CEO) - with backing from DV4 (a real estate value added fund managed by Delancey). Plexal already owns similar co-working space in London & Manchester, & this latest acquisition is part of its ongoing mission to build the UK’s most connected cyber ecosystem. Plexal & Hub8 already collaborated in the past, having won in 2021 the National...

UK-based, Kelpi is manufacturing seaweed-based coatings for paper & card packaging. The firm’s bio-coating have a uniquely strong water & oxygen barrier, are resistant to grease & acid, & fully compostable/ marine-safe. The derived packaging materials share similar characteristics (but ultimately replace) plastic (packaging). Kelpi will use the funds to i) conduct manufacturing pilots for packaging for a global beverage brand, ii) cold & hot packaging/ treys for a food brand, iii) clients in cosmetics & iv) personal care, v) as well as polybags for fashion (the company is a finalist for the TOM FORD Plastic Innovation Prize, alongside UK-based Notpla). Reducing plastic consumption is obviously important: only 9% of gets recycled, 11% is incinerated...