Observed Signal · Mar 26, 2025 · Policy Update · Source: Tech.eu · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Positive
UK Tech Leaders Urge Bolder Policy After Encouraging Spring Statement
The UK government's Spring Statement, delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, cut the 2025 growth forecast to 1% from 2%, announced increased tech and defence spending, and pledged no further tax hikes. Tech leaders broadly welcomed the emphasis on AI and public sector digitalisation but called for more decisive action to revive the economy. The statement allocated £2.2bn to defence next-gen tech, including AI and drones, and a £3.25bn fund for AI-driven public sector reforms. The Treasury also agreed to consult on the Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) scheme to improve startup support. While some praised the commitment to AI, others warned of rising costs and administrative burdens, urging the government to prioritize business-friendly policies.
UK government budget statement includes increased tech and AI investment, but has limited direct impact on AdTech/MarTech operations.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- UK economy growth forecast for 2025 cut to 1% from 2% by the OBR.
- Chancellor announced £2.2bn investment for defence next-generation tech, including AI and drones.
- Government unveiled £3.25bn fund for public sector reforms focused on AI and innovation.
- No further tax increases were introduced in the Spring Statement.
- Treasury committed to talks on improving the Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) scheme.
Connected Companies & Entities
1 Entity mapped“Mel Morris, the tech entrepreneur and former chair of King, the company behind the mobile game Candy Crush....”
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Copenhagen VC PSV Tech closes Fund II at €56 million
Copenhagen-based venture capital firm PSV Tech has announced the final close of its second fund, PSV Tech Fund II, at €56 million. The fund is dedicated to backing early-stage tech startups across the Nordics, often as a first institutional investor. The close builds on the success of Fund I, which made 47 investments, including portfolio companies Teton and Spektr that later raised €17 million Series A rounds. New investors in Fund II include Chr. Augustinus Fabrikker and Nordea-fonden, joining existing LPs such as ATP, EIFO, IDA, and prominent founders. PSV Tech has already made 19 investments from Fund II, with 11 in 2026 across Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. The firm is led by four General Partners and focuses on supporting Nordic founders before they achieve product-market fit.
Minecraft Blast Expands Testing to Canada and Australia
King and Mojang are expanding the testing phase of their collaborative mobile puzzle game, Minecraft Blast, to Western markets. Starting in October, players in Canada and Australia will get limited-time access to the game on iOS and Android. This follows earlier tests in Malaysia, where the game saw two iterations. The development team, led by King's executive producer Gavin Lammin and Mojang's creative director Magnus Nedfors, aims to attract new and lapsed Minecraft fans. The game combines blast-style puzzle mechanics with a building meta, leveraging the Minecraft IP and King's expertise in casual gaming. The testing focuses on retention, purchases, and user acquisition, with a full global launch still far off.
Podcast: Zynga's failed Supercell deal, EU regulation
The Week in Mobile Games podcast episode 105 discusses several key topics. Europe's consumer protection body (CPC) is targeting King, Supercell, Mojang and others over virtual currencies. Mark Pincus revealed that Zynga nearly acquired Supercell for $400 million in 2012. Daily log-in bonuses and activity streaks are under threat from the EU Kids Act. The podcast also debates the future of cloud gaming, with Craig Chapple criticizing the 'insane AI PR machine' and arguing cloud gaming will never work.
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