Two big stories in tech right now
Two recent developments stand out. One shows how a British startup is trying to disrupt the world’s biggest phone makers. The other highlights the rising risk of cyberattacks across UK institutions and businesses. Both matter for how we use, secure, and trust technology.
Nothing raises $200m to take on Apple and Samsung
London-based smartphone company Nothing has secured USD 200 million (£163 million) in new funding, valuing it at around USD 1.3 billion. The round was backed by global investors including Tiger Global and European funds. Founded in 2020 by Carl Pei, a co-founder of OnePlus, Nothing positions itself as a challenger to Apple and Samsung.
The company is best known for its transparent phone designs, which expose the internals of the device, and for building an alternative ecosystem around its smartphones and earbuds. Its flagship “Phone (2)” and the newer, mid-range “Phone (2a)” have been praised for unique design touches like LED lighting on the back that doubles as a notification system.
Nothing has also branched into wireless earbuds and smart accessories, and recently spun off its budget sub-brand CMF into a separate arm focused on India. With this new funding, the company plans to accelerate product development, marketing and potentially expand into new consumer tech categories.
Why it matters: For consumers, this means more choice in smartphones beyond Apple and Samsung. For developers and startups, it signals another growing ecosystem to build apps and accessories for.
What makes Nothing different
Nothing is trying to stand out in a crowded market by focusing on design and simplicity. Instead of incremental yearly updates, it leans on features that look and feel different. The “Glyph Interface” on its phones uses lights to signal notifications, charging status, or even serve as a countdown timer.
It also focuses on community and branding. Limited launches, referral schemes, and bold design identity have helped the company generate buzz with a fraction of the marketing budget of Apple or Samsung.
Why it matters: Nothing’s rise shows that even in a saturated smartphone market, new players can still capture attention and investment if they offer genuine differentiation.
Cyberattacks surge across UK institutions
A new government-backed report has revealed that 91% of UK universities and 43% of businesses have faced cyberattacks in the past 12 months. Attacks ranged from ransomware to phishing and denial-of-service incidents. The findings underline how widespread and persistent digital threats have become.
The survey shows that universities, which handle large volumes of sensitive research and student data, are frequent targets. Businesses too—particularly small and mid-sized ones—face growing risks, with attackers exploiting weak points in outdated systems or employee training.
Why it matters: Almost every organisation is a potential target. Whether you run a small business, manage IT, or just use online services, cyberattacks can disrupt operations, compromise data, and erode trust.
How the attacks are changing the landscape
The spike in attacks is forcing institutions to rethink security. Universities are investing in stronger defences, while businesses are being urged to adopt basic protections like multi-factor authentication, secure backups and regular software patching.
The government has also stressed the importance of resilience planning, with emphasis on being able to recover quickly after an incident. This is a shift away from simply trying to prevent every attack—a near impossible goal.
Why it matters: The reality is that attacks will happen. The question is whether your systems and processes are ready to contain damage and bounce back.
Common threads between the two stories
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Choice vs risk. Nothing’s funding reflects consumer appetite for more choice in hardware. The cyberattack surge shows that more digital choice also means more vulnerability.
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UK as a tech hub. Both stories highlight Britain’s growing role—hosting ambitious startups like Nothing, but also facing cyber risks that demand stronger infrastructure.
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User impact. For everyday people, the two trends will be felt directly: new phone brands in your pocket, and new security measures at work or study.
Why it matters: These are not abstract trends. They directly shape how you connect, communicate and safeguard your information.
