European chat show for ‘tech optimists’ wins backing from Axel Springer and US

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, July 28, 2026

The European Technology Network (ETN), a new London-based online program focused on European tech industry developments, has raised $1.6 million from investors including Axel Springer and Powerhouse Capital. The funding will help ETN expand its daily broadcasts and deepen coverage amid Europe's growing but still contested role in global tech innovation, especially in AI.

A new online technology news program, the European Technology Network (ETN), has secured $1.6 million in funding from a group of investors including Axel Springer and the US-based Powerhouse Capital. The investment aims to support ETN’s daily broadcast from London, which focuses on interviews with tech executives and discussions of industry developments across Europe.

ETN was founded by Ronan Chambers and Luke Knight and seeks to cultivate what it describes as a “network for optimists” by highlighting innovations and trends within the European technology sector. The show’s format features guest interviews alongside its two hosts, combined with a scrolling news feed similar to traditional broadcast news channels. Short clips from the interviews are regularly shared on social platforms, with the channel generating revenue through sponsorships from companies such as fintech firm Airwallex and prediction market provider Polymarket.

The new funding round is led by Powerhouse Capital, known for previous investments in media outlets including The Athletic and Wondery. Other backers include Axel Springer, which last month completed its £575 million acquisition of The Telegraph, as well as Arian Kalantari, founder of LadBible.

Luke Knight described ETN’s mission as providing “social permission to be ambitious” and said the network aims to influence Europe’s technology narrative on a global scale. Salim Mitha, managing partner at Powerhouse Capital, emphasized how ETN taps into the expanding creator economy while fulfilling a need for live, in-depth tech news and storytelling tailored to European audiences.

The launch of ETN comes amid a broader resurgence in Europe’s tech sector, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), where funding in the region has reached record levels recently. London’s King’s Cross has emerged as a significant hub for AI start-ups. Nevertheless, there remains concern that the United States and China continue to hold dominant positions in critical areas such as AI and defense technology, potentially limiting Europe’s competitiveness.

The increased focus on digital innovation is also reflected in Axel Springer’s recent announcement that entrepreneur and investor Peter Thiel will receive the 2026 Axel Springer Award, recognizing his role in shaping digital transformation. Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and Palantir, will be honored for his impact as a leading figure in the tech industry.

With this new financial backing and growing interest in European tech, ETN aims to carve out a distinctive space in the evolving media landscape covering technology and innovation in Europe.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.