Grammarly secures $1B in revenue-linked deal to fuel growth
Grammarly has secured a $1 billion nondilutive investment from General Catalyst’s Customer Value Fund to bolster sales and marketing while preserving its $13B valuation. Unlike traditional equity funding, this deal ties repayments to Grammarly’s revenue, allowing it to scale without dilution. After acquiring Coda, the AI writing assistant, now pivoting into productivity tools, generates over $700 million in annual revenue.
This strategic funding frees up capital for acquisitions and reflects investor confidence in Grammarly’s recurring revenue model. General Catalyst’s CVF has backed nearly 50 companies using this alternative financing strategy, which prioritises growth over equity trade-offs.
Surveillance tech risks deepening workplace inequality
Black employees face the highest risk from rising workplace surveillance, according to new IPPR research. Technologies like facial recognition and keystroke monitoring are most commonly used in low-skill, low-autonomy jobs—roles disproportionately held by Black and minority ethnic workers. The report reveals that 42% of Black workers are in low-skill jobs, and 73% are not unionised.
IPPR urges the government to introduce legislation requiring employer transparency, worker consultation, and collective bargaining rights on surveillance. Without reform, these technologies may also exacerbate existing inequalities and erode worker autonomy in an already divided labour market.
Travel retail soars with personalisation, digital innovation, and global demand
The global travel retail market is set to grow from $95.5B in 2024 to $153.3B by 2030, driven by the post-pandemic travel surge, expanding airport infrastructure, and rising luxury demand. Airports and transit hubs are now premium retail spaces blending digital innovation, like click-and-collect and AR, with data-driven personalisation.
Brands are adapting to shifting consumer expectations, especially from Gen Z and Millennials who value sustainability, exclusivity, and digital convenience. As demographics evolve and middle-class travellers rise in emerging markets, travel retail is also transforming into a dynamic, experiential platform combining physical and digital commerce for high-value customer engagement.