stampfree.ai has raised £1,029,968 to advance its AI-powered parcel technology and social media-based returns platform. The round was led by R42 Group, with participation from existing and new investors including crowdfunding communities on Crowdcube and Republic. The company recently launched what it claims is the world's first e-commerce returns journey managed entirely through WhatsApp, allowing consumers to process returns via WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger without apps or portals. It has also integrated with Royal Mail and Evri delivery networks. stampfree.ai secured EU and US patents for its AI-powered label-free technology, which enables parcel sending without printed labels. The technology is already deployed with QazPost in Kazakhstan. The funding will support product development, international expansion and further deployment of its app-free and label-free technologies across global postal networks.

The Sports Bra, a Portland-based women's sports bar, has launched an equity crowdfunding campaign to raise $1.2 million. The funds will support the brand's expansion plans. The campaign allows customers and supporters to invest directly in the business as it scales beyond its original location. The Sports Bra exclusively shows women's sporting events and has gained attention for its unique positioning in the sports bar market.

TLDR: Anodos Labs launched its first public equity raise on Republic under SEC Regulation CF guidelines. Republic accepts fewer than 5% of applicants, making Anodos