AAA August 2012 – Page 14

Telus checks into Checkwell

Canada-based phone operator Telus has invested $2m in Checkwell Decision, a Canada-based provider of the BackCheck background checking services. Peter Green, president of Telus’ small and medium business division, said: “The strength of our relationship with Checkwell provides the foundation for our strategic investment. In addition, Checkwell’s work in the volunteer sector aligns with our… Continue reading Telus checks into Checkwell

Iberdrola captures Westec

Spain-based energy firm Iberdrola has bought a fifth of US-based carbon capture technology provider Westec Environmental Solutions (WES) through its Perseo corporate venturing fund. Westec won the first edition of the Perseo awards and the fund can invest up to €4m ($6m) per portfolio company. Agustín Delgado, head of innovation quality and environment at Iberdrola,… Continue reading Iberdrola captures Westec

Andritz knocks on Hammerfest

Industrial group Andritz has increased its stake in Norway-based tidal power developer Hammerfest Strøm to 55.4% following the successful installation of the 1MW HS1000 turbine at the European Marine Energy Centre in Scotland. The other major shareholders in Hammerfest Strøm are Norwegian utility Hammerfest Energi and the Spanish energy firm Iberdrola (17%).

China Telecom surfs with fund

Following the officially launch of China Telecom Shanghai Innovation Incubation Base in March, the phone operator has set up a corporate venturing fund. China Telecom’s RMB200m ($30m) Esurfing Innovation Technology Company will be managed by the company’s innovation business division and is named after its third-generation network service. China Telecom was granted its 3G license… Continue reading China Telecom surfs with fund

KPN commits to Fastlane

KPN bought mobile company Blau Mobilfunk in 2008 from Dirk Freise, Martin Ostermayer and Thorsten Rehling and the three have now decided to set up Fastlane Ventures in Germany with the phone operator’s backing.

Starbucks shines for Square

US-based café chain Starbucks made a big splash in corporate venturing sealing a $25m deal to invest in fast-growing US-based financial payments company Square, founded by Jack Dorsey, also a founder of social network Twitter. Starbucks chief Howard Schultz will be joining Square’s board in a sign of how seriously Starbucks is taking the investment.… Continue reading Starbucks shines for Square

Nexage rings up $5m from Hearst

Boston based mobile advertising exchange company Nexage, has raised an additional $5m in Series B funding from US-based media company Hearst Interactive Media.  contributed to a total of $15m along with Singtel Innov8, Grandbanks Capital and Relay Ventures. On 6th June, Nexage closed a $10m deal with Singtel Innov8, the corporate venturing unit of the… Continue reading Nexage rings up $5m from Hearst