The poor performance of the Facebook initial public offering preceded a slowdown in corporate venturing activity in a turbulent third quarter. (Click for charts) The headlines from July to September have been full of economic turmoil, from concerns about the slowdown of China, to talk of a full bail-out of Spain, and the US Federal… Continue reading Corporates pull back in Q3
Month: October 2012
Alternative investments: memorabilia
We have said goodbye to lazy afternoons in London parks and drinking 2012 Pimms – a Jubilee and Olympic vintage! Looking back, I realised something was weaving in all these alternative investment columns, from wine to impact investing or art, a sacrosanct concept repeated like an Andy Warhol diptych – constrained supply and growing demand… Continue reading Alternative investments: memorabilia
Gaule’s Question Time: GSK
As part of a series of interviews with leading innovation and venture developers, Andrew Gaule (pictured), founder of the Corven Corporate Venturing Network, talks to Peter Holliday, vice-president of business partnering in emerging markets, consumer and commercial IT at GlaxoSmithKline.
Hope for a brighter future
The power to generate value, which was always the preserve of the entrepreneur and their business, is shifting to the consumer.
There is no sustainable return without innovation
As globalisation makes the world more competitive between regions and individuals, there are increasing numbers of people, companies and governments willing to try venture investing in the hope of being lucky.
Lockerz filled up with $7.5m
US-based Lockerz has raised $7.5m in new funding in the wake of the departure of the company’s founder, Kathy Savitt. The latest round was made up primarily of debt and warrants, according to a recent SEC filing and comes two months after Savitt stepped down as CEO to join Yahoo as chief marketing officer, being replaced at Lockerz… Continue reading Lockerz filled up with $7.5m
KaloBios files for $60m float
Other stockholders in the US-based antibody research company backed by Mitsubishi, include MPM BioVentures (17.72%), Sofinnova Ventures (11.86%), Alloy Ventures (11.19%), and Fidelity Ventures (9.71%).
Motorola Solutions shoots for SST
The makers of gunshot locating software ShotSpotter secures $12m round with participation from venture firms Lauder Partners, Levensohn Venture Partners, Claremont Creek Ventures, as well as Motorola Solutions Venture Capital.
Ruckus dials into IPO
Motorola and Deutsche Telekom-backed WiFi products manufacturer Ruckus Wireless files for flotation after raising $54.2m in its history.
Google likes Viewdle’s features
US-based Viewdle, which is corporate venturing-backed, is sold after holding talks with Motorola last year shortly before Google acquired it. Google sealed the deal through its Motorola Mobility unit.
EDF-backed Electranova makes two investments
Electranova Capital, a fund which supports energy start-ups specialising in environmentally-friendly technologies which is backed utility EDF, has invested in two companies, Seatower and Actility.
EverPlaces, Pult win Qualcomm’s QPrize
Denmark-based mobile app EverPlaces and Israel-based video streaming company Pult have each won €100,000 ($129,000) as part of Qualcomm Ventures’s QPrize. The early stage competition run by the corporate venturing unit of the US-based semiconductor company took place at search engine Google’s London Campus. EverPlaces won the prize for Western Europe, while Pult won the… Continue reading EverPlaces, Pult win Qualcomm’s QPrize
In-Q-Tel, Bezos invest in D-Wave
In-Q-Tel, the quasi-corporate venturing unit of the CiA and Amazon’s founder have led the fifth round of funding of quantum computing company D-Wave Systems.
Takeda buys LigoCyte
Takeda has snapped up US vaccine development company LigoCyte for $60m cash plus possible future earnouts.