AAA February 2014 – Page 5

Google Ventures’ Chan has itchy feet

Wesley Chan, according to a Forbes news report has led more than 40 investments at the corporate venturing unit and was also responsible for the firm’s seed-stage investing programme. Kevin Rose and MG Siegler will now head up Google Ventures seed investing now that Chan is moving on. Chan has now moved into the role… Continue reading Google Ventures’ Chan has itchy feet

Samsung powers up XG Sciences

Samsung Venture Investment Corporation, the venture capital arm of Samsung Group, has made a strategic investment in XG Sciences. Philip Rose, XG Sciences CEO, said the investment will be used to fund additional research and development of the company’s advanced materials. The terms of the investment were not disclosed.

Mitsui gets personal with GNS Healthcare

Cambia Health Solutions, a series A investor, was joined in a $10m series B round of funding by two additional strategic investors: California’s Heritage Provider Network, and Mitsui & Co. (USA) to back GNS Healthcare. GNS Healthcare uses patented big data analytics methods to build predictive models and products to discover the underlying causal relationships… Continue reading Mitsui gets personal with GNS Healthcare

Johnson & Johnson eyes another round for PowerVision

Existing investors Venrock, Johnson & Johnson Development Corp., Medtronic, Advanced Technology Ventures, Lexington Capital and Frazier Healthcare Ventures have invested in a first tranche of a series D round of funding for PowerVision. The company is developing an accommodating intraocular lens. The company plans to raise up to an additional $10m as part of this $20m financing round.

Innovative region: Canada

Gregg Bayes-Brown, news editor of our sister title Global University Venturing, looks at how Canada is trying to ensure it stays on top of innovation despite worries this aspect of the economy is under performing.

Comment: Kung hei fat choi

Marianne Abib-Pech catches the mood in China at new year, and reflects on the psyche, alien to western empathies, that guides decisions within that culture.