Conglomerate Access Industries has invested $5m in a seed round for US-based Monclarity, which produces a brain training application named Brainwell. The smartphone app aims to improve a user’s problem solving, memory, vision, attention, language and critical thinking skills.
Sekai Labs, a Japan-based outsourcing service aimed at app developers, has received $3.3m from Pasona Tech, a system engineer recruitment subsidiary of human resources conglomerate Pasona Group, and internet company Digital Garage’s investment vehicle DG Incubation, according to The Bridge. Sekai will work with Pasona’s sales representatives to market its offering to Pasona’s clients, while the startup will also set up an office in Digital Garage’s San Francisco co-working space.
Philippines-based radiology software platform developer Lifetrack Medical Systems has raised an undisclosed amount from Kickstart Ventures, the corporate venturing unit of telecoms firm Globe Telecom, according to Tech in Asia. Other unnamed, strategic investors also participated. Lifetrack connects medical professionals in hospitals with external radiologists to help evaluate medical images.
Betaworks, an incubator and venture capital firm backed by corporates including media company AOL, chip maker Intel and internet company Digital Garage, has participated in a $2m seed round for US-based messaging app developer Sochat. The round was led by Eniac Ventures and also included Allen Zhang, New Enterprise Associates, Greylock Partners, Slow Ventures, Foundation Capital, Maiden Lane and Andreessen Horowitz.
Organic consumer products manufacturer Hain Celestial Group has invested an undisclosed amount in salad restaurant chain Chopt Creative Salad. The round was led by private equity firm Catterton.
Art2M, a France-based platform for art collectors and investors, has secured €500,000 ($543,000) in funding from Axa Strategic Ventures, the corporate venturing subsidiary of insurance provider Axa. Art2M enables collectors to buy creations from digital artists.
AutoLotto, a US-based developer of an app that enables users to play the lottery on their smartphone, has received $2.4m in seed funding from corporate-backed venture capital firm 500 Startups and Aurum Partners, according to the Wall Street Journal. The app lets people purchase and redeem lottery tickets. It is expected to become available for the general public in New Hampshire by the end of the month.
IDG Ventures, a venture capital affiliate of publisher and technology research company International Data Group, has taken part in a $750,000 seed round for India-based minicab hailing app developer Cityflo, alongside one other, unnamed investor. The money will be used to hire more staff, build out operations in Mumbai and expand into more cities.
Singapore-based financial technology producer Call Levels has raised approximately $500,000 in pre-series A funding from corporate-backed firm 500 Startups and a host of angel investors, according to Tech in Asia. The company has developed an app that tracks foreign exchanges, futures, US equities and bitcoin. The capital will support an expansion into New York, London and Hong Kong.
Main Incubator, a subsidiary of financial services firm Commerzbank, and Global Founders Capital, the investment vehicle of the founders of e-commerce group Rocket Internet, have contributed funds to a €1m seed round for Germany-based pay-as-you-go gadget provider ByeBuy, according to TechCrunch. Hannover Innovation Fund, KRW Schindler Investments, and Seedcamp also invested in the round, which will support a US expansion and partnerships with online and offline retailers.
BlueCross BlueShield Venture Partners, an investment arm of insurance provider Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, has invested in a $3m series A round for US-based healthcare software-as-a-service Solera Health. The corporate was joined by venture capital firm Sandbox Industries. Solera’s software helps medical staff to better manage care for patients suffering from chronic diseases.
The History Project, a US-based platform that enables users to curate a collection of their personal media such as photos, has launched with $2m in funding led by newspaper publisher New York Times, which was joined by Matter Ventures and Altpoint Ventures.
China-based DNA testing service Prenetics has obtained an undisclosed amount of funding from Venturra Capital, a venture capital firm backed by conglomerate Lippo, according to Tech in Asia. The company previously secured $2.65m in a December 2014 seed round featutring Coent Venture Partners and assorted angel investors. Prenetics tests patient DNA for reactions to drugs and returns results within two days.
Hivemapper, a US-based producer of a mapping and navigation service for drone fliers, has secured $3m in seed funding led by Spark Capital and featuring Google Ventures, the corporate venturing arm of conglomerate Alphabet, Harrison Metal, Homebrew Capital, Founder Collective, Accelerator Ventures, Subversive Capital, and assorted angel investors.
Belgium-based AppTweak, which produces software to help app developers improve visibility for their products in app stores, has received $500,000 in seed funding from media group Rossel, Be Angels and Go Beyond.
Caixa Capital, the investment arm of financial services firm La Caixa, has invested $200,000 in a seed round for US and Portugal-based DoDoc, which has created a platform to help pharmaceutical firms speed up regulatory and compliance processes.
IDG Ventures, a venture capital affiliate of media company International Data Group, has co-led a $2m series A round for India-based women-focused digital publisher PopXo. Kalaari Capital co-led the round, while corporate-backed firm 500 Startups also participated. The money will support an expansion of the company’s English and Hindi language content and the launch of new verticals.