Gene-sequencing technology producer Axbio raised nearly $100m in a round co-led by AstraZeneca-CICC Investment Fund while Eli Lilly helped Forbion Growth Opportunities Fund II to a $504m first close.

Funding

AstraZeneca-CICC Investment Fund, the $1bn fund formed by pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca and investment bank China International Capital Corporation, co-led a series B round for China-based gene-sequencing technology developer Axbio sized at almost $100m yesterday. The round was co-led with Yunfeng Capital and also featured CBC Group, CMG-SDIC Capital and 5Y Capital.

Funds

Another pharmaceutical producer, Eli Lilly, is among the limited partners that contributed to the €470m ($504m) first close of life sciences-focused venture capital firm Forbion’s Growth Opportunities…