Christopher Moran, general manager of Applied Ventures, says: "We are excited about Aventa's progress in developing critical manufacturing technology for this emerging alternative energy sector. HTS technology has tremendous potential, and we are pleased that this investment will be used to make advanced grid solutions more affordable."

Intel Capital-backed Fundersclub, which helps individuals back start-ups, invests $510,000 into social video advertising startup Virool.

The pair of corporate venturing units outlined a 2012 that sees them converging in annual investment pace, although the long-established Intel Capital, which has invested more than $10bn in its history is understandably more active in realisation activity than Google Ventures, which was set up in 2009.

The deal comes after Russia-based financial group Life established its corporate venturing in September of this year with an initial capital of $10m.

Softline Venture Partners, the corporate venturing unit of the Softline Group, launches e-commerce focused spin-off, Videobaker.

Ward Howell sets up its Talent Equity Venture Fund to invest in start-ups valued at up to $5m, working on geographically scalable professional training and HR projects.

Google Ventures has led a $1m round of funding into US-based digital fitness company FitStar.

The digital unit of India-based media company The Times of India Group joins a syndicate which also includes The Washington Post Company, Docomo, VTB Capital and RTP Ventures.

Tencent and Google Ventures were joined in the seed round of the US-based mobile gameplay recording company by venture firms including Andreessen Horowitz, Merus Capital and XG Ventures.

The Germany-based comparision website reportedly secures an investment from 500 Startups' Dave McClure, taking it to nearly $1m raised, according to TechCrunch.