The UAE-based conglomerate has diversified into direct VC investments, and will put half the cash into MENA-based companies.

Alibaba-backed online lending marketplace WeLab is seeking to raise up to $500m in an initial public offering on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Qualcomm-backed SenseTime has begun exploring an initial public offering and will launch a US-based research and development centre as early as 2018.

Phoenix New Media has invested $57.6m in primary and secondary share purchases to hike its stake in the personalised news app to almost 47%.

Oncology drug developer Chordia Therapeutics has raised series A funding from backers including Kyoto University Innovation Capital.

Oncology drug developer Chordia Therapeutics has raised series A funding from backers including Takeda, from which it is licensing its preclinical drugs.

The interational student housing services startup almost doubled its total funding in a series B round backed by New Oriental Education Group.

Tech in Asia has raised $6.6m in a Hanwha-led round that will fund research and development for its media, recruitment and events products.

Makara Innovation Fund has put up $51.8m of the $111m that Sinar Mas and DST-backed internet service provider MyRepublic has targeted for the round.