Lendingkart unit Lendingkart Finance has secured $24.9m in debt and equity financing from backers including Tata Capital Financial Services.

The deep learning technology developer is combining with one of its investors, CDH Investments, and aims to raise more than $450m for the fund.

Posco-backed Althea will use the capital to expand internationally and boost the range of beauty products it sells online.

The series A round, which included SPH Ventures and Kickstart Ventures, will support the retail analytics provider's entry into new markets.

Baidu has participated in a series A round for sonic-focused AI technology developer SoundAI that took its total financing to $57m.

Bahrain's sovereign wealth fund is considering a commitment that will help SoftBank's fund reach its $100bn target for a final close.

Continental is reportedly in advanced talks over a $400m acquisition of Magna and Allianz-backed in-car cybersecurity technology provider Argus.

Peter Nagler is leaving Evonik Industries, where he was head of international innovation, for a position at Singapore's AStar.

Congress report: GCV Asia 2017