US-based publisher International Data Group through its Chinese corporate venturing unit previously invested RMB5m ($) in 5173 in December 2006, while the portfolio company's other investors include venture capital firm Walden, according to news provider China Business News, citing a company filing for its initial public offering.

Alongside Bertelsmann Asia Investments in the syndicate were venture capital firms Trust Bridge Partners and Sequoia Capital.

This is Softbank's second investment into Lotiple, following a Krw500m investment in May of this year, according to news provider the Bell.

Multinational dating website Match.com has established a toehold in the Chinese market by acquiring a stake in the dating and matchmaking service.

The newly-founded app development start-up has secured seed financing from Net Capital Partners and a selection of angels.

360buy and Lashou are reportedly eyeing initial public offering after securing big venture funding rounds this year.

The Vietnam corporate venturing unit of the US publisher was joined by Germany-based e-commerce investor Rebate Networks and Russian peer Ru-net backing the Vietnam-based retailer.