Beverage company AB InBev is partnering Techstars to launch a New York-based brewing and social technology accelerator called Techstars Connection.

Alibaba's ten-figure investments in Ele.me and Lazada last week could signify the ramping up of an investment strategy that has already dramatically grown the e-commerce group's offering.

The social shopping platform has now raised in excess of $70m altogether, having completed a second successive $25m round featuring Shea Ventures.

Alibaba itself invested $900m and its financial services affiliate Ant Financial $350m, with the companies also agreeing a strategic collaboration.

Beauty product maker L'Occitane has led a round for the on-demand beauty services marketplace that also included Times Group subsidiary Brand Capital.

Company focus: Alibaba

Sector focus: Consumer

Rocket Internet and Tesco sold stakes sized at $137m and $129m respectively as Alibaba took a 67% stake in the Southeast Asia-focused e-commerce company.