Google Ventures entrepreneur-in-residence Craig Walker is separately looking at returning to his VoIP roots when he founded the company which becam Google Voice.

As the iconic Fender guitarmaker goes towards a $200m IPO, here is its history with Japan-based musical instrument companies Kanda Shokai and Yamano Music. Fender Japan guitars make rockers weep.

Visa Europe follows backing UK-listed payment technology company Monitise last year, by also backing one of its investments UK-based mobile payments company Mobile Money Network, chaired by former Marks & Spencer head Sir Stuart Rose.

The Asian corporate venturing unit of luxury business LVMH is reportedly eyeing a $150m investment in the clothing unit of India's Raymond Group

Cisco corporate development executive Yann de Vries and Anderson Thees, formerly chief executive of Brazil-based search engine Apontador lead the venture.

The Japan-based automotive supplier and safety technology company has teamed up with venture firm Lakeland to pursue a "part corporate venturing, part business development accelerator model".

The corporate venturing unit of the Japan-based mobile games developer backs Vietnam-based online retailer Tiki Corporation, which it says has "the potential to become the top e-commerce company" in its market.

The company reportedly joins L Capital Partners, the corporate venturing unit of luxury goods company LVMH, backing India-based retailer Fabindia, which is more than 50 years old.