Corporate Venturer

Deborah Magid, who spent more than 20 years at IBM and its CVC unit, has launched an AI-focused VC firm called DoubleStar Venture Partners.

The company will use additional capital to finance startups aiming to tackle climate challenges in the water sector.

GCV Emerging Leader David Li will help the Australian mining firm’s CVC unit identify energy, climate and mining startups.

The low-cost clothing retailer, which wants to list in London this year, will back European sustainable fabric companies through the fund.

Innova360 powered by Bluebox will have 35 team members and $15m distributed among eight corporate venturing funds across Latin America.

Julien Auchecorne will lead digital asset trading firm Auros’s Ventures unit, which has invested $15m in 14 companies since late last year.

UK smartphone camera component developer Cambridge Mechatronics’ latest round featured strategic investors Sony Ventures and Intel Capital.

Backed by one of the largest Philippine conglomerates, Ayala, Globe Telecom’s CVC unit is a leading force in the country’s emerging ecosystem.

Corporate investors have been part of $3bn worth of AI deals so far this year, with June particularly strong. There has also been a uptick in exits.

After GCV Powerlist member Yuko Sasahara Watanabe’s move to NTT Docomo’s lifestyle unit, the CVC arm named Jun Yasumoto president and CEO.