Rakuten and existing investor Allianz have contributed to a round of undisclosed size that lifted the e-commerce insurance company's total funding to more than $32m.

Nottingham spinout Monica Healthcare, which has developed monitoring technology for expectant mothers and their babies, has been acquired by GE Healthcare.

Oxford University has partnered Kingsley Capital Partners to conduct research into cannabis-based medication through a new company dubbed Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies.

The construction materials producer has formed an open innovation and venture investment unit and will launch a startup competition later this month.

The dermatology product maker has invested in five digital health startups through its Leo Innovation Lab subsidiary.

Valeo has acquired gesture tracking software provider Gestigon, providing an exit to corporate venturing vehicle Vorwerk Ventures.

Bertelsmann subsidiary Arvato and SBI Group co-led the round, with the latter set to help financial services-as-a-platform startup SolarisBank expand into Asia.