Hearst-backed vintage goods auctioneer Auctionata has agreed to merge with contemporary art auction platform Paddle8 to target the sub-$500,000 market.

Nanowire solar cell technology developer Sol Voltaics has raised $12.5m in an Umoe-backed series C round, together with a $4.5m grant from the Swedish government.

ProSiebenSat.1 and Franz Haniel both contributed capital as Berlin-based venture capital firm Cherry Ventures closed its Cherry Ventures II fund.

Novo joined limited partners including pension funds and private equity firms as the Denmark-based venture firm reached the final close of its latest fund.

Alexander Schlaepfer is leaving power and automation corporate venturing platform Aster Capital to join telecommunications group Swisscom's CVC unit.

Naspers Ventures will look to link the US with Naspers' international reach, and has also led social learning company Brainly's $15m series B round.

The Wacker Chemie-backed silicon anode battery producer will use the capital to acquire intellectual property and invest in development and manufacturing capacity.

The money transfer network has now raised $46m altogether and will use Rakuten's help to expand in Asia.

Nexeon, the Imperial College London spinout that develops rechargeable lithium ion batteries, has now secured in excess of $120m.