Novartis, Johnson & Johnson and Consort Medical all returned to invest in the company's series C round as it looks to commercialise its diagnostic testing system.

Five participants in the internet company's XPrize competition have received a total of $5.25m to spend on developing their space robotics technology.

Partech Ventures has closed the $227m first tranche of its Partech Growth fund, which is backed by AG2R La Mondiale, CNP Assurances, Carrefour, Ingenico and Renault.

WPX Faserkeramik, a producer of ceramic materials for high-temperature applications, secured funding from the building materials company, along with HTGF.

Education publisher Pearson has committed an additional $50m to its Africa and Asia-focused Affordable Learning Fund.

Statoil Technology Invest and Aarbakke Innovation have acquired a combined 35% stake in fluid control company TechInvent for an undisclosed sum.

Tech giant Apple acquires Imperial spin-out Semetric as the firm sets sights on Spotify.