Two initiatives open to projects from Michigan institutions have secured continued support from Michigan Strategic Fund.

Legend Capital and Shell China backed a series C round for industrial e-commerce platform Zhenkunhang, which raised a total of $85m last year.

Siam Cement has taken a limited partner position in Capricorn Venture Partners' Capricorn Sustainable Chemistry Fund, which is aiming for a $193m close.

The Heritage Group will invest $120,000 in each of 10 materials science, environmental services and specialty chemicals startups through the scheme.

KDDI, Sega Sammy, Aucfan, Japan Asia Group, Leave a Nest and Nihon Unisys are all backing the fund on its way to a projected close next month.

Queensland crop breeding spinout Nexgen Plants has been backed by multi-university venture fund Uniseed, Business Development Fund and Yuuwa Capital.

Allianz-backed venture capital firm AV8 launches in the UK and the US.

Yamaha Motor Ventures & Laboratory Silicon Valley has opened an Australian office which will be run by BCG alumnus Craig Boshier.