Corporates Ginkgo Bioworks and Bayer have launched a plant microbiome technology startup that is equipped with $100m in series A funding.

JSR Corporation has added an undisclosed amount to a series B round backed by Tokyo Electron, that stood at $5m as of July this year.

The satellite operator has joined limited partners including Airbus and Telespazio, supplying an undisclosed amount for Seraphim Capital's space-focused VC fund.

The imaging and sensor system developer has secured new funding in a WRV-led round that featured Qualcomm Ventures.

Avrio Capital has added $5m to a series B round that achieved an initial close of $6.95m in July with a commitment from WRF Capital.

Monsanto Growth Ventures had co-led a $24m first tranche in July 2017 for the agricultural product developer.

Blue River Technology, backed by Monsanto and Syngenta, will be acquired by John Deere for $305m in a transaction expected to close this month.

University of Minnesota has spun out CoreBiome, which will commercialise genomic and informatics technology aimed at the agricultural, environmental and healthcare sectors.