This week's most interesting deals included insect-based animal feed and a system that uses kinetic energy to shoot satellites into space.

Novo Holdings led a $75m series C round for Kate Farms while PayU and InfoEdge Ventures participated in DotPe’s $58m series B.

Alphabet led a $1bn round for its life sciences unit, PTT bets on insect startup and corporate-backed Propzy is set to shut down.

Next47 has participated in a $205m series D round for Verkada while UPMC Enterprises has co-led SparingVision’s $75m series B.

Pfizer Ventures has led a $102m series A for Capstan Therapeutics while Globis Capital Partners took part in an $85.4m round for Andpad.

Spinouts working on ketamine-based therapeutics, regenerative medicines for dogs and better sleep are among those that caught our eye this month.

The global food system is creaking — creating an impetus for global agriculture companies to invest in new solutions. Corporates took part in agtech deals worth a record $18bn last year. But are they investing fast enough?

Access Industries, Pfizer and SR One were among the investors in a $125m round for Nimbus Therapeutics while Aerwins agreed a reverse takeover.

Alphabet led a $1bn round for its Verily subsidiary while Kimco Realty and The Silverman Group were part of Gotham Greens’ $310m series E.

Hanwha Group took part in a $250m round for Carrot General Insurance while JP Morgan Chase helped lift LetsGetChecked’s series D to $170m.