OUP is a multi-stage fund that invests in start-ups from more than 40 universities and in January last year held its final closing on its inaugural fund at $100m having already invested in 16 companies.

InnoSpring, which is also backed by China-based property company Shui On Group and Northern Light Venture Capital, will provide incubation services and physical space to technology start-ups wanting to expand into China.

Ex-Skype CSO Christopher Dean joins the Salesforce and Verizon-backed marketing software company as its chief revenue officer.

Richard Holliday said: "After 10 years with the World Gold Council I have decided to seek new opportunities as an independent consultant."

Venkatesh Prasad, senior technical leader for open innovation with Ford Research and Innovation, told local news provider LA Times: "With so many opportunities and so much potential, our new lab will allow us to scout new technologies and partners in their own environment and continue our expansion beyond the traditional automaker mindset to drive innovation."

I must create a system or be enslav'd by another man's.
I will not reason and compare: my business is to create.
- William Blake, Jerusalem, The Emanation of the Giant Albion

Bodas had previously spent three years as director of strategic investments at US-based insurer Hartford's corporate venturing and innovation unit.

The sports-focused social network has appointed the co-founder of mobile payments company Square to its board a month after he participated in a $750,000 financing round.