Intel Capital has recruited Yair Shoham, formerly of Israel-based venture firm Genesis Partners, and Merav Weinryb, formerly of Pitango Venture Capital, which the corporate venturing unit says "reflects the abundance of innovative businesses and technologies" in Israel.

Founding partners Yann de Vries, ex-Cisco corporate development, and Anderson Thees, formerly chief executive of Brazil-based search engine Apontador, are managing the Brazil-focused fund, which has invested in portfolio companies Viajanet, Grupo Xango, 55Social, Shoes4you and Sophie & Juliete.

Venture firm I2BF Global Ventures is managing the resources, water, and agriculture nanotech fund.

Gordon Hui was previously assistant vice-president in US-based insurer Hartford Financial Services Group's innovation and corporate venture capital group

Crispin Leick, managing director of Innogy Venture Capital, says: "Enercast addresses a fundamental problem of renewable energies. Fluctuations in the feed in of wind and solar electricity lead to a burden on the grids and ultimately to a level of insecurity with regard to the supply of electricity. The more reliable forecast data is available, the better renewables can be integrated into existing grids and thus into the electricity market. "

Israel-based technology holding company Elron joins venture firms Accelmed and Access Medical Ventures, and Peregrine Ventures backing the Israel-based cartilage treatment company.

Alchemia acquired Audeo in 2006, when it was known as Meditech Research, paying $16.9m in shares plus a $2m loan.

Intel Capital is joined by private equity firm Adlevo Capital Managers backing Rancard.