The corporates contributed to a $28.4m round and will look to work with Tier IV to test its autonomous driving software.

University of Tokyo Edge Capital has invested in autonomous driving technology developer Tier IV, based on research at multiple Japanese universities.

Smartphone maker Xiaomi has participated in a $15.7m round for the electronics recycling service that included Shunwei Capital.

Agricultural technology media, data and investment platform AgFunder is moving into direct corporate venturing.

The MIT spinout formerly known as Baseload Renewables hopes its lithium-sulphur battery could offer a sustainable energy source.