Marketing company WPP has co-launched Polestar, a China-based start-up that will help companies manager their e-commerce activities in China.

Fablic, the maker of flea market app Fril, has raised $9.2m from investors including online recipe provider Cookpad and game developer Colopl.

Incubator EcoMachines is investing in the two-year old spin-out Recycling Technologies.

Phamaceutical company Takeda has invested $25m and entered into a strategic partnership with biotech company BioMotiv.

Accuris Networks, a provider of a cellular and wifi connectivity platform, has raised $15m in funding and appointed a new chief executive, Jeff Brown.

Bradford spin-out Tangentix has secured further investment from Parkwalk Advisors.

Digital media firm Ardent Capital, already backed by Siemer & Associates, GMO and Recruit, has raised $12.5m from Sinar Mas to expand its e-commerce model into Indonesia.

WPP-backed analytics software company Visible Technologies has been acquired by public relations technology firms Vocus and Cision after raising $30m in funding.

Internet company Baidu has launched a personal investment vehicle for small investors to fund films and television programmes.