Energy efficiency motivator Opower is reported to have filed for an IPO.

Intel has invested in two companies with 3D printing potential - Lithuanian 3D computer model marketplace CGTrader, prize winner of best startup pitch at ICT 2013, and US-based makexyz, which provides localized 3D printing services for consumers.

Ziebel, a Norwegian provider of specialist well intervention services for the oil and gas industry, has closed a round of growth capital raising $10m. The funding was secured from lead investor ConocoPhillips Technology Ventures, along with Chevron Technology Ventures, and Energy Technology Ventures. Existing Ziebel investors Energy Ventures, Viking Venture, Jebsen Asset Management, Investinor, and Klaveness Invest also participated in the round.

Project A Ventures has participated in a reported seven-figure series A round of funding for 42matters, a Switzerland-based, mobile app discovery business.

Second Century Ventures (SCV), a venture capital fund focused on promoting innovation in the real estate sector, and which is fully capitalised by the US National Association of Realtors, has invested in Planwise, a US financial decision technology company.

STC Ventures, a venture capital fund independently managed by Iris Capital and whose anchor investor is the STC Group, has led a $1.7m investment in UAE-based Careem, a chauffeur-driven online car hiring service. The capital raised will be allocated to enhancing the Careem.com technology platform and expand its car booking service across the Middle East.

Through its PCH Accelerator and Highway1 fund, PCH International, has acquired Canadian e-commerce platform, ShopLocket, in a significant strategic move by the company.

American Express Ventures has invested an undisclosed amount in Qualcomm-backed marketing technology company Capillary Technologies, provider of personalised recommendations to shoppers.

Samsung Venture Investment Corporation, the venture capital arm of Samsung Group, has made a strategic investment in XG Sciences. Philip Rose, XG Sciences CEO, said the investment will be used to fund additional research and development of the company's advanced materials. The terms of the investment were not disclosed.

Cabin crew tablet start-up MI Airline receives backing from the Mainport Innovation Fund, backed by both corporates and universities.