Consumer

Corporates SoftBank and Renren have differing reasons for backing the online lending platform, which has just raised the sector's first $1bn round.

The handmade goods marketplace has been in business since 2011 and has just raised its first external funding in a GMO-backed round.

The Philippines-based telecommunications firm expects to invest $50m in startups this year through its newly launched PLDT Capital unit.

Axel Springer is acquiring a stake in media company Thrillist as it spins off e-commerce business JackThreads, with the two raising a combined $54m.

Comcast took part in the round through its Comcast Ventures unit, and will also work with the hair colouring product maker to expand through television advertising.

The grocery delivery service has added Snapdeal, Ru-Net and corporate-backed Beenext to its shareholders in the first close of a round that could rise to $56m.

Business Growth Fund has injected cash into ACS as the company plans to enter the US and offer tuxedo hiring.

The home automation and monitoring technology provider has secured $9.4m in funding from Haier, SAIF and Foxconn to support global expansion.

The consumer products manufacturer has added Google to its list of shareholders and inked a deal with Target to sell its Bevel shaving products in the chain's stores.

Google-backed Amino specialises in launching mobile communities apps focused on a specific topic and has created 41 such apps to date.