Consumer

Alibaba's $1.5bn acquisition of digital navigation service AutoNavi shows that diversification is as important for China-based internet companies as their western counterparts.

The new entity, Katalyzers, formed in conjunction with Smile Group, will invest in internet and e-commerce companies' activities in emerging economies.

Health food supplier NatureBox has now raised $28m in funding, and has secured Softbank as an investor.

The solar installer's $70m round, which featured GE and E.ON, indicates the entry of large corporate venture capitalists into the rooftop sector.

Polaris has invested $1m for a 33.5% stake in the e-commerce company, which plans to expand from its home country of Indonesia.

Fresh spin-out from Tel Aviv offers a full phone charge in 30 seconds.

The merger between the two India-based e-commerce companies, which are backed by corporates including IDG and Naspers, values lifestyle retailer Myntra at about $330m.

AOL Ventures-backed e-commerce development platform Spree Commerce raises $5m series A funding led by Thrive Capital.

US restaurant ecommerce network, Ordr.In, backed by Google Ventures, has initiated a fundraising campaign on SeedInvest and aims to reach a total venture round goal of $400,000.

Hickies, US-based maker elastic lacing for shoes, has received an investment of $4.2m led by the Collaborative Fund and the unspecified venture arm of a global footwear brand.