Consumer

Google reportedly picks up some of the staff of entrepreneur Kevin Rose's mobile application company, which is shutting down its main app, after the company was backed by Google Ventures in November.

In this world, and future ones of potential products derived from the operation of sentiment machines able to learn, could be sparked the next wave of productivity and economic growth.

The California-based digital marketing company says it plans to open offices in New York and London.

Symantec-backed consumer identity security company LifeLock acquires Investor Growth Capital-backed rival ID Analytics.

The gift card company wins strategic investment from Citi Ventures.

H&R Block signs strategic partnership and investment with mobile payments company Wipit.

IDG Ventures has helped India-based lingerie company Zivame raise its first founding round after it was set up last year.

The merger of China-based video websites Youku and Tudou sparked a near tripling in the value of Tudou's shares, reversing a slide post flotation.

Tate & Lyle Ventures invests again, having backed the company since 2007, while BASF Venture Capital takes more than two thirds of the latest round.

Dealised sells off its UK operations and makes an Asian push, less than a year after receiving backing from SingTel's corporate venturing unit.

The power of networks is evident - even in a world of a frictionless payments, everyone needs contacts.