Consumer

CashStar launched with $4m in March 2009 after incubation by Coupons, a US-based provider of consumer-printed coupons, and has raised $5m for its series B round from venture capital firm Passport Capital and media-focused investment bank Allen.

Nasdaq-listed vending group Coinstar and venture capital firm Claremont Creek Ventures led the equity part of EcoATM's A round. Silicon Valley Bank is providing the venture debt.

L Capital, the investment firm co-funded by luxury group LVMH, is in talks to buy a stake in Indian jewellery retailer Gitanjali, newswire Reuters said.

Alison Moncrieff has moved to become vice-president of new business development of the Lifestyle Incubator at Netherlands-based electronics company Philips' Consumer Lifestyle subsidiary.

Local training company Giant Associates was part of the investment consortium along with angels and venture capital firm E-Synergy in AirPos.

Milk Mantra Dairy gains India-based social venture capital firm Aavishkaar Venture Management Services as backer.

Inventages had invested $6m in Tanfield Food Company in January last year and adds a further $1m this year.

The 2011 list of top services providers' corporate venturing units.

Counsel for aligning interests by taking stakes

Marketing its innovation credentials, WPP uses corporate venturing amid a broader acquisition and development strategy to transition to a digital future.

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