Energy

Existing backers BP and DSM are also participating in the round, which has brought Verdezyne's total equity funding to more than $74m since 2005.

The company has taken the decision after failing to attract investors for a European energy asset acquisition unit.

California-based Synack has raised series A capital from Google Ventures and aims to deliver an advanced new model for vulnerability and security testing of enterprise software.

Bangalore-based SeQuent Scientific has acquired a stake worth almost 16% in pharmaceutical ingredient developer Shasun Pharmaceuticals.

The search engine provider is committing $100m to the initiative, which represents its 16th clean energy investment.

The company, which develops software to measure fossil fuel production, has secured $6m from investors including corporate-backed venture capital firm Foundation 8.

Kiersten Stead has joined agribusiness Monsanto's corporate venturing unit as a partner.

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 corporates will offer $50,000 to each company able to improve energy efficiency for the water desalination process.

VC firm Qiming Venture Partners has closed its Fund IV at $500m after Mayo Clinic returned as a limited partner.

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