Industrial

Investors have thrown their backing behind a round topping $100m for Stanford-linked production automation robot developer Flexiv.

Axa Life, Dai-ichi Life, Digital Garage, Fujitsu, Intage, Mitsui, MTG, Nikon, NTT Docomo and Tokyo Century are all set to exit the semiconductor laser provider in an offering on TSE.

Adisseo and Mosaic are among the investors that helped venture firm SP Ventures’ vehicle reach a $25.2m close, representing half of its target.

The chemical analysis device developer has added $20m to an initial public offering following $70m in funding from investors including Utec.

Micromobility, AI-equipped drug discovery, home fitness and cloud kitchens are among the sectors that look promising in 2021.

Strive led a $19.3m round for the construction drone software developer that included Canal Ventures, Delight Ventures, Japan Post Capital, Kashiwabara, Makoto Capital and Mizuho Capital.

In the second half of out 2020 roundup we look at growth areas including digital health and health insurance, online education platforms and financial technology.

SK Materials led the consortium for battery anode materials producer Group 14 latest round, which follows a corporate-backed round just over a year ago.

The IPO boom was helped by the emergence of Shanghai's Star market and the trend for reverse mergers, while corporate venturers were increasingly looking outwards.

Concordia University has helped venture capital firm Cycle Capital reach the final close of its latest cleantech-focused fund.

Ride-hailing service Uber’s Advanced Technologies Group (ATG) subsidiary agreed to merge with self-driving technology developer Aurora with Uber investing $400m in the latter.