Industrial

Mining data technology provider MineSense has completed a funding round that included a strategic investment from Caterpillar Ventures.

BASF hired Markus Solibieda, formerly a partner at private equity firm Mandarin Capital Partners, as managing director at BASF Venture Capital in November, initially to work alongside Nachtigal.

Softbank could be seen as building a capability to understand and see full public and private dealflow and have the financial tools to utilise insights gathered from trends identified in its operational businesses, such as the customers of its Sprint or Arm businesses.

Carbon Conversions Incorporated (CCI) has received an undisclosed amount from advanced composites supplier Hexcel in connection with a strategic alliance.

The advanced steel developer has raised additional funding in round led by existing investor GM Ventures that also featured customer Lear Corporation.

Ford has committed $1bn to the software developer over a five-year period in return for a majority stake and the startup's services in developing its autonomous car technology.

University corner: France