Services

Ultimately, those unwilling or unable to compete at the top end of creating market-leading companies risk effectively bringing a knife to a gun fight - they can win sometimes in some areas, but the chances might be against them.

The local services platform is exploring an IPO in Hong Kong at a $60bn valuation, setting up Tencent, Priceline, Xiaomi, Fosun and Wanda for exits.

Randstad Innovation Fund and Gradient Ventures are among the investors in the recruitment automation platform, which has just emerged from stealth.

Existing backer SoftBank and two new investors are reportedly in discussions to invest between $500m and $800m in the budget accommodation provider.

Reply's internet-of-things fund has invested in rounds for energy intelligence technology developer Metron and temperature analysis startup Tag Sensors totalling $5.3m.

The SoftBank-led series D round is indicative of a startup space where logistics, buying and transport are moving closer together.

The wedding services platform developer has received funding from investors including Fosun subsidiary Fosun RZ Capital.

Microsoft Ventures, which took part in the game-based learning platform's series A round, has returned for a round that valued it at $100m.

The communal living space provider, which counts Lowe's Ventures and Comcast Catalyst Fund among its early investors, has raised series A capital from backers including Raiffeisen.

Cambridge Innovation Center has attracted $58m in funding from property developer HB Reavis to add additional locations to its network of innovation campuses.