damian.taylor@cbrecap.com
Corporate venture investing appears to have slowed from the torrid pace of mid 2013 when activity levels spiked to a 12-year high, affiliate magazine Venture Capital Journal reports.
A big gain by Claremont Creek Ventures’ second fund propelled it to the top of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System Golden State Investment Partners’ venture portfolio, displacing Upfront Ventures, affiliate publication VCJ reported.
Heliae said it raised $28.4 million from existing investors including members of the Mars family and the Salim Group and new investor Thomas J. Edelman. The funding will be used to operate and expand Heliae’s first commercial algae facility in Gilbert, Ariz.
Scripted.com said it raised $4.5 million in a Series A financing led by Crosslink Capital and Redpoint Ventures. Joining the round are James Currier and Stan Chudnovsky from Ooga Labs, Branchout CEO Rick Marini, Bebo co-founder Michael Birch, Military.com co-founder Chris Michel and LA angel Paige Craig. Chris Moore from Redpoint Ventures and Eric Chin from Crosslink Capital will be join the board.
Busbud said it raised $1 million in a deal co-led by iNovia Capital and Real Ventures. Busbud's website and free mobile application give travelers access to intercity bus travel information and ticket purchases.
Cleantech investing has taken it on the chin so far this year. Venture capital going to companies in the sector fell 61% in the first quarter to $369 million and deal volume dropped 25%. Here is more detail behind the numbers.
Foley & Lardner LLP said it raised $2.6 million for Foley Ventures Fund II, a venture capital fund that invests in or with its clients. The law firm has now raised $6.6 million between its first and second funds and invested in 32 clients.
Zynga and the NewSchools Venture Fund joined forces Wednesday to unveil an ed-tech accelerator aimed at assisting young companies developing games to help students learn. Zynga.org, the game maker’s non-profit arm, said it plans to invest $1 million in the effort in its first year
ClickTale said it raised $17 million in a Series B round led by Amadeus Capital Partners and joined by Goldrock Capital and Viola Credit. The money will go toward product development and global expansion.
3scale said it raised $4.2 million of new funding in a round from Javelin Venture Partners and Costanoa Venture Capital. The new money will expand the API management company's service offerings and help it reach a global audience.