Fundraising

Lightspeed seeks to raise $1.8 bln

Lightspeed Venture Partners, which last year saw exits in the unicorn companies AppDynamics, Mulesoft and Snap, is seeking to raise $1.8 billion for Lightspeed Venture Partners Select III, according to a regulatory filing. In 2016, the firm raised more than a combined $1.2 billion for two funds, including $715 million for its 11th early-stage fund and $500 million for Lightspeed Venture Partners Select II. The Select Fund invests in follow-on rounds, primarily in existing Lightspeed portfolio companies.

Bullpen to raise $165 mln for two funds, including fourth core fund

Bullpen Capital has set out to raise $165 million for two funds, including a fourth core fund, according to filings with the SEC.

General Catalyst raises $1.4 bln for ninth venture fund

General Catalyst has raised the full $1.38 billion targeted for its ninth venture fund, according to a regulatory filing. With offices in Cambridge, San Francisco, Palo Alto, and New York City, the firm makes early-stage and growth equity investments.

Cendana to raise $40 mln international fund of funds

Cendana Capital has set out to raise a $40 million international fund of funds, according to a filing with the SEC.

Samsara BioCapital raises $260.6 mln for venture capital fund

Samsara BioCapital has raised $260.6 million toward a $300 million venture-capital fund, according to a filing with the SEC.

Ecosystem Integrity Fund raises $41 mln toward targeted $100 mln third fund

Ecosystem Integrity Fund has raised $41.1 million toward a targeted $100 million for its third venture fund, according to a regulatory filing.

Elephant collects $250 mln for sophomore fund

Elephant has raised $250 million for its second fund, according to an SEC filing. The Boston-based venture firm is focused on consumer internet, mobile and software.

Las Olas Venture Capital raises $28.5 mln maiden venture fund

Las Olas Venture Capital said it had a $28.5 million final close on a maiden venture capital fund.

BDC to back founders with addiction, mental health challenges

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is financing $325,000 in loans to be provided by Rise Asset Development to support entrepreneurs with mental health and addiction challenges. The amount will be disbursed over two years through loans of $5,000 to $10,000. It will allow Rise, a Toronto-based provider of low-interest small business loans and mentorship to individuals living with mental illness and addictions, to expand its program in Canada. Rise has extended more than $1 million in loans since it was founded in 2010 by the Rotman School of Management and the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health.

Hitachi to invest in Geodesic fund

Hitachi Ltd, a Japanese conglomerate, has agreed to invest in a fund managed by Foster City, California-based venture firm Geodesic Capital. Geodesic Capital Fund I-S is a supplemental fund of the company’s first fund that was established in 2015. According to a recent SEC filing, the fund is targeted at $165 million. Geodesic invests in emerging growth companies in Silicon Valley.