Fundraising

Hummer Winblad raises $80.56 million toward seventh venture fund

Hummer Winblad Venture Partners has raised $80.56 million toward a $125 million seventh venture-capital fund, according to a filing with the SEC.

SAIF, TCV, Bay lead mid-decade venture portfolio at CalPERS

On the Bleeding Edge: Int'l Women's Day; new offices for Foundation, CRV; Craig leaves Arena; NEA's Pi Day; NVCA gala

GV's Lo Toney files to raise $50 mln for Plexo Capital

GV Partner Lo Toney finally made it official: He filed with the SEC to raise $50 million for Plexo Capital.

EnerTech partners with Tokyo Gas to commercialize energy tech

Venture capital firm EnerTech Capital has formed a strategic partnership with Tokyo Gas Co Ltd, Japan's biggest gas supplier, focused on emerging technologies in the power and gas industry. EnerTech and Tokyo Gas will together explore commercialization strategies within Tokyo Gas as well as deal opportunities available through EnerTech's global network. EnerTech, based in Calgary, Montréal, Toronto and the United States, has backed 71 energy technology companies since 1996. Investing from its $120 million fourth fund (2013), the firm emphasizes opportunities in utility and “behind the meter” grid-edge technologies.

Math Venture Partners targets $39 mln for sophomore fund

Math Venture Partners is seeking to raise $39 million for its second fund, according to an SEC filing. The Chicago-based firm focuses on companies that specialize in customer acquisition.

Techstars, Real Ventures launch Montréal AI accelerator

U.S. technology accelerator Techstars and Canadian early-stage venture capital firm Real Ventures have partnered in the launch of a Montréal artificial intelligence accelerator program. Techstars Montréal AI Accelerator will draw on Montréal's AI capabilities and add to the local ecosystem by supporting startups that advance the development and application of AI technologies across a range of industries. The program, which will begin in September 2018, follows last month's decision by the federal government to fund SCALE.AI Supercluster, a Québec-based strategy for building intelligent supply chains through AI and robotics.

Five Questions with Marianne Wu, managing director, GE Ventures

Mars targets pet tech with $100 mln corporate fund

Mars Petcare unveils venture fund and accelerator

Brussels, Belgium-based Mars Petcare, a provider of pet nutrition and health care, has launched a $100 million venture fund. Digitalis Ventures is working in partnership with Mars Petcare on the fund named Companion Fund. Also, Mars Petcare has teamed up with Michelson Found Animals and R/GA to launch Leap Venture Studio, an accelerator. Both the venture fund and the accelerator will be focused on pet care startups.