US

Pearson launches venture fund to invest in education startups

Educational company Pearson has raised $50 million for its newly launched venture fund, according to a post by Jonathan Chocqueel-Morgan, the firm's chief strategy officer. Pearson Ventures will invest in early-stage education startups.

Diameter Health picks up $9.6 mln in Optum Ventures-led round

Farmington, Connecticut-based Diameter Health, a provider of clinical data integration solutions, has raised $9.6 million in Series A-1 funding. Optum Ventures led the round with participation from Activate Venture Partners, Connecticut Innovations, Excelerate Health Ventures and LRV Health.

EdiGene snags $15 mln Series B

EdiGene, an emerging biotechnology company focused on treating genetic disorders, has raised $15 million in Series B funding. The investors included UTokyo Innovation Platform, SBI Investment, Fast Track Initiative, SMBC Venture Capital, Mizuho Capital and CareNet Group.

Biotech firm Cullgen lands $16 mln Series A

San Diego-based Cullgen Inc, a biotechnology company, has secured $16 million in Series A financing. The investors were Sequoia Capital China and Highlight Capital.

Shasta Ventures targets $325 mln for sixth fund: Updated

Shasta Ventures is seeking to raise $325 million for its sixth fund, according to an SEC filing. Based in Menlo Park, California, Shasta invests in enterprise and technology consumer startups.

CleverTap scores $26 mln Series B

CleverTap, a customer lifecycle management platform, has secured $26 million in Series B funding. Sequoia India led the round with participation from Tiger Global Management and Accel.

AfricInvest and Cathay Capital launch Pan-African venture fund

AfricInvest and Cathay Capital have teamed up to form Cathay Africinvest Innovation Fund, a Pan-African venture fund. The fund's target is 150 million euros (about $168 million).

Defy Partners wraps up sophomore fund at $262 mln

Defy Partners has closed its oversubscribed second fund at $262 million. Headquartered in Woodside, California, Defy makes early Series A investments.

EduLab Capital backs test prep platform examPAL

Tel Aviv, Israel-based examPAL, a test prep platform, has raised an undisclosed amount of funding. The investor was EduLab Capital Partners.

Credit card distribution platform Extend inks $11 mln Series A

Manhattan-based Extend, a credit card distribution platform, has secured $11 million in Series A financing. Point72 Ventures and FinTech Collective led the round with participation from Reciprocal Ventures and City National Bank.