Israel is witnessing an increasing number of new venture capital (VC) firms coming up. The country registered an inflow of $665 million VC funding during the first two months of the year. Unfazed with the recent market crash, the funds inflows continue for Israel startups.
Consumer Web/Social Media
Yahoo revises bylaws allowing proxy access
Allowing proxy access, Yahoo Inc has revised its bylaws. It'll also enable long-time shareholders to nominate candidates at board on ballots. The new bylaws will come into force after 2016 annual general meeting (AGM) scheduled in June or July.
China's consumers spending rise on spas, travel, entertainment
Chinese consumers are spending more on spa visits, travel and entertainment as income levels are on upward movement. The consumer spending is expected rise 10 percent annually for the next decade.
Facebook sees growth in Asia despite India's ban on Free Basics
Facebook Inc is bullish on Asian market potential. Recently, Facebook's Free Basics service has been banned by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai). Despite this jolt, Facebook is still optimistic about adding number of users as the region is recording much faster growth rate than other parts of the world.
Cloud-based startup Optimizely to lay off 10% staff
Optimizely, a San Francisco-based cloud-based startup, is slashing its workforce by 10 percent across all the departments. Based on recent round of finance, Otpimizely was valued at $585 million. Since its inception in 2009, Optimizely has raised over $146 million investments including $58 million round in 2015.
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Due to the increased sale of Airbus superjumbo A380, the company's earnings rose to 1.6% last year. The aircraft maker is hoping another boost in its earnings this year because of the overwhelming order bookings from different countries.
Indian smart phone market is witnessing robust growth rate and attracting foreign venture capitalists (VCs). The home-grown apps are creating more demand for venture capital. India is second largest market for smartphones after China.
Time Inc. which owns Sports Illustrated and People magazine to name a few, expressed its interest in buying Yahoo. It said that it is interested too in Yahoo's core business which reaches more than 1 billion users across the globe aside from taking into consideration the Reverse Morris Trust. The magazine company will vie with other giant companies including Verizon and AT&T.core business
Canadian company GuestLogix Inc has received court approval for implementing sale and investment solicitation process (SISP). Canaccord Gunuity Corp will be financial advisor to the company under the SISP. The bidding process is being executed in a phased manner.
NYSE-listed Broadridge Financial Solutions has invested in AMA Partners, BV (AMA). By taking minority stake in AMA Partners, Broadridge will expand its corporate governance solution in Europe.
BDC Capital, a subsidiary of Business Development Bank of Canada, has launched IT Venture Fund II with corpus of C$150 million. With an objective of bridging gap in the mid-stage funding, the new fund will support new generation of IT entrepreneurs in Canada.
Pandora Media Inc has engaged Morgan Stanley to facilitate the selling itself including identifying potential buyers. Pandora has been spending heavily to attract more number of users amid increasing competition in internet radio space.
Two prominent investors in Lyft Inc sold some shares to Saudi Arabia's Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal for $148 million. The latest deal puts Lyft's valuation at $5.5 billion from $275 million in May 2013.
Facebook deleted medical marijuana hopepages on Tuesday, without any prior warning. People that relied on the site for updates on the cannibis for medicinal purposes are said to have been greatly affected by the social media giant's initiative.
