The UK-based technology firms mobilized $3.6 billion (£2.5 billion) funds from venture capitalists (VC) in 2015 and this is 70 percent higher than $2.1 billion in 2014. London technology companies accounted for more than half of the mobilized VC funds. The increasing investor appetite for technology startups and fintech firms has been the main factor that propelled the VC funding.
North America
YPF, American Energy Partners sign deals on shale gas
American Energy Partners and Argentina state-run energy company YPF have signed a partnership deal on developing the shale resources in the South American country. Argentina government is providing subsidies to attract investments in the energy sector and to enhance business climate in the country.
Amazon.com Celebrates Golden Globe Win By Discounting Its Prime Membership
As a celebration for surprising Golden Globe win for "Mozart in the Jungle," Amazon prepares a special offer. Beside streaming the series for free this weekend, the company is also discounting subscription for Amazon Prime. .
Fed May Hold Rate Hike to Ease the Market
The Fed may hold its next interest rate hike, following a current plunge in oil market that affectsthe stock market. This will give market a breather.
Morgan Stanley Refurnishes Fixed Income Division, Names Sam Kellie-Smith As The New Head
Morgan Stanley, has been reported to tatter with its fixed income division. Following the industry precedence of changing or reshuffling the executives, it has named Sam Kellie- Smith as the head of fixed income and commodities. The Wall Street Bank’s recent moves haven’t surprised the analysts at all.
Latest News
The San Francisco-based cloud software company Anaplan has closed the latest round of VC funding to the tune of $90 million giving a valuation of the company at $1.09 billion. The latest investment round was led by Indian firm Premji Invest.
Hyundai Corp is expected to recall Elantra model vehicles from February 2016 onwards. It's noticed that the malfunctioning of electronic stability control system will suddenly result in reduction of engine power. The South Korean automobile major may recall over 150,000 Elantra vehicles to fix the stability control system in the vehicles.
Unlike six other times, Barack Obama will face an interview for the last time as an incumbent President in YouTube on Friday. This time he will answer the selected questions of a trio, who combined remains ahead of the President himself by a huge margin in terms of subscriptions. During his entire 10 years in the office, he has used technology to publicize behind- the- scene photographs as token of his goodwill gesture.
The Department of Transportation has come out with a latest report on the US aviation sector. The department expressed its concerns that pilots don't have much expertise in handling aircraft manually. US pilots fly aircraft on automated system for over 90 percent flying. This makes pilots unable to control the aircraft in unforeseen situations.
A group of technology executives in Canada and U.S. launched a Toronto-based $100 million venture fund. The group is focusing to fund enterprise software to establish its investment portfolio.
Venture capital firms raise less capital and face a slowdown in tech funding for 2015. However, the number is still above annual average since 2006.
Venture capital fund in the U.S. dropped by 9% in 2015, but a strong fundraising pace from 2014 continued. Investor become more selective to put the capital in startup companies.
Google wants to involve many automobile manufacturers and suppliers in developing its ambitious self-driving cars. Contrary to market rumors, Google didn't announce its plans for partnership with Ford. Google believes that its self-driving project would be beneficial to senior citizens. Google involved Roush Enterprises to assemble self-driving cars, which are being road tested.
Ford Motor Inc. declare supplemental cash dividend of $1 billion. In 2016, the company expect to earn as much as last year.
