VENTURE CAPITAL POST

GE acknowledges 2015 as one of the most successful business years in its history while recognizing CEO’s leadership contribution. Jeffrey Immelt, chairman and CEO of GE, has received $33 million compensation in total for 2015 which is 11.5% lower than the previous year. The compensation package has been disclosed through a regulatory filing with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Economists and analysts have repeatedly been suggesting for devaluation of local currency in a bid to ease pressure on foreign currency reserves. But the Egyptian central bank has refrained from doing so considering surge in inflation. The inflation has been recorded as the lowest in February during the last six months and the bank has devalued the currency on Monday.

With an objective of not giving any such scope for price escalation as Martin Shkreli did for Daraprim generic drug, US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) has turned very cautious on approvals to generic drugs. US FDA is now reviewing new applications for generic drugs, while ensuring no such lapses of price escalation.

The US dollar recorded a multi-year bull run and has still enough steam to gain 10 percent further this year. All eyes are on the two-day policy meeting of US Federal Reserve beginning from Tuesday as it will set the tone for US currency.

Sony will pay $750 million to the Michael Jackson estate for its share in the music catalog. Once the deal is closed, the estate will be no longer in debt.

The turbulent situation Japan's banking sector is likely to impact global markets. A leading hedge fund manager says that collapse in the Japan's banking industry blindsides the market, while shrugging off any possibility of banking crisis in the world's third largest economy.

It was agreed that Apollo Global Management is taking over Fresh Market Inc. Chairman and founder Ray Berry is not so pleased and is considering of making the company private where he and his son own 9.8% of shares. This would be Apollo's third largest acquisition that is worth more than a billion dollars.

Oil prices might have propelled above $40 a barrel level in the past week as Iran was expected to join other producers to freeze its oil output. However, Iran wants to help its ailing economy, regardless of the oversupply.

Sports apparel Under Armour have surpassed Nike in athlete's endorsement. Many top athletes from NBA, NFL, tennis pro, professional golfers and others are now under contract with Under Armour.

A lawsuit filed on March 8 claimed that Sequoia Capital’s partner Michael Goguen has sexually, physically, and emotionally abused a woman for 12 years. Mr Goguen has been dismissed from the firm regarding the case and is seeking to file a cross complaint and prove he’s not guilty of the alleged crimes.

Through a surprise move, Bank of Japan has adopted negative interest rate aiming to force the banks in investment. Meanwhile, the negative economic outlook has compelled the commercial banks to squeeze their investment portfolios while diminishing the BOJ move. Analysts have forecast for unchanged monetary policy in Tuesday’s meeting while predicting for a major change in April.

George Osborne has over-shoot the borrowing forecast due to weak economic outlook and poor tax receipts. In order to achieve his self imposed goal, he has been left with only two options for his 2016 budget- cut public expenses or increase taxes. However, the UK chancellor has hinted opting for reducing public expenses while addressing the BBC’s Marr Show.

Global venture capital funding for financial technology companies hit $13.8 billion last year. The number is a double from previous year, indicating a serious impact of fintech to the financial services.

South Korean venture capital firms are eyeing overseas biotech industry to accelerate investment goals. At the sametime, tech startups in Korea also began to flourish.

Air New Zealand has joined hands with Virgin Australia to scrutinise options for internally manufactured aviation biofuel. The move mirrors airlines' effort to reduce aviation impact on global warming.