VENTURE CAPITAL POST

Berlin, Germany-based solar energy startup Changers closed $1.5 million in a Series A funding round led by state-backed fund BFB Frühphasenfonds Brandenburg to turn solar power creation into a rewarding game.

Within just 24 hours, Zurich, Switzerland-based encrypted messaging startup Threema soared to the top of Germany's paid App Store chart due to a 200,000 subscriber addition, 80% of which are in Germany.

Seattle, US-based e-commerce and digital media giant Amazon will rename its London-based streaming video service LoveFilm as Prime Instant Video in Germany and the UK starting February 26.

Singapore-based data analytics firm Crayon Data secured INR7.3 crore in a venture round from Jungle Ventures and Spring Seeds Capital for its expansion into the US, UK, Middle East, and China.

In a bid to attract more startups, Walldorf, Germany-based sofware giant SAP planned to open a cafe in Palo Alto, California, where startups companies can hang out, collaborate, and connect to over 1,000 companies worldwide.

Munich, Germany-based firm Bragi launched a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter to build wireless smart earphones called The Dash, which has sensors that can track fitness activity and vital signs.

The Central Bank of Russia echoed its statement that the Ruble is the country's official currency, and being a money substitute, Bitcoin is now banned because it is reportedly used in illegal activities.

Saudi Arabia-based development and investment firm Technology Development & Investment Co (TAQNIA) picked up a 50% stake in Sun & Life, the solar energy unit of power and water company Acwa.

Sunnyvale, US-based GPS app maker Telenav acquired Berlin, Germany-based navigation startup Skobbler in a deal valued at approximately $24 million in a combination of cash and common stock.

Munich, Germany-based secondhand clothes marketplace Vinted landed $27 million in a Series B funding round led by Insight Venture Partners and Accel Partners for its expansion to the US.

Starting February 27, London-based co-working space Rainmaking Loft will be opening 80 desks within a 1,000-square-meter office space in Berlin to provide startups with links between the Berlin and London tech markets.

Hamburg, Germany-based credit and loans startup Kreditech bagged $15 million in debt funding from Kreos Capital to finance consumer lending and expansion in Europe, Oceania, and Latin America.

Salzburg, Austria-based automotive retail software provider Incadea PLC raised around £11.5 million (€14 million) through issuance of ordinary shares to partially fund the acquisition of Germany-based firm RC Real Business Solutions GmbH (RCRBS).

Germany-based car maker Audi is investing in Paris, France-based bio gasoline startup Global Bioenergies, which makes cheap gasoline from sugar, as part of an effort to decrease greenhouse gas emissions amid stricter regulations.

Hamburg, Germany-based publishing group Spiegel.net has partnered with accelerator XLHealth to acquire a 25% stake in Berlin-based brain-training startup NeuroNation for an unconfirmed seven-figure sum.