VENTURE CAPITAL POST

Standard & Poor has trimmed Brazil's loan rating into "junk territory' following the nation's failure to reduce its fiscal risks and the political hurdles facing the economy of Brazil. The government is hopeful to reform its fiscal strategy amid political challenges and economic slowdown.

San Jose, Costa Rica-based healthy food startup Natural Sins sells baked snacks made of real fruits and vegetables in a bid to help fight obesity.

Canadian gas and oil producer Pacific Rubiales Energy Corp (PREC) announced that it has closed the acquisition of light oil and pipeline firm Petrominerales Ltd.