VENTURE CAPITAL POST

Palo Alto-based venture firm Accel has raised a new fund. The fund is targeting the next generation of entrepreneurs in Europe and Israel.

French tech startups managed to secure almost 1 billion euros in funding last year, establishing the country’s place in the European tech landscape. Most investments were still made by domestic investors, although there are prominent foreign investors involved in big fundings.

In the wake of Brussels attack, more European countries are considering making new policies that would legally require tech companies to hand over encrypted information when needed. That will affect tech companies around the world as Apple is pushing forward to fight back in the U.S. as well as in Europe.

Tech company 373K decided to move from Georgia due to religious freedom bill that would allow anti-gay discrimination. After reaching the decision to move through voting, the company is now in the process in moving to Delaware.

Sources believe that Apple is trying to enhance its security for iCloud amid the legal dispute with the FBI. However, the tech giant will have its challenges to ensure security while retaining users convenience. Reports also said that the company has moved some of its iCloud services to Google servers.

Australian tech companies are heading to Singapore to support their businesses. Some tech companies are expecting Singapore to be one of the startups landing pads established by the Australian government to help companies access the global business network.

UAE venture capital firm BECO Capital expects that the tech sector will spur amid the slowdown in the economy due to low oil prices. Especially in the region, the firm projects that tech startups will face a significant growth as the government seek to achieve diversification to non-oil sectors.

Facebook has just acquired a popular face-swapping app MSQRD by the company Masquerade. The acquisition comes after Facebook’s attempt to take over Snapchat, the instant messaging app with the similar feat. The details on the acquisition were not disclosed.

500 Startups is seeing a great potential in Vietnam, where more than half of its population are below the age of 30 and most adults are using smartphones. The Silicon Valley-based accelerator is preparing a $10 million investment fund dedicated for Vietnam startups.

In the wake of the ongoing legal dispute between Apple and the FBI over encryption, GCHQ director Robert Hannigan addressed the issue in his speech at the MIT. He calls for a discussion and cooperation between agencies and tech companies especially in the US and the UK.

Google’s Digital News Initiative (DNI) program has just granted more than $30 million to selected projects in 23 European countries. It’s the first batch of the long-term $170 million project to help stimulate innovation in digital journalism.

Tech salaries are soaring higher, as last year it more than doubles the average pay in other sectors. It proves that the tech industry remains a major driving force in the U.S. economy with high income and massive job gains across the country.

The Sacramento Kings announced a tech startup contest for local entrepreneurs. Supported by local investment firm Velocity Venture Capital, finalists will get an opportunity to pitch their ideas to judges and a chance to win a cash prize and consultation sessions with the Kings executives.

The England’s county of Cornwall is being reported to have substantial growing tech community as it ranks second for growth in the UK. The region is still striving to achieve better growth with the improvement of funding and workers’ skills.

Analysts believe that Asus' late entry to the US tech market will be its toughest challenge yet.