China’s economic slowdown could hit startups

China slowdown could hit startups

Apple’s recent warning of slowing sales in China is the latest in a string of bearish indicators. Recent economic data also points to a broader economic slowdown in Chinese manufacturing and consumer spending. Meanwhile, China-based venture capital funds are raising less in recent quarters, and share prices of some high-profile IPOs are in trouble.

Alphabet health arm Verily raises $1B

Verily, the life sciences arm of Alphabet, raised $1 billion in a funding round led by private equity firm Silver Lake. The financing comes just a year after the health data-focused outfit secured $800 million in a round backed by Singapore’s Temasek.

AR game maker Niantic closes on $190M

Augmented reality game developer Niantic has closed on $190 million in fresh funding as it prepares for the launch of a wizard-themed title based on the Harry Potter series. The latest round brings total funding to date to $415 million for San Francisco-based Niantic, best known for the hit game Pokemon Go.

Venture sovereign wealth crisis awaits

Venture investment rose last year in large part due to the largess of sovereign wealth funds. However, things could slow in 2019 should investors turn away capital from Saudi Arabia and other regimes associated with human rights abuses