Kakao Corp.'s cryptocurrency unit raised $90 million through a private coin offering and is planning another investment round soon to raise a similar amount. The move by the South Korea's dominant Internet conglomerate and message-app operator will precede the launch of a new blockchain platform in June, Kakao CEO Jason Han said. The firm's initial fundraising effort, from October to December, reached its financial target last year despite a global plunge in bitcoin prices. IDG Capital was among several international venture capital and private equity funds firms which participated in the 2018 fundraising effort.

Terminus, now valued at more than $1 billion, is combining Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet-of-Things (IoT) technology to create smarter cities in China. The Beijing-based firm recently helped equip a residential compound in Shanghai with smart access terminals and intelligent software to allow the building management to watch the movement of residents, visitors and vehicles in real time on computer screens via facial and image recognition. Terminus said the new system is leading to a significant decrease in once common crimes like theft. IDG Capital invested in Terminus in 2017 and co-led a Series B funding round in 2018.