Angela Sormani

SolarBridge Technologies, a provider of PV microinverter solutions, has been awarded a $1.75 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy. The grant is one of ARPA-E’s 60 cutting-edge research projects announced last week worth a combined $156 million, aimed at improving how the U.S. produces and uses energy. SolarBridge has previously received backing from Battery Ventures, Rho Ventures and Texas Emerging Technology Fund.

QED Connect has entered into an agreement to acquire 75% of Kaleidoscope Venture Capital. Kaleidoscope's satellite communication division, Kaleidoscope-TV, delivers DIRECTV programming through its proprietary roof top central dish system.

CI Capital Partners has acquired Galls, a $163 million revenue, full-service marketer and distributor of public safety, first responder and private security products, from ARAMARK Corporation. PNC Business Credit provided financing for the transaction.

Medidata Solutions, a global provider of SaaS-based clinical development solutions, has named Bryan Spielman executive vice president of strategy and corporate development, reporting to CEO Tarek Sherif and president Glen de Vries. Spielman will oversee strategic planning and corporate development activities with a focus on strengthening Medidata through strategic partnerships and corporate initiatives.

The Gores Group, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm, has retained Evergreen Capital Partners and its principals, John A. Janitz and Dominick J. Schiano, to provide strategic and operational advisory services to the firm on an exclusive basis.

Explora Petroleum, a newly formed oil and gas exploration company focused exclusively on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, has secured a US$150 million investment from Warburg Pincus. Explora Petroleum is building a top quality team of experienced geoscientists who will bring a unique mix of global industry experience together with local knowledge of the Norway Continental Shelf.

Pomona Capital has recruited Ernest Lambers and John Stephens to expand its Asian and emerging markets platform. Both have over a decade of investing experience in emerging markets.

Carlyle Group has bought 9 percent of Indian financial services firm India Infoline (IIFL) on the open market, accoridng to Reuters reports, building a stake worth $38 million based on current prices.

Kohlberg Kravis Roberts has three board seats in Singapore-listed Chinese water treatment firm United Envirotech (UEL) following its investment in the firm, UEL said on Wednesday to Reuters.

Private equity firm Warburg Pincus has hired former Nexen executive Brian Reinsborough as an executive-in-residence to help the firm look for new business in the energy sector. Reinsborough was president and chief executive of the oil and gas company's US unit and also helped set up Nexen's exploration program in the Gulf of Mexico.