Early-stage tech, media and telecom investment in Europe grew 72 percent from $711 million to $1.28 billion (£642.15 million) in the first quarter of the year, according to the CalibreOne Index (via TCUK). Excluding Israel, the UK saw the most impressive jump in funds attracted - up 355 percent from $130 million to $592 million, as the number of investments grew from 28 to 73 and the average round grew from $6.21 million to $11.85.

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Highlights included $100 million for SpinVox, $32.23 million for Badoo, $15.5 million for OpenX, $13.6 million for TouchLocal, $25 million for Seatwave,  and $50 million for Moneyexpert. Irish tech companies attracted just $13 million in the same period and the number of investments remained flat at two.