CrunchBase sees some slowing in US early stage VC U.S. venture investors tapped the brakes but did not carry out a sharp slowdown in Series A and B deal-making in the second quarter and first half of 2016, according to an analysis of CrunchBase funding data. Average Series A round sizes were up, while Series B saw some contraction. Indigo raises $100M to develop better crops Indigo, a startup that uses microbes residing in plant tissues to develop healthier and more water-efficient crops, has closed a $100 million Series C round led by the Alaska Permanent Fund and joined by previous investors, including Flagship Ventures. The Boston-based company also announced the launch of its first commercial product, Indigo Cotton, and revealed plans to introduce a water-efficient wheat product later this year. Airbnb has hired former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to help craft an anti-discrimination policy. The home-sharing company’s move follows a raft of user complaints of racial bias by its hosts. Introducing new ways to access CrunchBase Data Uncover new opportunities, discover industry trends, and build powerful apps using the Daily Excel Export or API. | 
