Allianz X, as the fund is known, has been increased to 1 billion euros (£868.8 million or $1.1 billion), from the 430 million euros originally announced in 2016.

"The funds will be used to make additional direct investments in digital companies globally that are strategically relevant for the Allianz Group," it said in a statement.

Allianz X already has more than 15 investments in companies that include the financial technology, "fintech", firm N26.

(Reporting by Alexander Huebner; Writing by Tom Sims; Editing by Alexander Smith)