(Telecompaper) Alibaba group is investing in Snapchat in a deal that values the messaging company at USD 15 billion, the Wall Street Journal reported. The Chinese e-commerce giant has invested USD 200 million in Snapchat, according to two people familiar with the transaction. The valuation of USD 15 billion marks a significant increase from previous investments. Snapchat raised funds from at least two investors, Yahoo and venture-capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, in a round of funding that valued the messaging start-up at USD 10 billion last year. Other investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst Partners, Institutional Venture Partners, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Coatue Management and DST Global.