Virgin Orbit due for dough

Billionaire Richard Branson’s cash-strapped Virgin Orbit Holdings is nearing a deal for a $200 million investment from Texas-based venture-capital investor Matthew Brown via a private share placement, according to a term sheet.

The parties are aiming to close the deal on Friday.

The space startup did not comment on the likely deal, but said Wednesday it would resume operations on Thursday and prepare for its next mission by recalling some of its employees. Virgin Orbit shares shot up 33%, to 59 cents.