Africa
Husk Power raises $43m for Asia, Africa mini-grid strategy
India, US, and Nigeria-based renewable energy developer Husk Power has raised USD 43m in Series D funding from global VC investors for a South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa mini-grid rollout.
Emerging LPs: Fingers in every pie
As more institutional investors dip their toes into private equity for the first time, managers must understand their motivations. Frontier sovereign wealth funds are an enticing wildcard
Japan VCs back $100m round for local impact investor Gojo
Japanese impact investor and microfinance institution Gojo & Company has secured a USD 100m Series E from a group of local VC investors including Global Brain and Globis Capital Partners.
TPG, Temasek add $80 to India's Dr Agarwal's
TPG Growth and Temasek Holdings are funding a USD 80m expansion drive for existing investee Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital that will see the Indian eyecare chain double its footprint to 300 hospitals.
Digital bank Tyme wins funding for SE Asia, Africa expansion
Tyme Group, an emerging markets-focused digital banking group with operations in the Philippines and South Africa, has raised USD 77.8m in pre-Series C funding. A portion of the proceeds will be used for expansion into other markets in Southeast Asia.
AI-dedicated GP targets South, Southeast Asia
A group of artificial intelligence (AI) investors in Africa have launched a new Singapore-based private equity firm, AI Capital, that will invest across South and Southeast Asia, as well as Africa.
TPG, Temasek invest $136m in India's Dr Agarwal’s
TPG Growth and Temasek Holdings have invested a combined INR 10.5bn (USD 136m) in Indian eyecare chain Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, setting up an exit for ADV Partners.
Deal focus: Vision Fund throws its weight behind Opay
An introduction from SoftBank Ventures Asia prompted Vision Fund 2 to lead a $400 million Series C for Nigeria-based Opay, creating Africa’s newest technology unicorn in the process
Chinese investors join $400m round for Nigeria's Opay
Several Chinese investors have re-upped in a $400 million round – at a valuation of $2 billion – for Nigeria-based logistics and payments technology company Opay.
China's Crystal Stream backs Egypt e-commerce platform
Chinese VC firm Crystal Stream Capital has doubled down on a Middle East and Africa strategy with participation in a $40 million investment in Egyptian logistics start-up MaxAB.
Japan's Samurai Incubate raises Africa fund
Japanese venture capital firm Samurai Incubate has closed its second Africa-focused fund above target at just over JPY2.02 billion ($18.6 million).
Deal focus: Temasek supports impact’s giant leap
Impact specialist LeapFrog Investments will use Temasek’s financial backing to broaden its reach, in terms of sectors and geographies, as well as to anchor future funds
Africa-focused GP leads Series B for Singapore's Thunes
Africa-focused private equity firm Helios Investment Partners has led a $60 million Series B round for Singapore financial technology start-up Thunes.
Q&A: Zenysis Technologies' Jonathan Stambolis
Zenysis Technologies develops artificial intelligence-enabled systems that help governments improve healthcare management. CEO Jonathan Stambolis explains how demand has increased in response to COVID-19
Chinese GPs back $120m Series B for OPay
A group of Chinese investors including Gaorong Capital and Sequoia Capital China have joined a $120 million Series B round for Nigerian logistics and payments technology company Opay.
Hillhouse, Crystal Stream invest African logistics start-up
Lori Systems, one of Africa’s largest logistics coordination platforms, has raised almost $30 million in a Series A round led by Hillhouse Capital and Crystal Stream Capital.
Chinese VC in Africa: Cultural barriers
Chinese investors recognize the long-term potential in fostering technology-enabled business models in Africa, but reluctance to engage local stakeholders and develop local knowledge is holding them back
Chinese GPs back Nigeria’s OPay
Nigeria-based online services platform OPay has raised a $50 million funding round with participation by a number of Chinese investors, including IDG Capital, Source Code Capital, Sequoia Capital China, Meituan-Dianping, and GSR Ventures.
Deal focus: KaiOS looks beyond the iPhone
Hong Kong-based KaiOS Technologies has secured a $50 million Series B round for an expansion plan targeting what could be the mobile telecommunication industry’s most underserved segment
Deal focus: Boomplay aspires to become Africa’s Spotify
Boomplay has leveraged demand for its Chinese parent's smart phones to become the leading music streaming platform in Africa. Maison Capital and Yunshi Capital were sufficiently impressed to back a $20 million Series A round
China’s Maison leads round for music streaming app Boomplay
Boomplay, a music streaming and download service provider serving African audiences, has raised $20 million in a Series A round led by Maison Capital, with participation from Yunshi Capital.
CDC appoints new managing director
CDC Group has named Stephen Priestley (pictured) as a new managing director with a focus on South Asia and Africa.