Vietnam
Deal focus: Google offers AI expertise to Elsa
Google brings technological expertise as well as financial backing to its investment in Vietnam-based English education provider Elsa
Google joins $7m round for Vietnam's Elsa
Gradient Ventures, a VC arm of Google focused on artificial intelligence (AI), has led a $7 million Series A round for Vietnam-based English language education technology provider Elsa.
Advantage buys Vietnam's Elise Fashion
Advantage Partners has made its first acquisition in Vietnam, buying women’s fashion brand Elise Fashion for an undisclosed amount.
Belt Road leads $7m round for Vietnam's LeFlair
Belt Road Capital Management, a Cambodia-based private equity firm focused on Southeast Asia, has led a $7 million investment in Vietnamese e-commerce player LeFlair.
GIC, Mizuho invest $265m in Vietcombank
GIC Private has invested in Vietcombank through a joint deal with Mizuho Bank worth VND6.2 trillion ($265 million), underlining the strong interest among private and strategic investors in Vietnam’s financial sector.
ADB backs Creador’s Southeast Asia fund
Creador has raised $50 million for its fourth Southeast Asia and India-focused private equity fund from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
500 Startups closes Vietnam fund at $14m
500 Startups has closed its Vietnam-focused early-stage VC fund at $14 million, beating a target of $10 million.
TEPCO invests in PE-backed Vietnam hydro project
Tokyo Electric Power (TEPCO) has invested in a Vietnam hydropower project in which Nexif Energy, a Southeast Asia-focused energy investment platform backed by Denham Capital, owns a majority stake.
Operational value-add: Sweat equity
As Asian GPs trial a range of operational value-add strategies with an eye on shifting market dynamics, they are discovering that helping portfolio companies requires self-inspection
Caldera seeks $200m for Southeast Asia fund
Caldera Pacific, a Southeast Asia-focused private equity firm that has spent the past four years working on a deal-by-deal basis, is looking to raise $200 million for its debut fund.
VinaCapital launches VC arm, agrees three deals
Vietnam’s VinaCapital has launched a $100 million VC unit and confirmed its first two domestic investments. Separately, the private equity firm has committed $25 million to a local hospital operator.
Deal focus: Vietnam’s Sendo embraces B2C
A number of Japanese investors are supporting Vietnamese C2C e-commerce player Sendo as it diversifies operations with a B2C marketplace and mobile payments platform
Vietnam e-commerce player Sendo gets $51m Series B
Sen Do Technology (Sendo), a Vietnamese e-commerce company that operates a C2C platform and payment service, has secured $51 million in Series B funding led by Japan’s SBI Group.
Mekong exits Vietnam's Asia Chemicals for $8.9m
Vietnam-based Mekong Capital has exited its stake in Asia Chemical Corporation (ACC), a domestic industrial supplier, for $8.9 million, generating a gross return multiple of 2.6x and a gross IRR of 15.1%.
Trans Pacific Partnership: A rising tide
When the US withdrew from the Trans Pacific Partnership, the remaining participants decided to go it alone. Hopes are high that the deal will result in improved business environments across Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia GPs: Judgment day
With nearly every Southeast Asia-focused GP set to spend some part of 2018 on the fundraising trail, LPs must once again deliberate on the optimal fund size, strategy, and geographic coverage for the region
IFC plans $273m Southeast Asia distress JV
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the investment arm of the World Bank, has proposed a partnership with Philippines-based Altus Capital to invest up to $272.5 million in distressed assets in Southeast Asia.
Mekong invests in Vietnamese mattress seller
Mekong Capital has invested an undisclosed amount in Vietnamese mattress and bedding retailer Vua Nem to support its expansion.
Deal focus: Navis sews up textile investment
Navis Capital Partners aims to promote ethical and environmentally sustainable textile production through its investment in Vietnam's Saitex
Vietnam valuations at 'nosebleed levels' - AVCJ Forum
Private equity valuations in Vietnam are rocketing as competition for deals hots up and target companies tie their pricing expectations to soaring public markets.
Carlyle hires two Southeast Asia dealmakers
The Carlyle Group has hired Robby Winarta as a managing director for Indonesia and Long Hoang as a director for Vietnam.
Navis invests in Vietnam denim supplier
Navis Capital Partners has invested an undisclosed amount in Saitex Holdings, a denim products manufacturer for the global jeans industry based in Vietnam.
Vietnam: Growth agenda
Comparisons with the dynamics in China a decade ago are often used to illustrate Vietnam's potential. The country may replicate some of its larger neighbor's success, but patience and reform remain paramount
Vietnam start-ups: A tale of two cities
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City provide Vietnam’s nascent start-up scene with a unique double-hub structure. Ecosystem gestation remains slow but it is supported by a nuanced diversity