Analysis >> Venture
Japan VC: Outbound ambition
Japanese start-ups are looking to address global markets from day one, but few domestic venture capital firms are equipped to support cross-border strategies. Corporate VCs could provide the solution
New Zealand VC: Apprehensive eruption
After a dormant 2015 during which no funds were raised, New Zealand has seen a flurry of activity in the first half of this year. It is piquing enthusiasm – albeit cautiously – for a fledgling VC space
Worlds apart: Virtual and augmented reality
Virtual reality is closer to mainstream acceptance than ever before, while augmented reality presents considerable potential – but financial returns will not come quickly and investors must show patience
China micro VC: The micro wave
Micro VC firms are a relatively new segment in China’s venture capital ecosystem, the product of angel investors going institutional. They focus on early stage deals, but as demand grows, will they stay there?
Thailand VC: Tough nut to crack
As Thailand’s government signals its intention to embrace venture capital, the harder but less visible work of transforming a traditionally risk-averse culture grinds on
China tech down rounds: Down and out?
While down rounds are increasing in frequency among US-based start-ups, the phenomenon has yet to take root in China. Desperation, dirty term sheets and willing investors are delaying the inevitable
Korea VC fundraising: Unbalanced boom
The forces behind a bumper year for South Korean venture fundraising serve as a reminder that local players must do more to build much-needed international relationships
Indonesia VC regulation: One step at a time
Indonesia’s government is serious about supporting VC investment, but regulatory inconsistency continues to slow development of the industry. Participants say engagement with major players is essential
China fintech: Transition time
Capital continues to flow into China’s internet finance industry, but competition and regulation are changing the dynamics. VC investors can do well, provided they stay ahead of the game
Japan e-commerce: Shopping for fun
Mercari has become Japan’s first unicorn on the back of an innovative approach to e-commerce. Can the company blaze a trail for others to follow by replicating its domestic success overseas?
Indian healthcare: Booster shots
Technological progress and changing consumer habits are bringing long-overdue change to India’s overworked healthcare system. Taking advantage will mean mastering the unique challenges of the market
Corporate VC in China healthcare: Formula for success
Despite the rapid growth of the Chinese pharmaceutical industry, corporate venture capital so far has not built a large presence. Industry participants say this shows the market, though booming, is still immature
Kings of content: Investors target China media
From Alibaba Group to Wanda Group, Chinese companies are looking to tighten their hold on the media value chain, moving upstream and downstream. Private equity can profit from this evolving ecosystem
Australia VC: Policy power
Australia’s innovation agenda is intended to serve as the foundation stone of a technology-driven economy. Do the promises made to start-ups address areas where they want to see change?
Sequoia in India: Early-stage icon
At $920 million, Sequoia Capital latest India fund is the largest ever VC vehicle raised in the country. How will the technology sector accommodate this quantum of capital?
India VC: Smooth waters ahead?
India’s government has made promising signals about its willingness to engage the venture capital community. GPs are optimistic, but reservations remain about the details
Late starter: Hong Kong boosts innovation support
Hong Kong is following in Singapore’s footsteps with the announcement of meaningful support for technology start-ups. Why is the government moving on the issue now, and what difference can it make?
4Q analysis: Ending with a whimper
4Q analysis: Bain Capital and PAG shine in a difficult fundraising environment; large-ticket infrastructure and tech deals offer pointers for 2016; public market volatility continues to hamper PE exits
2015 in review: Capital in abundance
Ample liquidity and a tech boom drive up investment activity; venture takes center stage in a relatively quiet fundraising environment; exits do not disappoint, but fail to match the highs of 2014.
AVCJ Awards 2015: Deal of the Year - Late Stage Technology: Didi Kuaidi
Having raised $3 billion in the largest-ever private funding round for a start-up, newly-merged Didi Kuaidi is looking to put past rivalries behind it
AVCJ Awards 2015: Fundraising of the Year - Venture Capital: Banyan Capital
Set up in 2013, Banyan Capital got busy quickly in China’s early-stage space and is now managing its second US dollar fund, which closed at $362 million
AVCJ Awards 2015: Deal of the Year - Early Stage Technology: Ninebot
China-based electric scooter manufacturer Ninebot made an aggressive move into the US with the purchase of Segway. VCs were happy to support the deal
VC secondaries: How early?
Assessing venture capital secondaries – on a direct or LP interest basis – presents a different set of challenges to private equity transactions. The key factors are transparency and timing of entry
VC top-up funds: Extra ordinance
A growing number of Chinese VC firms are raising top-up funds so they can continue supporting portfolio companies through ever larger growth rounds. Has the fundraising landscape changed forever?